Healthy No Bake Bars with Freeze Dried Strawberries
These healthy no bake bars with freeze dried strawberries are filled with protein and are packed with healthy ingredients! They taste like a strawberry shortcake- minus the cake. Dress them up with some drizzled chocolate or coconut on top- and enjoy them as the perfect healthy treat.
These healthy no bake bars with freeze dried strawberries make the perfect pre-workout energy bites or afternoon pick-me-up snacks.
I love that these bars are packed with all of my favorite flavors and ingredients! From strawberries, and cashews… to dates and protein powder! You are going to end up loving these too.
If you enjoy treats with freeze dried strawberries, then make sure to check out these Strawberry Crunch No Bake Bites! They make the perfect sweet treat any time of year.
Or, I have added freeze dried berries on top of my No Bake Brownies– and let me tell you…it was DELICIOUS!
The other great thing about these no bake bars is that they require minimal cleanup since almost everything is done in the food processor.
Are Freeze Dried Fruits the Same as Fresh
While walking through the aisles of Trader Joes, or Whole Foods, you may pass by the dried fruit and nut section! While I always load up on nuts, I also tend to grab some dried fruits as well.
Buying dried fruits can be a good alternative to buying fresh, depending on things you are making.
While I like to have dried or freeze dried fruits on hand for baking, no baking, or even snacking on… I still do like to gravitate towards fresh. But just know- dried is an always an alternative!
Ingredients Needed For No Bake Bars with Freeze Dried Strawberries
You only need 5 simple ingredients for this recipe! You may even have most of them on hand!
Freeze Dried Strawberries– I like to get mine from Trader Joes, but you could always make your own!
Raw Cashews– These little gems are what helped to gain the creamy texture of these bars
Dates- I love using dates as both a binder and a natural sweetener. make sure to soak them for a few hours before making these though!
Vanilla Extract– adds delicious flavor that will enhance your energy balls to the next level!
Protein Powder- I like to use Nuzest Strawberry Protein Powder for this recipe. You can use “SHUANGY15” to get 15% off.
Another great optional add in, is collagen powder!
How To Make Healthy No Bake Bars with Freeze Dried Strawberries
First, you will need to soak your RAW cashews for at LEAST 2 hours in hot water with a pinch of salt or at room temperature water overnight if you have time. Use any medium to small bowl you have to do this.
Second, check if your Medjool dates are soft enough to easily tear. If they are too tough, you can soak them as well in hot water for 10 minutes or so. Once they are softened, drain the water and set aside.
Next, get out your food processor. This is an essential kitchen tool to use when making energy balls. This helps blend everything nicely together to achieve a smooth texture for rolling into balls.
Why is it Important to Soak Nuts and Dates for No Bake Treats
Generally, soaking nuts is beneficial to both the recipe and your body:
- Improved taste- soaking removes the dust, residue, and tannins from the skin.
- Easier food preparation – now that the cashews are softer, they are so much easier to work with!
How to Serve your Bars with Freeze Dried Strawberries
These babies are best served on the go with little to no added fluff! You can pop them in your mouth and wash down with either a warm or iced coffee! I personally love eating these before a workout, it helps give me an added boost of energy!
How to Store your Bars with Freeze Dried Strawberries.
The best way to store these little bars of joy are in the FREEZER! Why in the freezer? Well, freezing these treats can add an almost truffle or cheesecake texture effect! SO darn good!
I hope you and your loved ones enjoy this easy and amazing treat! These will especially help on those long days where mom duties never seem to end!
I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN USE “TRIED IT” ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM OR TIKTOK BY TAGGING #SHUANGYSEATS
Get the recipe:Healthy No Bake Bars with Freeze Dried Strawberries
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups raw cashews
- 1 cup medjool dates, *14-16
- 1 cup freeze dried strawberries
- 2 scoops strawberry protein powder, *I use nuzest pea protein
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Soak cashews and medjool dates overnight- or in hot water for an hour- and then drain.
- Blend cashews, dates, vanilla, and protein powder until gooey and smooth.
- Crush freeze dried strawberries and then gently fold them into the base mixture.
- Press in a parchment or wax lined 8×8 pan
- Sprinkle more freeze dried strawberries on top
- Freeze for 3-4 hours before cutting
- Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate, if you love chocolate as much as me!
The Nutrition Facts above are specific to the ingredients I chose to use for this recipe, which may vary.
