These no-bake walnut crumble bars are an easy, healthy dessert packed with the rich flavor of walnuts and sweetened naturally with dates. Perfect for those craving a guilt-free snack or treat that doesn't sacrifice on flavor!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Walnut crumble bars offer the perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence. These bars require zero baking time, making them ideal for hot summer days or when you need a quick treat without turning on the oven. They're naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup, providing a healthier alternative to refined sugar-laden desserts. Plus, they're gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and vegan, accommodating various dietary preferences while still delivering a satisfying texture and nutty flavor profile that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Walnuts form the foundation of these bars, offering a rich nutty flavor and providing heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. They create the perfect crumbly texture while delivering nutritional benefits.
Almond flour serves as a grain-free binding agent that adds structure to the bars without the need for wheat flour. It contributes a subtle sweetness and increases the protein content of the bars.
Shredded unsweetened coconut adds a tropical note and creates texture contrast in these bars. It works harmoniously with the nuts and contributes healthy fats that help bind the mixture together.
Coconut oil acts as the essential binding agent when chilled. It solidifies when cold, helping the bars hold their shape and adding a subtle coconut flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Medjool dates provide natural sweetness and a caramel-like flavor to these bars. They also help bind the mixture together with their sticky texture, eliminating the need for processed sugars.
Maple syrup adds a touch of additional sweetness and distinctive flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the dates. Its liquid form helps achieve the right consistency in the mixture.
Vanilla extract brings warmth and depth to the bars' flavor profile. Just a small amount enhances the natural sweetness of the other ingredients without overpowering them.
Sea salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in these bars. Even a small pinch makes a significant difference in the overall taste experience.
Directions
- In a food processor, combine the walnuts, almond flour, shredded coconut, and sea salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the pitted dates, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Process until everything is well combined and sticky.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper, spreading it out evenly.
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Once set, slice into bars and serve.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 12 delicious walnut crumble bars, perfect for sharing or storing for later enjoyment. Each bar contains approximately 160 calories, making it a reasonable treat that won't derail your healthy eating goals. Preparation takes just 10 minutes, and while there's no cooking time, you'll need to allow 2 hours for refrigeration, bringing the total time to 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Variations
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the chilled bars for a decadent touch.
Cinnamon Spice: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
Nut Variety: Substitute half the walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile.
Dried Fruit Addition: Mix in ¼ cup of dried cranberries or cherries for a tart contrast to the sweet bars.
Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to brighten the flavor profile.
Protein Boost: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of your favorite unflavored or vanilla protein powder for added nutrition.
Coconut Topping: Sprinkle additional shredded coconut on top before chilling for added texture and visual appeal.
Storage/Reheating
These walnut crumble bars will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The cold temperature helps maintain their firm texture and prevents the coconut oil from melting.
For longer storage, you can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours.
As these are no-bake bars designed to be enjoyed cold, reheating is not recommended as it will cause them to lose their shape due to the melting of the coconut oil. If the bars have been stored in the freezer, simply allow them to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of walnuts?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or a mixture of nuts. Each will provide a different flavor profile, but the bars will still hold together well.
What can I use instead of dates if I don't have any?
Dried figs or prunes make excellent substitutes for dates in this recipe. They offer similar sweetness and stickiness needed to bind the ingredients.
Are these bars vegan?
Yes, these walnut crumble bars are completely vegan as they contain no animal products.
Can I make these bars without coconut?
Absolutely. You can replace the shredded coconut with more almond flour or ground flaxseed. For the coconut oil, you could substitute with solidified almond butter, though the texture may be slightly different.
How can I make these bars firmer?
If you prefer a firmer texture, you can add an extra tablespoon of coconut oil or refrigerate them for longer. Freezing them for 30 minutes before serving will also create a firmer bar.
Will regular dates work instead of Medjool dates?
Yes, regular dates will work, but you may need to soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first to soften them if they're not as moist as Medjool dates.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Certainly! Fold in ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips after processing all ingredients together for a delicious chocolate twist. Use dairy-free chips to keep the recipe vegan.
How do I know when the mixture is processed enough?
The mixture is ready when it sticks together when pressed between your fingers. It should be somewhat sticky but still have some texture from the chopped nuts.
Can these bars be made nut-free?
While the core of this recipe is nut-based, you could experiment with sunflower seed flour instead of almond flour and use sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds instead of walnuts for a nut-free version.
Why did my bars crumble when I cut them?
If your bars are too crumbly, they may need more time to set in the refrigerator. Alternatively, the mixture might be too dry—try adding another date or an extra teaspoon of coconut oil to help bind the ingredients.
Conclusion
These no-bake walnut crumble bars represent the perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and delicious taste. Their simplicity makes them accessible to cooks of all skill levels, while their nutrient-dense profile means you can enjoy them as a guilt-free treat or energy-boosting snack. The natural sweetness from dates and maple syrup satisfies cravings without refined sugar, while walnuts provide healthy fats and protein. Whether you're following a specific dietary lifestyle like paleo or vegan, or simply looking for a healthier dessert option, these versatile bars fit the bill. Make a batch to enjoy throughout the week, and don't be afraid to experiment with the variations to make this recipe truly your own.
Walnut Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These no-bake walnut crumble bars are an easy, healthy dessert packed with the rich flavor of walnuts and sweetened naturally with dates. A perfect option for those craving a guilt-free snack or treat!
Ingredients
1 ½ cups walnuts, chopped
½ cup almond flour
¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
¼ cup coconut oil, melted
10 medjool dates, pitted
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the walnuts, almond flour, shredded coconut, and sea salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the pitted dates, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Process until everything is well combined and sticky.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper, spreading it out evenly.
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Once set, slice into bars and serve.
Notes
- These bars are naturally sweetened with dates, making them a great option for those avoiding added sugar.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- They can also be frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
