Cashew Coconut Bars
These no bake Cashew Coconut Bars are decadent, soft, velvety, moist and crunchy. They are also shockingly delicious and consist of a base layer of creamy cashews and oats topped with a chocolate frosting for a rich, delectable dessert or healthy treat. Made with simple, clean ingredients they are perfect as gift-giving treats or when you are craving candy bars only these are way better! You can also customize them easily with your own creative twists!Are coconut products healthy?As a long term fitness professional who is immersed in the health and wellness field, it’s fun to keep tabs on the latest trends. Traditionally, many trends over the last decade or more have (unfortunately) revolved around elimination diets in which certain foods or food groups are restricted or eliminated entirely. Think grains, dairy, carbs, fats, meat and so on.In their place came foods marketed as low-calorie, low-fat, low-this, low-that were usually interpreted by novice consumers to mean “healthy”, right?However, we are now finally starting to see a paradigm shift. People are beginning to change their mindset around food and paying closer attention to not only the nutrition label, but also the ingredients. Consumers are becoming more interested in ADDING more nutritious ingredients to their diet,as opposed to eliminating foods or entire food groups.What perhaps is even more exciting is that fat is no longer demonized. Items like coconut oil, avocado oil, and nut flours are being used more widely for their nutritional benefits with less emphasis on their caloric value. These cashew coconut bars are the perfect treat if you love coconut like I do. I’m obsessed with coconuts, they are my favorite ingredient in desserts and healthy snacks.The world is going coconuts. Following the popularity of coconut water, a broad spectrum of foods derived from the humble coconut is available. It now comes in a variety of forms from water to milk, cream, butter, oil, flour and shredded allowing for a variety of creative ways to add coconut to a healthy diet. Coconut contains a unique type of medium chain saturated fat called lauric acid that research shows raises HDL or "good" cholesterol levels, which lowers overall heart disease risk. As a plant food, coconuts also contain disease-fighting phytochemicals or antioxidants. Research suggests that coconut products helps boost metabolism which is helpful if excess body fat needs to be lost. Just one scoop of coconut oil delivers a wide-range of healing properties. Produced in its most natural state, coconut oil will benefit you, your children and your pets. I put some into my dogs dinner regularly.Whether you have chronic fatigue, weight problems, digestive or skin issues, or just want to give your body a good cleanse and boost your energy, coconut in any of its forms is so good for you.People trying to reduce their sugar intake often complain about the lack of sweets in their quest to get healthier. That’s because a low-carb way of eating is very focused on eliminating harmful sugar from your diet. But there are options for that lingering sweet tooth in your life. Hence these healthy cashew coconut bars are packed with healthy fats and antioxidants. Eating more healthy fats is a great way to help satisfying your sweet cravings without the sugar. Not only is this candy replacement insanely delicious and easy to prepare, it also comes with some surprising health benefits. From vitamins and minerals to plenty of healthy fats that support hormone health and neurotransmitter production, these scrummy bars are the perfect addition to any healthy eating plan. One small square makes me happy in an instant. It’s soft and chewy and you are going to love this superfood candy. This recipe is a simple and delicious way to incorporate he amazing health benefits of coconut into your lifestyle as they are literally bursting with nutrition and good stuff you can feel good about eating.In these bars, you have crumbly, fudgy, crunchy, velvety, moist, and you end up with this pile of creamy coconut tastiness. Now that’s something you can’t miss out on!
Servings 16
Ingredients
- 2 cups cashews, soaked 3+hours and drained
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 1/4 cup honey, brown rice syrup or maple syrup
- Pinch of sea salt
Chocolate Coconut Topping
- 1/4 cup honey, brown rice syrup or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons desiccated coconut
Instructions
- Line an 7 x 5” loaf pan or similar sized dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting.Add cashews to food processor and blend for 2-3 minutes, stopping to scrap down the sides every 30 seconds or so. You want to process the nuts until they start to form somewhat of a paste.Add oats, coconut oil, honey and blend for another 2-3 minutes until ingredients form a dough.Scoop out dough into lined pan and press down spreading evenly to all edges.
Chocolate Topping
- In a large glass measuring cup or bowl, whisk together honey, melted coconut oil and cocoa powder until smooth and well-combined. Pour over dough, spreading evenly with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle with coconut flakes and sea salt.Freeze for 1 hour or refrigerate for 3 hours before slicing into 16 bars or more smaller squares. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
