Dark Chocolate Dipped Crunchy Coconut Cashew Sesame Bars
Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit January 2015 Issue.
Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit January 2015 Issue.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups raw cashews
- 3 tablespoons hemp seeds
- 6 tablespoons sesame seeds (i used a mix of black and white)
- 3 tablespoons flax seeds
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 cup raw (unsweetened coconut flakes)
- 1/4 cup wheat bran or cooked quinoa (for gluten free eate
- 8 ounces dark chocolate (melted)
- Carbohydrate 9.66628562403871 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 15.2675287485967 g
- Fiber 1.88870621781078 g
- Protein 4.65648187439121 g
- Saturated Fat 3.96726781237807 g
- Serving Size 1 1 CHOCOLATE CRUNCHY CASHEW BARS (61g)
- Sodium 156.502824999001 mg
- Sugar 7.77757940622793 g
- Trans Fat 0.713186062425441 g
- Calories 185 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Coat 8x8 inch baking pan with cooking spray and then line with parchment, leaving overhang on all sides. Set aside.
- Toast cashews, coconut, sesame seeds, flaxseeds and hemp seeds in separate areas on a rimmed baking sheet, stirring occasionally (but not mixing the seeds and nuts), until golden brown, about 10–12 minutes. Let cool slightly and measure out 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon flaxseed and 1 tablespoon hemp seeds. Set these seeds aside to top the bars with later.
- Add the cashews, the coconut and the remaining sesame, flax and hemp seeds plus the salt and wheat bran to a food processor or high powdered blender. Process until finely chopped. Place in a medium bowl.
- Bring maple syrup (or honey) and the coconut oil to a boil in a small saucepan. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute. Remove and stir in the vanilla. Pour over cashew/seed mixture and stir to coat.
- Press the mixture firmly into the prepared 8x8 pan with the back of a greased measuring cup or wet hands. Top the bars with the reserved seeds from earlier. Press the seeds gently to adhere.
- Bake until golden brown, 25–30 minutes. Let cool, then cut into the bars.
- Dip the cooled bars into the melted chocolate and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet.
- Freeze 5 minutes for the chocolate to harden.
- Store in an air tight container at room temp or in the fridge.
Dark Chocolate Dipped Crunchy Coconut Cashew Sesame Bars: A Busy Woman's Delight
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. I’m constantly juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and trying to keep a semblance of order in our household. Finding time for healthy, homemade snacks often feels like a luxury, but I refuse to compromise on nourishing myself and my family. That's where this recipe for Dark Chocolate Dipped Crunchy Coconut Cashew Sesame Bars comes in. These bars are a game-changer—delicious, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make, even when my schedule is packed to the brim.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. I can adapt it to whatever ingredients I have on hand, making it a perfect solution for those moments when I don't have much time to shop. The base is a wonderfully nutty and crunchy mix of cashews, coconut, sesame seeds, flax seeds, and hemp seeds—all powerhouses of nutrition. The maple syrup and coconut oil bind everything together beautifully, providing a natural sweetness and a touch of healthy fat that keeps me feeling full and energized. And let’s not forget the decadent dark chocolate dip! It’s the perfect finishing touch, adding a layer of rich indulgence without being overly sweet.
These bars are more than just a delicious treat; they're a source of sustained energy that keeps me going throughout my busy day. The combination of healthy fats, protein, and fiber provides a slow release of energy, preventing those dreaded afternoon slumps. I often pack a couple of bars in my lunch bag for a midday pick-me-up, and they're also a great after-school snack for the kids. The kids love the crunchy texture and the hint of chocolate, and it makes me feel good knowing they're getting a healthy and delicious treat.
Making these bars is almost meditative for me. The process of measuring, mixing, and pressing the ingredients is calming and therapeutic, offering a welcome break from the constant demands of my day. I usually prepare a batch on the weekend when I have a bit more free time, and it’s incredibly satisfying to know that I have a healthy and delicious snack readily available throughout the week. It’s a small act of self-care that makes a big difference in my overall well-being. And the best part? The entire family loves them!
Beyond my personal enjoyment, these bars have become a staple for bringing to potlucks, office gatherings, and even as a small gift for friends and family. They’re always a hit, appreciated for their unique flavor profile and the fact that they're both healthy and delicious. The combination of sweet and salty, crunchy and chewy, makes them universally appealing. People are always surprised when they learn how easy they are to make, and they often ask for the recipe—a testament to their deliciousness and ease of preparation.
One of the things that I love the most about this recipe is its adaptability. I’ve experimented with different types of nuts and seeds, adding things like almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds. I’ve also played around with the sweetness, sometimes using less maple syrup or substituting it with honey or agave nectar. The possibilities are truly endless, making it a recipe that I can customize to fit my preferences and what I have available. This is particularly useful during the busy holiday season when time is of the essence and ingredients might be limited. The beauty of home cooking is its flexibility.
In conclusion, these Dark Chocolate Dipped Crunchy Coconut Cashew Sesame Bars are more than just a recipe; they’re a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients and a bit of creative energy. They’re a symbol of my commitment to healthy living, even amidst the chaos of daily life. They’re a quick and easy way to nourish my body and soul, and a delicious treat that I can share with those I care about. They're a perfect example of how even the busiest woman can find time to create something nourishing and delicious for herself and her loved ones. So go ahead, try this recipe—you won’t be disappointed.
