Looking for a no-bake treat that feels indulgent but fits your clean-eating goals? This Blackberry Coconut Cashew Slice hits the sweet spot—literally. With a buttery cashew base, creamy coconut middle, and a tart berry topping, each bite delivers a perfect mix of textures and flavors. It’s naturally sweetened, dairy-free, and absolutely stunning to look at, making it ideal for meal prep, dessert, or healthy snacking.
Why You’ll Love This Blackberry Coconut Cashew Slice
Wholesome ingredients: No refined sugar, dairy, or gluten.
No baking required: Keep your kitchen cool and clean.
Visually stunning: Layers of vibrant color and texture.
Perfectly balanced: Creamy, fruity, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet.
Great for make-ahead: Stores well in the fridge or freezer.
Ingredients for Blackberry Coconut Cashew Slice
Before we fire up the stove, let’s get everything in place. Here’s your ingredient checklist:
Raw cashews: These nuts form the creamy base of the slice. Soaking them softens their texture, making them easier to blend.
Pitted Medjool dates: These natural sweeteners add a rich, caramel-like flavor and help bind the ingredients together.
Unsweetened shredded coconut: This adds a delightful chewiness and tropical flair to the slice. Look for unsweetened to keep it healthy.
Fresh blackberries: Bursting with flavor, they provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the dates. Frozen blackberries work too—just thaw them first!
Coconut oil: A little melted coconut oil enhances the creaminess and helps the slice hold its shape.
Vanilla extract: This adds a warm, aromatic note that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Pinch of salt: Just a touch balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
For those looking to mix things up, consider adding chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch. You can also swap out blackberries for other berries like raspberries or blueberries to create your own unique twist. Exact measurements for these ingredients can be found at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Blackberry Coconut Cashew Slice
Creating your own Blackberry Coconut Cashew Slice is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, healthy treat ready in no time. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Prepare the Cashew Mixture
Start by tossing your soaked cashews, pitted Medjool dates, and unsweetened shredded coconut into a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it comes together and resembles a sticky dough. You want it to be well combined, so don’t rush this step. The texture is key to a perfect slice!
Step 2: Add Flavor Enhancers
Next, drizzle in the melted coconut oil, add the vanilla extract, and sprinkle in a pinch of salt. Process the mixture again until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is where the magic happens! The coconut oil adds richness, while the vanilla elevates the flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Now, grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some overhang on the sides. This little trick will make it super easy to lift the slice out later. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself for this step!
Step 4: Press the Mixture
Take your cashew mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to compact it down firmly. You want it to be level and solid, so don’t be shy about putting some muscle into it!
Step 5: Prepare the Blackberry Layer
In a separate bowl, mash the fresh blackberries with a fork until they’re slightly chunky. This adds a lovely texture to your slice. Spread the mashed blackberries evenly over the cashew layer, making sure to cover it all. The vibrant color will make your slice look irresistible!
Step 6: Chill to Set
Pop the dish into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial for the slice to firm up. Patience is key here; the wait will be worth it when you take that first bite!
Step 7: Cut and Serve
Once set, carefully lift the slice out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into squares or bars. Serve them up and watch as everyone enjoys this delightful treat!
Tips for Success
Soak your cashews for at least 2 hours to achieve a creamy texture.
Use fresh blackberries for the best flavor, but frozen works in a pinch.
Don’t skip the salt; it enhances the sweetness beautifully.
For a fun twist, add a handful of chopped nuts or seeds to the cashew mixture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Equipment Needed
Food processor: Essential for blending the cashew mixture. A high-powered blender can work too.
Baking dish: An 8×8-inch dish is perfect. If you don’t have one, any similar-sized container will do.
Parchment paper: Helps with easy removal. Aluminum foil can be a substitute.
Variations
Nutty Delight: Add a mix of chopped almonds or walnuts to the cashew layer for extra crunch and flavor.
Berry Medley: Swap blackberries for a combination of raspberries and blueberries for a colorful twist.
Chocolate Lover: Stir in some cocoa powder or mini dark chocolate chips into the cashew mixture for a chocolatey version.
Protein Boost: Mix in a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder to make it even more nutritious.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cashew mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Blackberry Coconut Cashew Slice with a cup of herbal tea for a relaxing afternoon snack.
Serve it alongside fresh fruit for a colorful and nutritious platter.
Drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup on top for added sweetness.
Garnish with a sprinkle of shredded coconut for a tropical touch.
FAQs about Blackberry Coconut Cashew Slice
Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?
Absolutely! While cashews create a creamy texture, you can experiment with almonds or pecans. Just remember to soak them for a similar consistency.
How long can I store the Blackberry Coconut Cashew Slice?
This slice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to keep it chilled to maintain its firmness!
Can I make this slice gluten-free?
Yes! The Blackberry Coconut Cashew Slice is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect treat for those with gluten sensitivities.
What can I substitute for Medjool dates?
If you don’t have Medjool dates, you can use other dried fruits like figs or apricots. Just ensure they’re pitted and soft for the best results.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
<pDefinitely! This healthy dessert is a great way to introduce kids to nutritious snacks. They’ll love the sweet taste of blackberries and the chewy texture!
Final Thoughts
Creating the Blackberry Coconut Cashew Slice is more than just whipping up a snack; it’s about embracing a moment of joy in the kitchen. Each bite is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that brings a smile to my face. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick pick-me-up or sharing it with friends, this slice embodies the essence of healthy indulgence. It’s a reminder that nutritious treats can be both satisfying and delicious. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let this slice become a staple in your home. You won’t regret it!
A delicious and healthy slice made with cashews, blackberries, and coconut, perfect for a nutritious snack.
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours and drained
1 cup pitted Medjool dates
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 cup fresh blackberries (or frozen, thawed)
1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
In a food processor, combine the soaked cashews, pitted dates, and shredded coconut. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and resembles a sticky dough.
Add the melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Process again until smooth and creamy.
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Press the cashew mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to ensure it’s compact and level.
In a separate bowl, mash the blackberries with a fork until slightly chunky. Spread the mashed blackberries evenly over the cashew layer.
Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.
Once set, lift the slice out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or bars.
Notes
For added texture, mix in some chopped nuts or seeds into the cashew layer before pressing it into the dish.
Substitute blackberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile.
