This Easy No Bake Vegan Slice is perfect when you want something healthy, but still indulgent, for dessert. It starts with a gluten-free chocolate biscuit base, which lays a foundation for the creamy, caramel-like filling. Then it’s finished with a rich chocolate topping.

The recipe is made with simple ingredients. You might already have them in your pantry. Plus, it incorporates more whole foods and is a lot lower in sugar than similar no-bake slices and bars.

How to make a healthy vegan slice

This healthy vegan slice recipe is no bake and easy to make. Just layer the ingredients in a lined container, chill in the fridge, and slice into pieces when set.

Chocolate biscuit base: To create the base, blend rolled oats, coconut, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Coconut oil is dairy free and solidifies when chilled, making it an ideal binder for no-bake recipes.
Creamy middle layer: To create a caramel-like flavor, mix cashew butter with melted coconut oil, vanilla, salt, and maple syrup. You can swap the cashew butter for almond or peanut butter, or use tahini for a nut-free option.
Chocolate topping: Melt chocolate and mix in a bit of coconut oil. The coconut oil softens the chocolate, giving it a smoother texture once chilled.

Ingredients for easy no bake vegan slice

Rolled oats – Provide structure and a slightly chewy texture. Old fashioned or quick oats both work. Use certified gluten-free oats if necessary to avoid potential cross-contamination.
Desiccated coconut – Adds natural sweetness and a hint of coconut flavor to the base. Unsweetened varieties work best to avoid excess added sugar.
Cocoa powder – Brings chocolate flavor to the base. You can use any unsweetened variety, such as Dutch processed or raw cacao.
Cashew butter – Makes the middle layer creamy and smooth, while adding richness without overpowering the other flavors.
Maple syrup – Sweetens the base and the middle layer. It also gives a subtle caramel flavor.
Dark chocolate – Used to make the rich chocolate topping. A 70% cocoa dark chocolate strikes a good balance between sweetness and intensity.
Coconut oil – Helps the slice firm up when chilled, giving it a clean set without the need for baking.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the creamy middle layer.
Salt – A small amount helps balance the sweetness and enhances all of the flavors.

Ingredient substitutions and add ins

To customize your no-bake vegan slice, here are some ingredient substitutions and add-ins you can try:

Oats – For a grain-free version, you can substitute almond flour for oats. You may need to use about 1.25 to 1.5 times more almond flour by weight than the amount of oats to bring the mixture together. The texture will be softer and slightly more crumbly, but it will still work well in the base.
Nut butters – Almond butter or peanut butter can be used in place of cashew butter. For a nut-free option, tahini works well as a substitute.
Sweeteners – Maple syrup provides a caramel-like sweetness and works well as a vegan-friendly sweetener. Brown rice syrup is also an option, though it’s less sweet. Honey is an alternative if you don’t need the slice to be vegan.
Chocolate – Using 70% cocoa dark chocolate offers a rich flavor with less sugar. For even lower sugar, opt for 85 to 90% dark chocolate or a sugar-free chocolate bar.
Add-ins – Enhance the creamy middle layer by mixing in chopped nuts, dried fruit, seeds, or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. For a citrusy twist, try adding finely grated orange zest to the chocolate topping.

Stacked pieces of easy no-bake vegan slice with a bite taken out of one piece — Swap out the cashew butter for tahini to make this easy slice nut free

What chocolate is vegan

Good quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa is typically vegan. To be sure, always check the ingredient list. Vegan dark chocolate should not contain milk or dairy derivatives. Instead, look for ingredients like cocoa mass, cocoa butter, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, and occasionally soy lecithin (used as an emulsifier).

Lower percentage dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate are generally not vegan. They often contain milk solids to create a smooth, creamy texture. However, vegan alternatives to dark, milk, and white chocolate are widely available. These alternatives use coconut or nut pastes instead of milk solids.

If you’re preparing this slice to be strictly vegan and dairy free, always check the chocolate’s ingredients. Otherwise, feel free to use any chocolate you prefer.

Easy no-bake vegan caramel slice cut into bars on a sheet of baking paper — The middle layer of this easy slice is a vegan caramel made with cashew butter

What size container is best for this no bake slice

The ideal container size for setting this no-bake slice is approximately 4 x 6 inches / 10 x 16 cm. This results in a slice with the same thickness shown in the recipe photos.

Tip: Line the container with parchment paper or cling film to make removing the slice easier. Alternatively, use a flexible silicone container that lets you pop the slice out once it has set.

Alternative container options

Larger containers – These will produce a thinner slice. If you wanted to use a larger container and get a thicker slice, you can simply double the recipe.
Smaller containers – If you only have smaller containers, divide the mixture evenly between two to avoid overly thick layers.
Muffin trays – For individual servings, use a muffin tin lined with paper cases or a non-stick silicone muffin tray. This eliminates the need for slicing and makes for easy portioning.

Pieces of no-bake vegan slice with caramel filling — This easy vegan slice is gluten free with a rich chocolate topping

How to store no bake vegan slice

You can store this no bake vegan slice in:

Refrigerator – Store no-bake vegan slice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. It’s best to keep it refrigerated, as it will start to soften at warmer room temperatures. You can enjoy it straight from the fridge, or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to achieve a softer texture.
Freezer – The slice can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store it in an airtight container or zip-top bag to prevent freezer burn. To defrost, leave it at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before eating, or transfer it to the fridge overnight for a slower thaw.

Frequently asked questions

How do I make sure my no bake slice sets properly?

To ensure your no-bake slice sets properly, measure the ingredients carefully. It’s important to balance the wet and dry components. Also, allow the slice to chill in the fridge or freezer long enough for it to firm up before slicing.

Can I make no bake vegan slice without coconut oil?

Yes. You can make no-bake vegan slice without coconut oil. Coconut oil helps the slice set by solidifying when chilled, but you can substitute with other solid fats like vegan butter. Keep in mind, the texture and flavor may be slightly different.

How long does no bake vegan slice last?

No-bake vegan slice lasts for up to 1 week in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer when stored in an airtight container.

Can I add extra flavorings to no bake vegan slice?

Yes. You can add extra flavorings to customize your no-bake vegan slice. Try adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, seeds, or dairy-free chocolate chips for extra texture. You can also experiment with citrus zest – like orange, lemon, or lime – for a fresh twist.

How do I cut no bake slice neatly?

To cut a no-bake slice neatly, allow it to soften slightly at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This will make it easier to slice without cracking. Use a sharp knife to cut the slice into neat squares or bars. Wipe the knife clean after each cut to avoid crumbs from transferring onto the surface of the slice.

More easy no bake recipes

You can find more easy no-bake desserts on the No Bake Recipes page.

Recipe video

Watch the recipe video to see how to make Easy No Bake Vegan Slice.