No-Bake Cashew Bars

Nicolette Stramara

by | Updated: December 4th, 2016

In a hurry? Keep calm and keep a stash of cashew bars. These little protein-rich treats are made with a few basic ingredients, but you get a bounty of body-loving nutrients. Whole grains, unsaturated fats, clean protein and naturally derived sugar are all packed into two square inches. Nothing here can slow you down – not even baking time, because there is none!

No-Bake Cashew Energy Bars

No-Bake Cashew Bars

Makes 16 squares
Macros per square: 169 calories | 6.3 g protein | 13.7 g carbs | 11 g fat | 3.9 g sugar | 1.9 g fiber

Ingredients

¾ cup old fashioned oats
1 ¼ cups unsalted cashews
2 scoops vanilla whey protein powder
½ tsp. salt
5 Tbsp. melted coconut oil
¼ cup maple syrup
1 tsp. butter extract
½ cup stevia-sweetened chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Line an 8” x 8” square pan with plastic wrap and set aside.
  2. In a food processor or blender, add oats and cashews, blending until mixture resembles flour.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add oat-cashew mixture, plus protein powder and salt. Stir until well combined.
  4. Stir in melted coconut oil, maple syrup and butter extract until thoroughly mixed.
  5. Using your hands, knead mixture until it all comes together. Spoon into prepared pan, pressing down to ensure the bottom of the pan is completely covered.
  6. In a microwaveable bowl or over the stovetop, melt chocolate until smooth. Drizzle over cashew mixture.
  7. Place dish in fridge until chocolate hardens, about 1 hour.
  8. When ready to eat, remove from fridge and slice into 16 even squares.