This weekend we were packing to go away to our friend’s place and I almost forgot that I promised I’d bring something sweet for our potluck breakfast.
What’s a girl to do when she only has minutes to spare?
And what the heck do I bring for a potluck breakfast that would last for a 3 hour car trip and overnight?
And also please the non-vegan crowd?
Clearly, vegan overnight oats would have worked (for me!) but I’m not so sure everyone else would be down with my craziness. I wanted to avoid that awkward moment of silence as I try to explain to them why I packed a Tupperware full of mushy oats. No one wants an awkward potluck breakfast. Certainly not me.
So I stuck to my plan and I made something sweet that would be the perfect fit for a breakfast…
5 Ingredient No Bake Vegan Dates Squares!
In a moment of total clarity, I remembered these Raw Vegan Date Squares that I spotted from Karen. They seemed like the perfect treat that I could whip up in minutes, no oven required. I was a bit worried that they wouldn’t turn out, but I was soooooo happy with the outcome!
I’m not sure if I will ever go back to ‘normal’ date squares after trying this simple version. I loved them, my friends loved them, and there wasn’t a crumb to be found after breakfast. I’d say they went off pretty well!
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5 Ingredient No Bake Vegan Date Squares
Adapted from KB Blissologist.
Crust:
- 1.5 cups whole raw almonds
- 1.5 cups regular oats (for Gluten-free, use GF oats)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 10 Medjool dates, pitted and roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
Date filling:
- 25 Medjool dates, pitted and roughly chopped (~2.5 cups)
- 1/2 cup water
Directions:
1. Line a square pan (I used 8in x 8 in) with two pieces of parchment paper going opposite ways. In a food processor, process the almond, salt, and oats until a fine crumble forms. Now add in the dates and process until crumbly again. Melt the coconut oil and add to the mixture and process until sticky. You can add a tiny bit more oil if the dough is too dry. I didn’t need to though! Remove from processor, set aside 3/4 cup of the mixture for later, and press the rest of the mixture very firmly and evenly into the pan.
2. Grab your pitted and roughly chopped dates and water and process in the food processor until a paste forms. You will have to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl often. You can add a tiny bit more water if needed, but you want the paste quite thick. Scoop out the date mixture onto the crust and gently spread with the back of a wet spatula until even.
3. Sprinkle on the 3/4 cup of mixture you set aside and gently press down with fingers. Refrigerate in the fridge until firm for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight. Cut into squares and serve. Store in the fridge or freezer.
I am happy to report that these were enjoyed by all and there were no awkward moments during the potluck. Love that.
Have a great Monday!
Definitely making these this weekend :)
Since the almonds are going in a food processor…. can I just use almond meal/flour? We like to snack our whole almonds and I have almond meal/flour on hand :)
if so, how much would measurement convert to?
I can’t see why not! Its usually a 1:1 sub but im not positive in this recipe. As long as the dough sticks together nicely it should be fine
So, 1.5cups whole almonds = 1.5cups almond meal/flour? I thought it might process down to 1cup? Thank-you for the quick reply :) I’m really looking forward to making these!
Well, I made these the other day using mostly dried apricots for the filling (I didn’t feel like taking the pits out of so many dates…..lol) with a few dates added, and they were *incredibly* delicious! What a great go-to recipe!
Thanks for this recipe! A friend brought them to my house a couple weeks ago, and there were fights over the crumbs :) I made them today, but ran out of dates (that’s what I get for snacking on the recipe ingredients this week) so used half dried apricots and half dates for the paste. It’s a little less sweet, but I like the combination. Thanks again for sharing.
Your Vegan Date Bars are so yummy! The flavor, texture, are all wonderful! Thank you for all your Vegan recipes…you make me want to cook more and more. I truly enjoy your blog.
these are DELICIOUS and very, very easy to make … I shared them with a few people before disclosing the ingredients (if I told them they would not have tried them!) and each of them guessed sugar was in them – that’s how naturally sweet they are! … thanks for sharing a healthy snack I can make and keep in the freezer for the whole family to enjoy!
Let me tell you how good these are: I made them, ate *just one*, put them in the freezer, and when I got home later there were none left and the hubby is standing there with a guilty expression and crumbs all over his face ;)
They’re *that* good.
I had to check whether or not I had commented on these yet, because I’ve made them a few times. Just made them again today for a girls weekend that I am going to this weekend and was reminded how darn delicious (and easy!) these are. I’ve never actually tried a regular date square, but I can’t possibly imagine why you would need anything other than dates to sweeten them – they are pretty sweet already. I’m looking forward to giving them to my son as a snack…he is going to love them and it’s a snack I feel totally good about. Thanks for an awesome recipe!
I made the mistake of making the oats/almonds part in my VitaMix, not recommended, as I quickly realized I might have a butter (even on lower speed) so I transferred to my food processor as the recipe says! They came out good but next time planning to do processor from beginning! Thanks again Angela!! … Last but not least, I just wanted to give you a heads up that this recipe isn’t formatting to print for me, I normally print your recipes just fine. I just printed Vegan Enchiladas with Cilantro Avocado Cream Sauce as a test and that one worked fine. :)
I just made these tonight and I have to say that they are the BEST date squares I have ever had!!! The whole family LOVED them, including the non-vegans. I will definitely be making these again. Seriously, this is a fantastic recipe. Thank you so much Angela!
My family loves these! I had major requests today to “bake” them again! My husband gives them to the kids, and hides the rest! It’s a good thing we know where his hiding spots are!
OMG I just made these and they are SOO delicious! Thank you for this!!
What can I sub for almonds not suppose to eat them or peanuts any other but suggestion ?
What about coconut ?
Think I can use almond flour I bought from store in place grinding my own ?
Hi,
I was wondering if using refined coconut oil mattered or does it need to be liquid coconut oil? This is my first time buying and using coconut oil for a recipe so I’m not sure if I bought the right kind..Thanks :)
I cannot believe how good are all your recipes! I made those bars today and I made the pumpkin tart that is in your book last week for a birthday lunch and they all came out amazing. I know that every time I try one of your recipes, it’s going to be a success! Thanks for everything you’re doing! :)
any known replacement for oats?
I’ve made these twice already! Super delicious and easy :)
Thanks for the great recipe :)
can I use regular sweet dates as I catn find medjool?thanks
Just made these last night. They were awesome!! Even the kids loved them! thanks Angela :)
These just might be my favorite recipe from your blog. They are delicious as is, but also very versatile! I have made them 3 different ways, and am sure I will come up with other versions in the future! The first time I made them I followed the recipe, as is, and fell in love. For Easter this past year I decided to mix it up a little and made them following your recipe, but I replaced the water in the filling with fresh squeezed lemon juice mixed with a very small amount of coconut sugar. They were a big hit. Everyone thought they were very refreshing and it was the first plate to be emptied. More recently I tried a chocolate version, combining my love for the date bars and your brownie bite recipe. I followed your date bar recipe adding dark chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and maple syrup to the filling, then after putting everything together I melted dark chocolate chips with coconut oil to drizzle around the top of the bars. This recipe does not last very long in my house. Needless to say I am very grateful to have found this date bar recipe!
These are soooo yummy! My kids beg me to make them! The only difference is that I use pecans instead of almonds…super delicious too! Costco has a great price of Medjool Dates and almonds and pecans…I also double the recipe because we are a family of 8! Thank you for such a wonderful recipe that we all adore!
Are these sweet? And can you substitute the coconut oil with anything else?
Do you think other oils beside doc it could be used?
OH MY GOODNESS!! Talk about healthy food that tastes so unhealthy! I love these so much. Will definitely add this to my recipe collection.
I love these date squares, they are my go to recipe when I need a dessert!! All of my non-vegan friends think these are the greatest date squares ever too. Can’t wait to make them for my party tomorrow night! :)
Hi there , this recipe looks great just wondering if I could use a different nut other than almonds? Cashews , pecans or walnuts? Almonds is the only ingredient I am missing :( I love all of your recipes and I’m assuming this will be a winner as well!
Thanks,
Mary Lou
Hi, was just wondering how many serves this recipe would take.
Sorry just saw 12-16 serves when I went into print recipe. I made this yesterday and not much left. My family of four loves it and so do I. Just found this website and will be trying alot more recipes..Thankyou.
Absolutely LOVE these date bars!! I appreciate the simple ingredients and quick prep time. I reviewed the recipe here: sweetgreens-blog.com!
I just made these today and they turned out well. Thank you for the recipe.
What could you use instead of oats if your allergic?
you might could try buckwheat which is a seed that is suitable for people with gluten sensitivities or puffed rice cereal like rice crispies but only lightly crushing the rice cereal or keeping it whole then mixing it in with the nuts dates salt and coconut oil for the crust.
just an idea now I wanna try the rice cereal.
Hi Gemma, Just stumbled across your question. I wasn’t eating oats for awhile and found quinoa flakes. They work like a charm:)
Gosh these are so yummy! When I was making them I had trouble with wanting to eat it all before they were done lol. I added cashews in with the almonds and a little cinnamon too worked well. Dates have quite a bit of sugar but they are really nutritious and if you consume a couple of dates and eat a curry leaf or two with them it can help with anemia.
thanks for this awesome recipe!
OMG! I made these a few days ago and have already devoured them all. They are so addicting! Thank u for sharing this recipe, this is definitely my new favorite on the go snack. I took them hiking & they were perfect for it :)
Wow! I love all your recipes… You’re the reason my mother coocks vegan ;) (cookbook is amasing). I just had a couple of questions: in your recepies that asks for almonds/almond flour, can i sub regular flour or oat flour or from another nut? And you said you are going to do a second cook book… When is it due??
Thanks for your kind words!
Usually almond flour or meal can’t be subbed without completely revamping the recipe. So I can’t say for sure if it would work unless I tested a different combo in a specific recipe. Sorry about that! :)
My next book is due out early fall 2016 :) Thanks for your excitement!
Brother in law cannot have nuts. Any recommendations as a replacement for the almonds in the crust?
I had the same question as Miriam. My son is allergic to nuts. What about making these with sunflower and pumpkin seeds? Thoughts anyone?
In case anyone’s interested: 2,000 calories in the whole batch. How do I know? Because my husband and I finished these. In one day (in about 12 hours, actually). And I wanted to know how much we’d eaten lol.
What a fantastic recipe, made it twice already! Looked bake shop worthy :) Love the subtle coconut flavour that comes from the oil, and how great to only have 5 (all natural) ingredients. Ran the whole recipe in my Vitamix and it was easy (though I struggled a bit to get the chopped dates to crumble and blend with the oats and almonds as it made one big clump at the bottom of the Vitamix, but shaking things out a bit with a wooden spoon or running it in two batches fixed the issue). Assembling it was very easy thanks to the clear instructions, and vegans and non-vegan friends alike loved the end result.
HI Angela
I had been looking for ideas for a raw date bar. I made your recipe and absolutely love it. The balance of everything works perfectly and needs no tweaking! I’ll be making it weekly!
Thank you!
So glad this recipe hit the spot, Jane! :)
Thank you for these! They have become a staple in my house! Medjool dates aren’t available where I live, so I used dried pitted dates which I soak in hot water for a bit to soften them. I pat the ones for the topping dry with kitchen paper before adding to the processor. I use the water they soak in for the filing. Using dried dates requires more dates – I put about 14-15 in the topping and 30 odd in the filling.
Hi
For coconut oil assume the measurement is once it is melted? probably silly question!
Thanks
Kate
Just wondering if I could sub almond meal for any of the almonds. I bought a big bag and need to use it. I have made these following your directions, and they were amazing. I couldn’t believe there was no sugar. Thanks
Hi Toni, I can’t see why not! As long as the dough sticks together nicely it should be fine. :)
I made these and they were nummy, but I had extra crust (or a shortage of date mixture) so I smeared raspberry preserves on that end and those were delicious. The kids loved them. Thanks for the easy recipe with figs or raspberry jam. XO, Heather
So glad to hear the preserves worked out, Heather! (Sounds delicious!)
Turned out great! So delicious.
I’m glad they were a success! :)
These look lovely!! How long do you suppose these would last for?
Would it be ok to use roasted cashews instead of almonds? These look absolutely delicious but cashews are the only nuts I have right now.
Hi Casey, I haven’t tried using another nut yet, but I can’t see why cashews wouldn’t work! Roasted cashews will add a toasted, light sweetness which might be really nice. Please report back if you try it out!
These dates squares are the best. I make them often as they are easy and everyone loves them:) I had a bunch of dried apricots in my freezer, so thought I would throw some in with the dates. They turned out heavenly!!! Love your recipes Angela….thank you for all your dedication and hard work. We all appreciate you so much.
I WILL be making these tomorrow. I just rediscovered sun dried dates. I also bought some sun dried figs and might try a batch with those swapped in for dates. The mass and consistency is pretty close.
Turned out pretty well for my first try. The suggested ingredients were seeming a bit dry so I doubled the qty of dates and added some water. Added some freshly minced pecans and walnuts to give the mix more bulk.
I dashed some cinnamon on top right before eating and loved it.
Thank you so much, in Rhode Island you can get date bars in almost any bakery but they always have a crisco or something taste but better than nothing. But in Florida, forget it, I haven’t seen any. I love the simplicity of it. I didn’t have all the correct ingredients, roasted almonds instead of raw, and only about 20 dates but I tried it anyway. Soooooo good. Can’t wait to do it again with the correct ingredients.
Hey Susan, Oh I hear you about the bakery bought date squares. I bought one from a restaurant over the holidays and it didn’t taste nearly as good as these (too much white sugar which was over powering). I also think this recipe would work well with all different kinds of nuts…love the roasted almond idea. Happy new year!
Been making these for over 8 years, great. I add a bit of orange essance to them. Great for on the go on long road trips.