Healthy Walnut Date Bars (No Bake)

These healthy walnut date bars are the ultimate no bake dessert recipe! They consist of three simple layers: a vegan shortbread crust, walnut, date and coconut filling and a fudgy chocolate topping. This walnut bars recipe is paleo, vegan and gluten free.

I'm in full-on "no bake" mode over here.  Meaning, lots of fun, raw dessert recipes will be popping up on the blog in the near future.  I'm starting off with these vegan walnut date bars. Which, may be my favorite walnut dessert of all time!

These bars have 3 dreamy layers, all paleo, vegan and gluten free. First, a buttery shortbread cookie crust that's completely no bake and dairy free. Followed by a sticky crumble filling consisting of dates, walnuts and coconut. And the final layer includes a thick, rich fudgy chocolate topping.

Why You'll Love these Healthy Walnut Date Bars

• paleo and vegan friendly - made with simple, plant based ingredients
• gluten free and grain free - gut friendly
• no bake - make and assemble the layers, then chill the bars to set
• healthy - great for a nourishing dessert
• kid approved - the whole family is sure to enjoy these walnut date bars

These walnut crumble bars have been a family dessert staple for years and they always turn out perfectly! Plus, they're kid approved - great for putting in lunches or enjoying as a healthy dessert.

Ingredients

Here's a list of what you need to make these healthy walnut and date bars:

• walnuts
• coconut flour
• coconut oil
• honey (maple syrup for vegan)
• salt
• unsweetened shredded coconut
• dates
• vanilla
• almond butter
• chocolate chips

The crust is made up of walnuts, coconut flour, coconut oil, a little honey and salt. Although I have only tested the shortbread crust with coconut flour, ground oats, almond flour or a gluten free blend should work as well. You may have to adjust the quantities though.

The crumble filling is made with walnuts, dates, shredded coconut, vanilla and salt. The dates act as a sweetener and a binder for the filling. If you cannot consume dates, another dried fruit will work instead. For instance, dried figs or raisins.

Lastly, the topping is made with almond butter and dark chocolate. The almond butter makes the topping soft and silky smooth, like fudge. Any variety of nut/seed butter will work as a replacement.

How To Make Walnut Date Bars

These bars are made layer by layer. You'll need a food processor for making the crust and filling.

Crust

First, make the crust.  Place all crust ingredients in a food processor (or high powered blender) and blend until the mixture starts to clump. 

Next, pour the crust into a lined 8" x 8" or 7" x 11" baking dish. I lined my dish with parchment paper, but foil works well too.

Firmly press the crust into the dish so that it lays in a level, even layer.

Filling

The filling is made in a similar manner as the crust.  Simply, place all filling ingredients in the food processor and blend until the mixture starts to clump.  Note: it's best to use soft dates. Either microwave them (on high) for 10 seconds, or place them in a cup of boiling water for 5 minutes and then drain the water.

Spread the filling over the crust, then use your hands to firmly press it down.

Topping

Lastly, to make the topping, melt the dark chocolate on the stove top, over low heat.  Once melted, turn off the heat and mix in the nut butter.  I used almond butter but any nut or seed butter works.  In fact, you could even substitute with coconut cream.

Pour the topping over the filling and smooth it to the edges of the dish.

Chill the Bars

Lastly, chill the walnut chocolate bars in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

After chilling, cut the bars to desired size and enjoy!

Storage

I recommend storing these walnut date bars in the fridge.  However, you may keep them in an air-tight container at room temperature.  The bars won't last as long this way.  But, let's be honest, they won't stick around long enough to go bad anyway! 😉

Another option is to store these dark chocolate walnut bars in the freezer.  To soften, you can defrost them for a few minutes prior to eating.

More No Bake Desserts

If you like this recipe be sure to check out some of my other no bake bars:

• Mint Chocolate Coconut Cream Bars
• Paleo Chocolate Torte
• Coconut Butter Bars

Enjoy!

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