How long do I need to soak the cashews for the middle layer?

For the middle layer, raw cashews need to be soaked for 4 to 6 hours or overnight to achieve a smooth cream filling.

What is the purpose of soaking the almonds for the bottom layer?

Soaking the almonds for 12 hours or overnight helps them break down more easily in the food processor, contributing to the desired texture of the bottom layer.

Can I use a different type of chocolate for the top layer?

The recipe specifies a dark vegan chocolate bar for the top layer, preferably raw, to achieve the intended rich flavor and texture.

How long do these Nanaimo bars need to chill before slicing?

The bars require about 3 hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator to firm up properly before you can slice and serve them.

How should I store leftover No-Bake Nanaimo Bars?

Keep the finished Nanaimo bars in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days.

1.9K Views 8 years ago

No-Bake Nanaimo Bars
[Vegan]

ZL By: Zuzana Fajkusova and Nikki Lefler

Author Bio

Zuzana Fajkusova and Nikki Lefler are Personal Wellness Coaches, authors of The Vegan Weightloss Manifesto,... Read More

Build your own custom collections — save, add notes, customize and print!

Order with Instacart Download Our App

Sliced No-Bake Nanaimo Bars revealing three distinct layers: a dark date-nut base, a light cashew cream middle, and a glossy chocolate top with cacao nibs.

For brands

Want to reach our audience?

Partner with One Green Planet →Not a brand? join our membership!

Discover more recipes with these ingredients

Chocolate

No-Bake Nanaimo Bars [Vegan]

Dairy Free

Nanaimo bars are a Canadian classic and here is a delicious vegan take on it! These bars require no oven, just rich ingredients and a little bit of time!

Ingredients You Need for No-Bake Nanaimo Bars [Vegan]

Bottom Layer

1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup dates
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup almonds, soaked for 12 hours or overnight
1/4 cup raw cacao powder, unsweetened

Middle Layer

2 cups raw cashews, soaked 4 to 6 hours or overnight
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
4 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Top Layer

1 dark vegan chocolate bar (preferably raw)
2 tablespoons coconut oil
3 tablespoons cacao nibs

Build your own custom collections — save, add notes, customize and print!

Order with Instacart Download Our App

How to Prepare No-Bake Nanaimo Bars [Vegan]

Coat a cake pan with coconut oil or line with parchment paper.
Bottom layer: combine all ingredients in a food processor fitted with the S-blade. Process until the mixture is broken down and begins to stick together. Scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed.
Press the crust into the bottom of prepared pan using a spatula. Cool in the fridge.
Middle layer: rinse the soaked cashews and blend all of the middle layer ingredients in a clean food processor until you have a smooth cream filling (8 to 10 minutes). Spread the cream evenly on the top of the base and return to the fridge.
Top layer: place the vegan dark chocolate and coconut oil in a small pot and melt down over low heat. Mix continuously so it doesn’t burn.
Pour chocolate layer over the middle layer and sprinkle with cacao nibs. Cool.
Allow the chocolate and the bars to firm up for about 3 hours (or overnight) before slicing. Keep bars in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.