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 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!
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!
Easiest.
Dessert.
Ever.
Yum!
Angela,
These look so delicious. I love anything with dates! Do you have any recommendations for a replacement for the coconut oil? My partner is allergic to it.
I was thinking maybe palm oil (unrefined and sustainable kind of course)?
I haven’t used palm oil before, but I would guess that most oils would work, although the coconut oil does help the base firm up when it chills! Hopefully it wouldnt be too crumbly. Make sure to store in the fridge.
Lovely! I’m hosting a brunch in a few weeks and I bet these make it on the table!
I made your lentil loaf this weekend…might make me a vegan…it was amazing.
Love the simple yet delicious-looking recipe! Forget waiting for a potluck, I’m making these for my afternoon snack! :D
Do you think the flavor from the coconut oil very strong? While I’m not a fan of coconut, I’ve heard mixed reviews on how much the oil adds flavor.
I’ve been meaning to make date squares for months now, but it always slips my mind. Partially because I’ve never been able to make them gluten free and juuuuust right. I’ll have to give these a try, they look so fantastic!
Love this recipe! I love dates but I find I mostly just pop them in my mouth :) Nice alternative! LOL
Oh yum! Those look delightfully easy! AND GOOD :) <3
Ahh yum! I love date nut squares! :)
A successful vegan treat! Looks yummy.. I’ll have to try it next time, as my family didn’t appreciate my detox brownie nor the raw truffles I made this weekend. Balls! Haha.. you can’t please ’em all. (Especially when your family is full of carnivorous rednecks like mine, definitely the black sheep over here!)
Aren’t mejdool dates the best? I love how you made these bars with so few ingredients. I stuck to five of my own ingredients this weekend and made Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough “raw” ice cream. Gluten-free, dairy-free…but so creamy and satisfying…go ahead and indulge!
http://bread-n-chocolate.blogspot.com/2011/03/sunday-sundae.html
These are gorgeous! You’re so artistic in your presentations!
Looks like they are delicious too. :)
Those look so simple and delicious!!!
I’m making these asap! Karen’s recipe definitely stood out to me. Now I have 2 versions to make. :)
Angela,
First off these look DELISH! Must try!
Second, I saw this shirt online today and thought of you…you should totally get this for your hubby!!! hehehe
http://www.cafepress.com/+real_men_eat_real_food_kids_light_tshirt,235448862
i just love your blog.
I stumbled upon your blog via my friend’s (http://www.recipesviabeth.blogspot.com/) and have become addicted! My boyfriend and I have already tried your holiday soup and pancakes for one and love both. Thank you for sharing your recipes… you’ve inspired us to purchase a food processor now. Do you have any suggestions on a good food processor? Thanks.
I have a 12-cup Kitchen Aid, so far I am fairly happy for it, although I think it should process better (faster, etc) for the price it was!
Thanks for your kind words!
Angela,
what do your portion sizes usually look like? And how much do you usually eat in restaurants? My new job requires me to eat out a lot, and I am afraid that I will get used to larger portions over time without even realizing it.
Thanks
Portion sizes are really hard for me to estimate because I typically don’t measure my portions unless when using a recipe. I let my hunger guide me, and try to focus on eating natural foods 90% of the time, with room for other stuff as I crave it too. Restaurants can be tricky, we don’t eat out much, but when I do I typically try to bring a doggie bag home if possible.
I’m not a vegan, but I can definitely appreciate good food! :)