Raw Nanaimo Bars
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
These are very rich; eat in moderation! This recipe is reprinted with permissions from Vegan Weight Loss Manifesto by Zuzana Fajkusova Nikki Lefler.
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
Bottom Layer
  • 1 cup (75 g) unsweetened shredded coconut
  • ½ cup (75 g) pitted dates
  • ½ cup (50 g) dried cranberries
  • ½ cup (85 g) almonds, soaked for 12 hours or overnight
  • ¼ cup (28 g) raw cacao powder
Middle Layer
  • 2 cups (222 g) raw cashews, soaked 4 to 6 hours or overnight
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) melted coconut oil
  • 4 tbsp (60 ml) lemon juice
  • 2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract
Top Layer
  • 1 (100 g) 80 to 85% dark vegan chocolate bar (preferably raw)
  • 2 tbsp (28 g) coconut oil
  • 3 tbsp (34 g) cacao nibs
Instructions
  1. For the bottom layer, coat a small square cake pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Add all of the bottom layer ingredients to 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.
  3. Press the crust into the bottom of your prepared pan using a spatula. Place the dish in the refrigerator.
  4. For the 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, about 8 to 10 minutes. Spread the cream evenly on the top of the base and put the dish back into the refrigerator.
  5. For the top layer, place the vegan dark chocolate and coconut oil in a small pot and melt over low heat. Make sure you keep mixing as it melts so it doesn’t burn.
  6. Pour the chocolate layer over the middle layer and finally, sprinkle with cacao nibs.
  7. Return the pan to the refrigerator. Allow the chocolate and the bars to firm up for about 3 hours or overnight before slicing.
  8. Keep bars in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
Recipe by Go Dairy Free at https://www.godairyfree.org/recipes/raw-nanaimo-bars-vegan