Friday usually requires chocolate. It’s True. But I’m keeping it healthy with these 5 Ingredient Chocolate Covered Cashew Bars. With just 5 simple pantry staple ingredients: dates, cashews, tahini, vanilla, and chocolate. These bars come together in no time, are no-bake, and are about as healthy as a chocolate bar can get. Favorite part? They happen to be DELICIOUS and addictingly good. Pinky promise.

overhead photo of 5 Ingredient Chocolate Covered Cashew Bars | halfbkaedharvest.com #chocolate #vegan #easyrecipes #dessert #healthy

 

The one request I receive most often is for quick and easy recipes, preferably with minimal ingredients too. I will not lie, this is a most challenging task. It’s hard enough to develop recipes that are both quick and easy. But throwing the minimal ingredients thing in there too?

So hard. I will always stay true to my personal style of flavorful, colorful, and beyond delicious recipes. This is why you don’t see a ton of these 5 ingredient recipes here on HBH. BUT the 5 ingredient recipes that I do have, are the ones I continue to go back to time and time again. For example, these 5 ingredient chocolate dipped peanut butter cookies are a true staple in my kitchen and I’ve made them at least once a month since I first made them last January. These cookies also happen to be in the top 10 recipes of 2018, so yeah, they’re good.

The one issue with those cookies is the peanuts. I’ve received so many comments about many of you having a peanut allergy, so I wanted to create a new recipe that actually contained zero peanuts. Although I am aware that many people with peanut allergies also have tree nut allergies. Sorry, I wish I could help everyone!

dates and cashews 5 Ingredient Chocolate Covered Cashew Bar dough before adding chocolate 5 Ingredient Chocolate Covered Cashew Bars

Enter these chocolate covered cashews bars.

If you can believe it, these are simpler than those peanut butter cookies. And while I will not say they’re better (because I LOVE peanut butter), I will say that these are just as delicious.

Here are the (very quick) details.

In a food processor, combine the dates, cashews, tahini, and vanilla. Blend together until you get a ground mix that looks like the photo above, and oddly smells very similar to cookie dough…I’m not sure why this is, but all I know is that it’s a good smell. Now press the mix into a square brownie pan and freeze until firm. Cut into bars and cover (very generously) in your favorite dark chocolate. Add toppings, chill, and enjoy.

And that’s it. Pretty simple right?

overhead photo of 5 Ingredient Chocolate Covered Cashew Bars side angle photo of 5 Ingredient Chocolate Covered Cashew Bars

Now here’s thing, I’m always so skeptical of these 5 ingredient recipes. I’m going to be honest, they can be so bland and just not that good. You know?

Again, another reason why I don’t share many. But these bars are nothing short of awesome. And while they aren’t filled with multiple flavors, they are sweet, chewy, salty, and so chocolatey. They passed the test of some of the hardest dessert critics. Most said that their chewy texture reminded them of a chocolate caramel bar.

And possibly the very best part? While these may be covered in chocolate, they’re truly one of the healthier desserts I’ve ever shared. And if you use a vegan chocolate, they’re vegan too!

Protein packed, full of antioxidants, loaded with healthy fats, gluten free, and vegan?!?  Impressive right?

I know it’s hard to believe, but don’t doubt this recipe. It’s so good, and every bite feels like it’s a sinful dessert you’re sinking your teeth into. In reality it’s probably healthier than your lunch (…depending on what you ate, of course).

side angle photo of 5 Ingredient Chocolate Covered Cashew Bars cut in half

Here is my tip. Make these tonight as a healthy dessert for your Friday night. But…double the batch so you can have a healthy chocolate bar on hand for snacks throughout next week. These will last 1-2 weeks when kept in the fridge and they are SO prefect for planning your snacks/desserts ahead of time.

Plus, if you make them tonight, you’ll be getting ahead on your weekend meal prep. Because yes, chocolate should be included in weekly meal prepping.

ENJOY, and happiest Friday everyone!

PS. See you guys tomorrow for a special January cocktail…because I have so missed mixing up and photographing drinks.

side angle photo of 5 Ingredient Chocolate Covered Cashew Bars

If you make these chocolate covered cashew bars, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

5 Ingredient Chocolate Covered Cashew Bars | halfbkaedharvest.com #chocolate #vegan #easyrecipes #dessert
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4.17 from 73 votes

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

The Recipe

5 Ingredient Chocolate Covered Cashew Bars

Just 5 simple pantry staple ingredients: dates, cashews, tahini, vanilla, and chocolate. These bars come together in no time, are no-bake, and are about as healthy as a chocolate bar can get

Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 16 bars
Calories 283 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1. Line an 8x8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper. 

    2. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the dates, cashews, tahini, and vanilla. Pulse until well combined and no large chunks remain, 3-5  minutes. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Transfer to the freezer and freeze until firm, 30 minutes to 1 hour.

    3. Melt the chocolate in the microwave until melted and smooth. Let cool 10 minutes.

    4. Cut bars into 16 bars. Cover in chocolate and top as desired. Let the chocolate set up, about 10 minutes. Keep stored in the fridge. 

horizontal photo of 5 Ingredient Chocolate Covered Cashew Bars