Ingredients
Base
- 1 cup (160g) roasted or raw almonds (hazelnuts, or any other nut/seed)
- 1/2 cup (100g) pitted dates (soaked in boiling water for 10 minutes)
Filling
- 2 cups (260g) raw cashews (soaked in boiling water for 10 minutes)
- 150g frozen or fresh mango chunks (approx 1 1/2 medium-size mangoes)
- 3/4 cup (170g) thick dairy-free yogurt (unsweetened)
- 1/3 cup (115g) maple syrup (or to taste)
- 1/3 cup (75g) melted cacao butter (or 115g melted vegan white chocolate)
- 1/4 cup (60g) lemon juice (lime juice or passionfruit pulp)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- 200g frozen or fresh mango chunks (approx 2 medium-size mangoes)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons (14g) cornstarch / corn flour
- ~1/4 cup (65g) passionfruit pulp (approx 2 medium-size passionfruit)
- 2 tablespoons (30g) lemon juice (or lime juice, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8-inch (20cm) square cake pan or container with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang the sides for easy removal of the bars later.
- Make the base: Add the nuts to a food processor and pulse until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Drain the soaked dates, discard the water, then add the dates to the food processor. Process until the dates completely break down and the mixture just combines into a sticky mass capable of holding together when pinched.
- Press base into pan: Spoon the nut and date mixture into the prepared pan. Firmly press down using a spoon or flat measuring cup to create an even, compact base layer.
- Prepare the filling: Drain the soaked cashews and discard the soaking liquid. Combine the cashews with the mango chunks, dairy-free yogurt, maple syrup, melted cacao butter, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a high-speed blender. Blend until very smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.
- Assemble filling over base: Pour the creamy filling evenly over the nut base in the pan. Smooth the top with a spatula or spoon. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the filling to set firmly.
- Make the fruity topping: Puree the mango chunks using a blender or hand blender until smooth. In a small saucepan, combine the mango puree, passionfruit pulp, and cornstarch. Heat over medium heat, whisking continuously until it thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Apply topping: Once the filling has set, spread the mango passionfruit topping evenly over the bars. Return to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 more minutes to allow the topping to set.
- Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 16 servings with a sharp knife. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These bars can also be frozen for up to 1 month without losing texture.
Notes
- Soaking the dates and cashews in boiling water softens them, helping create a smoother filling and easier to process base.
- Adjust maple syrup to taste based on your preferred sweetness level.
- Using melted vegan white chocolate instead of cacao butter changes the flavor slightly, offering more sweetness.
- Lemon, lime juice, or passionfruit pulp can be used interchangeably to adjust the citrus brightness in the filling.
- Ensure you whisk the topping mixture continuously to avoid lumps and to activate the cornstarch thickening properly.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan