If you know me, I’m one for easy, delicious, healthy snacks. And if I can make one snack bar in just 10 ingredients in under 10 minutes, then I’m all ears!  You can make a big batch of these bars, freeze half of the batch and store them for those busy weeks when you need a quick bite.  If I can sum-up what these CHOCOLATE CASHEW BARS are all about, it’s that they are:

NO-BAKE, RAW , VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE 100% WHOLESOME , EASY-TO-MAKE , DELICIOUS, KID-FRIENDLY

A FEW NOTES ABOUT THIS RECIPE

If you have nut allergies, then you can sub the peanut butter with any nut butter.   I would recommend almond butter or cashew butter.  Make sure you read the labels and pick one which only has 100% almonds or cashews in it.  Or you can also make homemade nut butters at home.  All you need is to roast raw almonds or nuts, and then process them in a high-speed blender or food processor. And voila, 100% homemade nut butter.

ALMOND MEAL is another ingredient used here and is just ground almonds.  It is a great alternative for gluten-free recipes and is perfect if you are gluten-sensitive or trying to reduce gluten from your diet.   Almonds are high in fiber, rich in anti-oxidants and is considered a skin food with its high vitamin E content.

For your sweetener, you can also use pure maple or pure honey (for non-vegan options).  RICE MALT SYRUP which I’m using here is made from organic brown rice and I like the caramel taste of it on snack treats like these bars.  

The best part is that these cashew bars are NO-BAKE.  Just dump, mix, and freeze.  That’s it! 3 simple easy steps.

Now, shall we move on and make these bars?

 

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup roasted cashews

1/3 cup almond flakes

2 1/2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil

2 1/2 tablespoons peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons almond meal

1 tablespoon desiccated coconut

1 1/2 tablespoons rice malt syrup (or pure honey/ pure maple)

2 teaspoons raw cacao or unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon chocolate chips

 

DIRECTIONS

In a bowl, mix the cashews, almond flakes, coconut, chocolate chunks.  Set aside. 

In a saucepan, melt the butter with the nut butter. Add the vanilla extract.  Let it cool for a few minutes.  

Then pour into the bowl of nuts and chocolate mix.  Add the sweetener, almond meal, raw cacao.  Mix with a spatula until well incorporated.  

Transfer into a lined baking sheet or mould.  Pop into the freezer for 15-20 minutes until it sets.  

Cut into bars and enjoy!  You can store in the fridge or freezer in an air-tight container.

 

If you ever make this recipe, leave a feedback and comment below.  I always love to hear how you’re finding my recipes.  And tag me in Instagram @fitfoodiemommy for a shoutout of your creations.

xo,