Strawberry Lemon Cashew Cream Squares (Printable Version)
Luscious no-bake squares with nutty crust, creamy cashew-lemon filling, and fresh strawberry topping.
# What You'll Need:
→ Crust
01 - 1 cup raw almonds
02 - 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
03 - 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
04 - Pinch of sea salt
→ Cashew Lemon Cream
05 - 2 cups raw cashews, soaked in water for 4 hours and drained
06 - 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
07 - 1/3 cup coconut cream
08 - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
09 - 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - Pinch of sea salt
→ Strawberry Layer
12 - 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
13 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
14 - 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
15 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
# How To Make:
01 - Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang on sides for easy removal.
02 - Combine almonds, pitted dates, shredded coconut, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until mixture binds together when pressed. Firmly press crust evenly into pan bottom.
03 - Blend soaked cashews, lemon juice, coconut cream, maple syrup, lemon zest, vanilla, and salt in high-speed blender until completely smooth and creamy, scraping sides as needed.
04 - Spread cashew lemon cream evenly over crust. Freeze for 30 minutes until slightly set.
05 - Blend strawberries, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and lemon juice until smooth. Pour over cashew cream layer and spread evenly.
06 - Freeze pan for at least 2 hours until fully set. Let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before lifting out using parchment. Cut into squares with sharp knife.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- No oven required, making them perfect for hot summer days when turning on the heat feels like a crime
- That creamy cashew lemon layer tastes surprisingly similar to cheesecake but dairy-free
- They keep beautifully in the freezer, ready for unexpected guests or sudden dessert cravings
02 -
- Room temperature cashews will never achieve that silky smooth texture, so do not skip the 4 hour soak time
- These soften quickly at room temperature, so keep them chilled until just before serving
- Run your knife under hot water between slices for the cleanest cuts through those frozen layers
03 -
- Double the batch and keep a backup pan in the freezer for emergency dessert situations
- If your dates feel dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before processing