If you have ever seen my amazing raw blueberry cake balls, you might think that no-bake vegan is difficult and time consuming. It can be when there is soaking and freezing involved. But it can also be remarkably simple and quick.
I’ve been making Angela’s 5 Ingredient No Bake Date Squares since I started trying out deliberately vegan foods. They are always a huge hit among my running, hiking and healthy living crowd. None of these people are vegan, all love them. Seriously, they threaten to take the whole platter back home with them if it’s left unattended.
I found myself wanting a little more topping with a little less almonds. I also found apricots to be too sweet to eat on their own as a snack and there’s only so much date flavor a girl who didn’t like dates can take. So I decided to make apricot squares.
I also love the color of these squares. A little bit of orange to brighten the table.
I’m not going to lie, these are not date free. Can you guess where the 16 dates are hidden?
There are 13 dates in the crust and topping and 3 dates in the apricot filling.
I do highly recommend using Medjool dates. Yes you have to pit them, but the extra step keeps the dates moister.
Recipe: Easy Apricot Squares
Summary: Adapted from: Oh She Glows’ 5 Ingredienet No Bake Vegan Date Squares
Ingredients
- 3/4 cups whole raw almonds
- 3/4 cups raw cashews
- 2 cups regular oats (for Gluten-free, use GF oats)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 13 Medjool dates, pitted and roughly chopped
- 1-2 tbsp coconut oil
- 12 oz dried apricots
- 3 dates
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Line a square pan with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, process the almonds, cashew, salt, and oats until a fine crumble forms.
- Add in the dates and process until crumbly again.
- Melt the coconut oil and add to the mixture and process until sticky. Adjust oil if you feel it is too dry. (I found that I didn’t need much)
- Remove dough from the processor, set aside 3/4 cup of the mixture for later.
- Press the mixture very firmly and evenly into the pan.
- Place your apricots, 3 dates and water in processor and process until a paste forms. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl often.
- Scoop out the apricot mixture onto the crust and gently spread until even.
- Sprinkle on the 3/4 cup of mixture you set aside on top of apricot mixture and gently press down with fingers.
- Refrigerate in the fridge until firm for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight. Can also be frozen before slicing.
- Cut into squares and serve.
- Store in the fridge or freezer.
Preparation time: 10 minute(s)
Diet type: Vegan
Number of servings (yield): 12
The best thing about no-bake, no oven on to heat up your home. And placing them in the freezer gives you bursts of cold air when you open the door. It’s a win-win situation!
I’ve submitted this post to Simply Indulgent Tuesdays. Check out other great recipes.
Do you have a favorite no bake dessert? Share it in the comments below.
I'm an engineer, an animal lover, a runner and an ex-rower. I like medical devices, big ships and mountains. This is my journey teaching myself to make healthy foods and explore the world of vegan and vegetarian cuisine.
Sounds great! I have seen so many raw vegan bar recipes… this one also looks very interesting. Time to try one of these
That’s a great idea to use apricots! I’ve made variations of Angela’s also with dates, cacao, and dried cherries in the filling for variation and with coconut in place of oats for the crust. They were delicious that way, but the apricots give them such a beautiful color!
These look so good! I love apricots, and simple raw desserts. If I find some on-sale dried fruit, I’m going for these!
I think it could be done with any kind of dried fruit. It would be AMAZING with blueberries if they weren’t so expensive.
Oh wow, that DOES sound deluxe–dried blueberries are so good.
These sound like a tasty treat.
Doesn’t sound like there’s anything in them to really go bad, how long do you think they’d stay good for (as in not dry up or become stale)?
By the way I’m new to your blog, and blogging altogether, but I can’t wait to try some of your recipes and tips. Thanks.
I’ve had a batch in the freezer for a few months. I just go in grab one and put it in my lunch bag to eat at lunch. I really do love them too.
Good to know. I like having healthy easy to grab snacks around. I think I’ll give these a go.
Thanks.
Made these this evening, and the house is more than happy with them. thank you for the recipe.
You are welcome! I’ve been thinking that I need to make some again myself.