Blackberry Cashew Cream Bars

If you enjoy creamy treats, you are going to love these gorgeous, purple bars! 

Who doesn't love a good no bake slice? It's ok to admit that you do. I do, too, though I know it's chock-full of ‘not-so-healthy’ ingredients. Not this recipe, though!  It's a healthy take on this sweet treat.

Old school Blackberry Slice - a timeless classic of epic proportions. Loved by young and old and it is unlikely to ever go out of style. But with the growing number of people looking for healthier options on these old classics it was time for a change.

Blackberry Slice…oh how I love you but it IS time to have a ‘healthified’ version. And what a joy it is to have created an authentic healthy recipe that tastes just like the original, but is made with wholesome ingredients and doesn't require any baking.

Gone is the processed flour, the loads of sugar, the golden syrup, the sweetened condensed milk and the butter which made this slice a super high sugar, high fat calorie dense offering.

This new beautiful Blackberry Bar recipe is made with a almond-coconut base crust, topped with a rich creamy blackberry cashew cream!

A much higher protein, no bake, no dairy, no gluten, no refined sugar, no junk, lower calorie, low fat, gluten free and healthy blackberry slice is made with all clean and wholesome ingredients.

The idea was to improve the macro balance (protein, carbohydrate, healthy fats). This is not about calorie counting: It's about paying attention to key nutrients and taking in the daily recommended portion your body needs to maintain your energy levels and overall wellbeing.

When you find your optimal balance and amounts of macro nutrients, you take a major step toward reaching your health goals and this balance has been improved in this by the addition of healthy protein.

This is one of the best dessert/sweet treat recipes I have made in a long time! The recipe can look a bit daunting but it’s not at all, just 2 simple steps. I bought all the ingredients at my local health food store, very easy to find.

This recipe involves just two layers which are very easy to make. All you need is a food processor to make each layer. Although this is still a 'sometimes treat', you can eat it knowing that you are ingesting some of Mother Nature's finest ingredients, made with love.

I love storing these healthier blackberry bars in the freezer to have on hand for whenever that sweet tooth craving hits! For a perfect creamy texture, remove from freezer 10-15 minutes before devouring.

The taste? Just pure bliss! Go ahead and make these you will be sooooo happy you did! It just might be the best raw dessert ever. You can’t beat the combo of the nutty, rich base and the pop of the blackberries simply bursting with flavour, thanks to the hint of lemon and vanilla in the creamy filling.

Slice this no-bake, quick chill dessert into about 16 equal-sized portions and enjoy! Freeze a few in a ziplock bag or another covered container to enjoy a healthier dessert another day! 

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword blackberry cashew cream bars, clean eating dessert or snack, healhty blackberry slice, no bake blackberry slice, raw no bake blackberry slice

Servings 16

Ingredients

Base Crust

• 1 1/2 cups almonds or walnuts
• 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
• 1 cup desiccated coconut
• 1/2 cup rolled oats

Blackberry Cream Layer

• 1 1/2 cups cashews, soaked 3+ hours and drained
• 1 1/2 cups blackberries, fresh or frozen, unthawed
• 1 13.5 oz can coconut cream, full fat (solid part only) *see note below
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1-2 lemons, juice and zest (depending on how lemon-ey you like it)

Garnish

• Extra berries or almond slices

Instructions

Base Crust

• Note: Place the can of coconut cream or milk in the fridge or freezer for at least 1-2 hours before making these bars to allow coconut cream to separate.

  Make the crust first. Line an 8 x 8” baking pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting.

  Place almonds and coconut into a food processer and process until broken down and crumbly. Add dates, oats and vanilla and continue to process until mixture is sticky and well combined. Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture variance and different sized“bits” in your slice base.

  Press the base mixture into the bottom of your pan or dish evenly. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.

   

Blackberry Cream Layer

• Open chilled can and scoop out the cream that has separated and set hard on the top. Save the remaining coconut water to use in a smoothie, drink, or discard.

  Place all filling ingredients, cashews, blackberries, coconut cream, coconut oil, honey and lemon juice and zest into the food processor and process until smooth and creamy.

  Depending on the power of your blender this might take a few minutes. Stop blending to scrape the sides if necessary and continue to blend until smooth.

  Taste test add more honey or lemon if you think it needs it.

  Pour the filling over the chilled crust and spread evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon, then place back in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to set.

  Lift the slice out of the pan using the parchment paper handles and cut into 16 portions (or more smaller squares). Top each piece with a couple of blackberries and almond slices. 

  These bars keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days when covered and sealed in an airtight container. They also freeze nicely and stay fresh for weeks when frozen. When you are ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature before serving. 

Print Recipe

If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites