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 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
- Line an 8” x 8” square pan with plastic wrap and set aside.
- In a food processor or blender, add oats and cashews, blending until mixture resembles flour.
- In a large mixing bowl, add oat-cashew mixture, plus protein powder and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Stir in melted coconut oil, maple syrup and butter extract until thoroughly mixed.
- 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.
- In a microwaveable bowl or over the stovetop, melt chocolate until smooth. Drizzle over cashew mixture.
- Place dish in fridge until chocolate hardens, about 1 hour.
- When ready to eat, remove from fridge and slice into 16 even squares.