Cashew Bars Recipe Vegan: Easy, Healthy, and Delicious

Looking for a delicious, healthy snack that’s easy to make and completely plant-based? These vegan cashew bars are exactly what you need!

Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with natural flavors, they’re perfect for a quick breakfast, midday energy boost, or a guilt-free dessert. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or simply love nuts and seeds, this recipe offers a perfect balance of crunch and chewiness, with the natural sweetness of maple syrup and the creamy richness of cashews.

Best of all, they’re made with simple pantry staples and require no baking, making them a fuss-free treat you can whip up anytime.

In this post, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making these scrumptious bars, share tips to customize them, and offer serving suggestions to keep things exciting. So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s get started on crafting these irresistible vegan cashew bars!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegan cashew bars are a fantastic snack option for many reasons. First, they’re nutrient-dense, providing healthy fats, protein, and fiber to keep you satisfied longer.

They’re also naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup, avoiding refined sugars and artificial additives. Plus, these bars are no-bake, which means minimal effort and zero need to heat up your kitchen.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility! You can easily swap ingredients to match your preferences or dietary needs.

Additionally, these bars store well in the fridge or freezer, making them great for meal prep or on-the-go snacking. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to add more plant-based options to your diet, these bars are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups raw cashews (soaked for 2 hours and drained)
• 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
• ½ cup almond butter (or any nut/seed butter)
• ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• Optional add-ins: dark chocolate chips, dried cranberries, hemp seeds

Equipment

• Food processor or high-speed blender
• Mixing bowl
• 8×8 inch baking pan (or similar size)
• Parchment paper
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Soak the cashews: Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for 2 hours or overnight to soften. Drain well before using.
2. Prepare the base: In a food processor, pulse the soaked cashews until coarsely chopped. Add the rolled oats, shredded coconut, chia seeds, and sea salt. Pulse a few more times until everything is evenly mixed and slightly broken down, but still has texture.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
4. Combine wet and dry: Pour the almond butter mixture into the food processor bowl with the dry ingredients. Pulse a few more times until the mixture starts to clump together. You can also transfer everything to a mixing bowl and fold it together with a spatula if preferred.
5. Add optional mix-ins: If using chocolate chips, dried fruit, or hemp seeds, fold them in now to evenly distribute.
6. Press into pan: Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Transfer the mixture into the pan and press down firmly with your hands or a spatula to create an even layer.
7. Chill to set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to firm up. For a firmer texture, chill overnight.
8. Slice and serve: Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment paper edges. Cut into 12 equal bars or squares. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, lightly toast the cashews and oats before processing.

Try swapping almond butter for peanut butter or sunflower seed butter for a unique flavor.

Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warming spice note.

For a chocolatey twist, mix in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and use vegan chocolate chips.

If you prefer a nut-free version, replace cashews and almond butter with pumpkin seeds and tahini, respectively.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan cashew bars are wonderfully versatile. Enjoy them straight from the fridge as an energizing snack, or pair them with a cup of your favorite herbal tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon break.

They also make a great pre- or post-workout bite to help replenish energy and protein.

For a fun twist, crumble the bars over a bowl of dairy-free yogurt and fresh berries for a satisfying parfait. Or pack them alongside fresh fruit and nuts for a balanced packed lunch.

If you’re interested in other wholesome vegan snacks, be sure to check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe for a savory vegan option, or the Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food for another hearty plant-based meal.

Conclusion

Creating your own vegan cashew bars is both simple and rewarding. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a batch of nutrient-rich, delicious bars ready to fuel your day.

Whether you’re vegan or simply looking to incorporate more natural snacks into your routine, these bars offer a satisfying mix of texture and flavor that’s hard to beat.

Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility—customize it to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Don’t forget to store your bars in the fridge to keep them fresh and enjoy them anytime you need a tasty, energizing boost.

For more creative and healthy recipes, explore our collection including the refreshing Halibut Dip Recipe and the comforting Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe. Happy snacking!

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