Chocolate Coconut Cashew Squares

Name: Chocolate Coconut Cashew Squares
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 16 squares
Ingredients: 1 cup cashews, soaked for 2 hours and drained; 1 cup pitted dates; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup shredded coconut; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup shredded coconut; Chopped raw cashews (for garnish, optional)

Highlighted under: Oven Collection

I absolutely adore these Chocolate Coconut Cashew Squares! The combination of creamy chocolate and crunchy cashews, all wrapped together with sweet coconut, creates a snack that’s hard to resist. I love that they’re simple to make and require no baking, making them perfect for any occasion. Whenever I need a quick treat to impress friends or family, I whip up a batch of these delightful squares. Plus, they are a wholesome alternative to store-bought snacks, giving me a sense of satisfaction knowing I made them myself.

Created by

Zinnia Fairweather

Last updated on 2026-01-19T23:17:35.059Z

When I first tried making these Chocolate Coconut Cashew Squares, I was blown away by how quickly they came together. I experimented with different nuts and found that cashews provide the perfect creamy texture when blended. The best part? The mixture only takes a few minutes to whizz up in the food processor, making it a hassle-free treat to prepare during busy days.

One valuable tip I discovered is to let the squares chill thoroughly in the fridge for at least an hour before cutting them. This step ensures that they hold their shape and makes slicing much easier. Trust me, a little patience will reward you with the perfect texture!

        Why You'll Love These Squares
        Decadent chocolate flavor balanced with tropical coconut notes
Nutty crunch from fresh cashews enhances each bite
Quick to make with no baking required, perfect for last-minute cravings

      

Crafting the Perfect Texture

The texture of these Chocolate Coconut Cashew Squares plays a crucial role in their appeal. Achieving the right consistency in your mixture is essential. Ensure that the cashews are adequately soaked for at least 2 hours; this softens them and helps create a creamy base when blended. If you skip this step or don’t soak them long enough, your squares may end up crumbly rather than chewy and smooth, which can affect the overall enjoyment of the treat.

When blending the ingredients, stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the food processor. This ensures that all components are incorporated evenly, resulting in a harmonious mixture. If your mixture appears too dry, consider adding a teaspoon of water or more maple syrup to achieve a creamier texture. Don’t be shy about adjusting; the right consistency should be smooth enough to spread but firm enough to hold its shape once chilled.

Storing and Serving

These squares store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to a week. To maintain freshness, it's best to keep them in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for longer storage—up to three months! Just be sure to cut them into squares before freezing, so they’re ready to grab and go. Thaw them in the fridge for a few hours before enjoying, or you can eat them directly from the freezer for a cool treat.

When it comes to serving, consider pairing these squares with a cup of nut milk or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for a decadent dessert experience. You can also use these squares as a base for other desserts, such as crumbling them over yogurt or mixing them into a smoothie bowl for an added crunch. Their versatility makes them an excellent choice for various occasions!

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to customize these squares based on your taste preferences or dietary requirements. If you're not a fan of cashews, almonds or walnuts can be excellent substitutes. Each nut has its unique flavor profile, and while they may slightly alter the taste, they will still provide a good texture. For a sweeter variation, try adding in a tablespoon of honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup.

If you'd like to amplify the tropical flavor, consider incorporating dried fruits like mango or pineapple into the blend. Be mindful of the moisture content that these additions bring; you may want to reduce the amount of maple syrup to maintain the right texture. Experimenting with spices such as cinnamon or a hint of sea salt can also elevate the flavor profile, making your squares uniquely yours!

Ingredients

For the Squares

1 cup cashews, soaked for 2 hours and drained
1 cup pitted dates
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping

1/4 cup shredded coconut
Chopped raw cashews (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Base

In a food processor, combine the soaked cashews, pitted dates, cocoa powder, shredded coconut, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as necessary.

Form the Squares

Line an 8x8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Press the chocolate mixture evenly into the dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Add Toppings

Sprinkle additional shredded coconut and chopped cashews over the top of the mixture, pressing them gently to adhere.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the dish for at least 1 hour. Once set, lift the parchment paper out and cut into squares. Enjoy your delicious treat!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try using dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder. You can also experiment with adding a pinch of sea salt for a sweet and salty contrast.

Ingredient Highlights

Each component of these squares serves a vital role. Cashews provide a creamy base and healthy fats, while pitted dates act as a natural sweetener and binder. The unsweetened cocoa powder gives rich chocolate flavor without extra sugars, making the squares indulgent yet wholesome. Lastly, shredded coconut adds a delicious chewiness and enhances the tropical theme. If you're looking to cut back on sugar, opt for unsweetened dried fruit or use a sugar substitute.

The choice of maple syrup is not only about sweetness; it also contributes moisture, ensuring the squares are not too dry. If you're in a pinch, agave nectar or even a homemade date syrup can work as alternatives. However, be cautious with the liquid content if you substitute, as it may affect the texture of the final product.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your squares are too soft, it's possible that the mixture didn’t blend long enough or the dates were overly moist. Try refrigerating them for a longer period or adjusting the balance of dry ingredients by adding more cocoa powder or shredded coconut. If they feel too crumbly, it’s likely you need to blend longer or include a tad more maple syrup to help bind everything together better.

Another common issue is uneven distribution of toppings. After pressing the base into the baking dish, gently shake the dish to even it out before adding your toppings. When it comes to pressing the coconut and cashews on top, use gentle but firm pressure to ensure they adhere well; simply sprinkling them may cause them to fall off once cut.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different nuts?

Absolutely! You can substitute the cashews with almonds or walnuts, though the texture may vary.

→ How long do these squares last?

They can last in the fridge for up to a week, and they also freeze well for up to three months!

→ Is it necessary to soak the cashews?

Soaking the cashews makes them softer and easier to blend, resulting in a creamier texture.

→ Can I make these squares vegan?

Yes! All the ingredients are plant-based, so they are naturally vegan and dairy-free.