No-Bake Espresso Walnut Slice

Craving a delicious, no-bake treat that gives you a little kick of energy with the rich flavors of espresso and crunchy walnuts? Look no further than this No-Bake Espresso Walnut Slice. The combination of robust espresso and the satisfying crunch of walnuts makes this an unforgettable dessert. And the best part? No oven required—just chill, slice, and enjoy! Trust me, this is the perfect treat for coffee lovers who want something sweet with a little extra zing.

Why You’ll Love No-Bake Espresso Walnut Slice

Bold Coffee Flavor:

If you’re a coffee lover, this slice will become your new favorite. The espresso adds a deep, rich coffee flavor that’s both energizing and indulgent, making it the perfect afternoon pick-me-up or post-meal treat.

Packed with Protein & Healthy Fats:

The walnuts in this slice not only give it a satisfying crunch but also provide healthy fats and protein, making it a well-rounded snack or dessert that can keep you feeling satisfied.

No-Bake Convenience:

Sometimes, you just want a dessert that doesn’t require any effort—this one is for those days! No baking means less time in the kitchen, and you can enjoy this treat in just a few easy steps.

Make-Ahead & Meal-Prep Friendly:

This recipe is perfect for preparing ahead of time and storing in the fridge for a quick snack, dessert, or energy boost throughout the week. It’s great for meal prepping, and the flavors only get better as it sits!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible no-bake slice:

• Espresso Powder: The star of this slice, providing a bold coffee flavor. If you don’t have espresso powder, you can substitute instant coffee powder.
• Walnuts: These add the perfect crunch and texture while contributing to the healthy fat content of the slice.
• Dates: Sweet and sticky, dates act as the binding agent and provide natural sweetness to balance out the espresso’s bitterness.
• Oats: Rolled oats help create the structure of the slice and add a good dose of fiber.
• Coconut Oil: Adds richness and helps bind everything together.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that balances the espresso flavor while adding a bit of extra smoothness to the slice.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the espresso and walnuts.
• Salt: A pinch of salt to help balance out the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this amazing no-bake treat? Here’s how to put it all together:

Step 1: Prep the Dates

Begin by pitting the dates and chopping them into smaller pieces. If your dates are a bit dry, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them up. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Blend Everything Together

In a food processor, add the dates, walnuts, oats, espresso powder, coconut oil, honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend everything until the mixture forms a sticky dough-like consistency. It should be moist and easy to press together. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a splash of water or coconut oil.

Step 3: Press the Mixture into a Pan

Line a square or rectangular baking dish with parchment paper, then transfer the mixture into the dish. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to press it down firmly into an even layer. Be sure it’s compact so that it will hold together once chilled.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Place the pan in the fridge and let it chill for about 2-3 hours, or until the slice is firm and easy to cut.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once chilled, remove from the fridge and slice it into squares or bars. You’re now ready to enjoy your delicious, no-bake espresso walnut slice!

How to Serve No-Bake Espresso Walnut Slice

• With Your Coffee: This slice is the perfect accompaniment to your afternoon coffee. Pair them together for an extra jolt of energy and a perfect balance of flavors.
• For a Midday Snack: Keep it in the fridge for a quick snack when you need a little pick-me-up.
• For Dessert: This slice also makes an amazing after-dinner treat, especially for coffee lovers.
• On the Go: Slice them up and wrap them individually for a convenient snack that travels well—perfect for busy days!

Additional Tips

Play with the Nuts:

While walnuts are the perfect match for this slice, feel free to experiment with other nuts, like almonds or pecans, for a different flavor profile. Each nut will bring something unique to the table!

Add Chocolate:

For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top of the chilled slice before slicing. It will add a delicious layer of chocolatey goodness that pairs wonderfully with the espresso.

Sweeten to Taste:

If you prefer your treats a little sweeter, feel free to adjust the amount of honey or dates in the mixture. You can always add a bit more if needed.

Store Leftovers:

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Perfect for having a quick snack or dessert on hand!

Make it Vegan:

This recipe is already dairy-free, but to make it fully vegan, ensure your honey is replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 200
Total Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 15mg
Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 4g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 2-3 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

FAQs

Q1: Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso powder?

A1: Yes! If you don’t have espresso powder, instant coffee works as a great substitute. Just use the same amount.

Q2: Can I use a different nut in this recipe?

A2: Absolutely! You can swap out the walnuts for almonds, pecans, or cashews. Each nut will give a slightly different texture and flavor to the slice.

Q3: How do I store these slices?

A3: Store the slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months if you want to save some for later!

Q4: Can I add chocolate to the slice?

A4: Yes! Drizzling melted dark chocolate over the top after chilling adds a nice touch and complements the espresso flavor perfectly.

Q5: Can I use a different sweetener than honey?

A5: Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to make it fully plant-based or to adjust for dietary preferences.

Q6: Can I make this slice ahead of time?

A6: Yes! In fact, it’s perfect for making ahead of time. Let it chill for a few hours or overnight, and it will be ready to enjoy.

Q7: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

A7: Yes, you can use quick oats, but rolled oats are ideal for this recipe as they provide a better texture. Just be sure to pulse them in the food processor a few times to break them down.

Q8: How can I make this slice sweeter?

A8: If you prefer a sweeter treat, simply add more honey or dates to the mixture until you reach your desired sweetness.

Q9: Can I freeze this recipe?

A9: Absolutely! You can freeze the slices for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or wrap them individually for easy access.

Q10: Can I make this slice without walnuts?

A10: Yes! You can either skip the walnuts or replace them with another nut or seed of your choice, like almonds or sunflower seeds.

Conclusion

This No-Bake Espresso Walnut Slice is the ultimate treat for coffee lovers and anyone who enjoys a delicious, energy-boosting dessert. With rich espresso, crunchy walnuts, and the natural sweetness of dates, it’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be stored for later, making it ideal for meal prep or when you need a quick snack. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up, this no-bake slice is sure to satisfy! Enjoy every bite!

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