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!
This looks delish! I don’t typically keep coconut oil at home–do you know if canola oil would also work as well? Thanks!
Jen
I would guess that any oil would do, although they might not firm up as much as with coconut oil (as it hardens). The flavour would also differ. These had a light coconut flavour that went really well with the square. Enjoy!
Wow, these look awesome. I will try to make them at the weekend for sure. Thanks for sharing :)
Angela, these look awesome! I love making things with almonds + dates b/c they are so easy, versatile and really just as good as their nonvegan counterparts in so many dessert recipes and applications.
I make a raw/no-bake vegan apple crumble that uses dates, oats, almonds in much of the way you did for both the crust and the filling, but I also add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and agave to it all. It’s better than baked apple crumbles, and it’s vegan, gf, no bake…and every time I make it, ppl say they wouldnt go back to regular crumbles.
I love that your date squares are the same! I will look for the pics on FG & TS :) Beautiful!
Those look great! I love dates. I’m glad everyone liked them. I think dates are delicious but sometimes people don’t want to try them just because how they look.
ahhh I’ve been craving some kind of almond meal type cookie or bar!! this looks great~and I love how pretty and magazine worthy they look :D have a wonderful day!
Wow, that is impressive to come up with at the last minute! I probably would’ve brought…fruit salad or something. :) They look delicious!
Oohhh, looks relatively easy and oh- so yummy! Well done :)
I adore dates in all forms. As a twist, I recommend putting some lemon, or even better lime juice (just a bit) into the date mixture. The sharpness works really well with the dates’ sweetness. I also do this when making apple sauce.
Oh I’m a date fanatic! I guess I need to start buying them in bulk, huh? I would adore a peanut version of this.. Mmm-mmm-mmmm!
Thank you for this recipe. Your friends are VERY lucky!!!
LOLing at the “awkward potluck” these look fantastic! they remind me of a vegan apple square I had the other day! it was delicious, as I’m sure this one is :)
Your no bake recipes always amaze me, Angela. I really need to make one, like tomorrow!
Those look yummy! Too bad I can’t take them to most family functions – must watch for the Coconut Allergy!
Guess I’ll need to make them for at home!
Fantastic recipe! Your healthy desserts always inspire me in the kitchen….I need to start making more sweets!
i have never made raw or vegan desserts before, what do you think would be an easy starting point? every time i come to your blog i remember that i have to make those donuts!
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wow -w hat a great idea!
I made these as soon as I saw this post. My husband and I loved them! I will definitely make these again! Thanks Angela.
Wow these look yummy! And I just happen to have all those ingredients on hand…perfect!
This is the perfect recipe – I love that there is no added sugar! They sound like dessert to me, and I can’t wait to make them (and not for anyone else, just for me!).
Mmmmm…I LOVE date squares….YUM! And much less awkward than VOO…haha.