Pin it
The beauty of these no-bake lamington bars lies in their simplicity - just four wholesome ingredients that come together to create something magical. Through experimenting with different ratios and techniques, I've discovered that the secret to perfect texture lies in properly processing the dates and cashews. These bars capture the essence of traditional lamingtons while offering a healthier, more convenient alternative.
Just yesterday, I made these for an afternoon playdate, and the children couldn't believe they were eating something so healthy. The key was using fresh, sticky dates and processing them until perfectly smooth.
Essential Ingredients
- Dates: Choose plump, fresh ones. Medjool dates are ideal.
- Cashews: Raw cashews provide the creamiest texture.
- Shredded Coconut: Unsweetened gives the best flavor control.
- Cacao Powder: Raw cacao offers the most nutritional benefits.
- Optional: Pinch of sea salt to enhance flavors.
Pin it
Detailed Cooking Instructions
- Date Preparation
- If using regular dates, soak in warm water for 10 minutes. Drain dates thoroughly and pat dry. Remove pits if necessary. Check for any debris or damaged parts. Roughly chop if very large.
- Food Processor Steps
- Add cashews first, process until finely ground. Add dates gradually while processing. Scrape down sides as needed. Process until mixture starts to stick together. Add coconut and cacao powder. Pulse until evenly combined.
- Pan Preparation
- Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper. Leave overhang for easy removal. Press mixture firmly into pan. Use a flat-bottomed glass to compress. Create even thickness throughout. Smooth top surface.
- Setting Process
- Cover pan with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes. For firmer bars, chill for 2 hours. Can freeze for 15 minutes to speed up the process. Test firmness before cutting.
- Cutting and Storage
- Lift out using parchment overhang. Cut into desired size bars. Clean knife between cuts. Store in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated.
My journey to perfect these bars taught me that the quality of ingredients makes all the difference - fresh, moist dates create the best texture.
Temperature Tips
While these bars are no-bake, temperature still matters. Room temperature ingredients process more easily, but the finished bars need proper chilling to hold their shape.
Make-Ahead Options
These bars actually improve after a day in the refrigerator as the flavors meld. They can be made up to a week ahead.
Storage Solutions
Layer bars between parchment paper in an airtight container. They'll keep for 2 weeks in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.
These lamington bars have become my go-to healthy treat. They prove that wholesome ingredients, properly combined, can create something that satisfies both sweet cravings and nutritional needs.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why do you need to soak the dates?
- Soaking dates makes them softer and easier to process into a smooth, sticky mixture.
- → How long do these bars keep?
- They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- → Can I substitute the cashews?
- While cashews provide the best texture, other nuts could work but may change the final taste and texture.
- → Do these need to be kept refrigerated?
- Yes, these bars should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain their firmness.
- → What makes these healthier than traditional lamingtons?
- They use natural ingredients with no refined sugar, and require no baking or artificial ingredients.