If you're looking for an easy healthy snack that requires almost no effort, these 2 Ingredient Cashew Date Bars are about to become your new favorite. Made with nothing more than cashews and Medjool dates, these no-bake date bars are naturally sweet, packed with wholesome ingredients, and come together in just minutes using a food processor.
I first discovered these bars several years ago when I completed Whole30. At the time, I was searching for simple snacks made with real ingredients and quickly realized these tasted remarkably similar to a Cashew Cookie Larabar. Years later, I'm still making them because they're affordable, freezer-friendly, and perfect for busy days when I need something quick and satisfying.
Whether you need a post-workout snack, a healthy road trip snack, or a grab-and-go breakfast, these homemade energy bars check all the boxes.
Why You'll Love These No-Bake Cashew Date Bars
There are plenty of healthy snack bars on the market, but making your own allows you to control exactly what goes into them.
These no-bake date bars are:
- Made with only 2 ingredients
- Naturally sweetened with dates
- Gluten-free and dairy-free
- Great for meal prep
- Freezer-friendly
- Perfect for lunchboxes and sports snacks
- Easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins
- Ready in minutes with a food processor
Best of all, there's no baking required.
Are These Similar to a Cashew Cookie Larabar?
Yes!
If you've ever enjoyed a Cashew Cookie Larabar, you'll notice the similarities right away. Both recipes rely on the simple combination of cashews and dates to create a chewy, naturally sweet snack.
The biggest difference is that you're making them at home, which means you can cut them into bars, squares, or even roll them into bite-sized energy balls. You can also customize them with chocolate chips, shredded coconut, dried cranberries, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
The Health Benefits of Dates and Cashews
One of the reasons I keep coming back to these homemade snack bars is that they're made with ingredients I already keep in my pantry.
Medjool Dates
Dates provide natural sweetness without the need for added sugar. They're also a good source of fiber and contain essential minerals like potassium and magnesium.
Cashews
Cashews add a rich, buttery flavor while providing healthy fats, plant-based protein, and important nutrients like copper, magnesium, and zinc.
Together, they create a satisfying snack that feels like a treat while still being made from whole-food ingredients.
What You'll Need
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how simple it is.
Ingredients
- Medjool dates
- Raw or roasted cashews
Equipment
That's it.
How to Make 2 Ingredient Cashew Date Bars
Making these healthy no-bake bars couldn't be easier.
Step 1: Process the Ingredients
Add the pitted Medjool dates and cashews to your food processor.
Process until the mixture becomes finely chopped and begins sticking together when pressed between your fingers.
Step 2: Press into a Pan
Line a baking dish or loaf pan with parchment paper.
Transfer the mixture to the pan and press firmly into an even layer.
Step 3: Chill
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the bars to firm up.
Step 4: Slice and Enjoy
Remove from the pan and cut into bars or squares.
Enjoy immediately or store for later.
Easy Variations
The base recipe is delicious on its own, but there are plenty of ways to customize these homemade energy bars.
Chocolate Chip Cashew Date Bars
Fold in mini chocolate chips after processing for a sweeter treat.
Coconut Cashew Date Bars
Add unsweetened shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
Cranberry Cashew Date Bars
Mix in dried cranberries for a sweet and tart combination that pairs beautifully with the dates.
Coconut Cranberry Cashew Date Bars
For a more elevated version, combine both shredded coconut and dried cranberries.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
These no-bake snack bars are ideal for meal prep.
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
For longer storage, freeze individual bars in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months.
I often keep a batch in the freezer during the summer. They're perfect to grab before heading out the door for errands, road trips, sporting events, or long afternoons in the garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze cashew date bars?
Absolutely. These bars freeze beautifully and thaw quickly.
Can I make these into energy bites?
Yes. Simply roll the mixture into small balls instead of pressing it into a pan.
Are these bars similar to Larabars?
Very much so. They're often compared to the popular Cashew Cookie Larabar because they use the same simple combination of dates and cashews.
What if my mixture seems too dry?
Continue processing for another 30 seconds. If your dates are particularly dry, soak them in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes before using.
More Healthy Snack Recipes You'll Love
Final Thoughts
These 2 Ingredient Cashew Date Bars prove that simple recipes are often the best ones. With just two wholesome ingredients and a food processor, you can create a healthy, naturally sweet snack that's perfect for busy weekdays, road trips, post-workout fuel, or whenever hunger strikes.
If you're a fan of no-bake date bars, homemade Larabars, or easy healthy snack recipes, this is one recipe you'll find yourself making again and again.
Healthy 2 Ingredient Cashew Date Bars
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor
Ingredients
- 2 cups medjool dates, pitted
- 2 cups raw unsalted cashews
Instructions
- Line an 8x8-inch baking dish or loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Add the pitted Medjool dates and cashews to a food processor.
- Process for 1 to 2 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides, until the mixture becomes finely chopped and begins to clump together when pressed between your fingers.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly into an even layer using the back of a measuring cup or your hands.
- Refrigerate (or freeze) for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper and place on a cutting board.
- Slice into bars or squares and serve immediately.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
Key Takeaways
- These 2 ingredient cashew date bars are simple to make and require no baking.
- Made with just cashews and Medjool dates, they are naturally sweet, gluten-free, and customizable.
- These bars are perfect for meal prep, easy to store, and great for on-the-go snacking.
- You can freeze them for longer storage or roll the mixture into energy bites instead.
- Enjoy various variations like chocolate chip, coconut, or cranberry flavors to elevate your snack.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
