This recipe is inspired by my Coconut Oatmeal Energy Bites. I wanted to boost the nutrient level by adding additional ingredients like chia seeds and cashew butter. The recipe came out really well. I ended up using half for bars and the other half for protein bites.
Why add cashews? Approximately 82% of the fat in cashews is unsaturated fatty acid, in addition about 66% of this unsaturated fatty acid content is monounsaturated fats, a heart healthy fat similar to the fats found in olive oil. Cashews are also one of the most nutrient-rich nuts with high levels of iron, zinc, and trace minerals.
So why did I add chia? Chia seeds are a wonderful source of protein. Proteins are the building blocks of the body, hair, skin, nails, muscles, red blood cells, as well as essential and non essential amino acids and fiber, all of which are necessary for good circulation and a healthy heart. Chia seeds also help to modulate blood sugar. When it comes to fiber in our diets we are all lacking, by simply adding one ounce of chia to your diet, you are adding 11 grams of fiber.
Per gram chia seeds contain:
8x more Omega 3 than salmon
6x more calcium than milk
3x more iron than spinach
15x more magnesium than broccoli
2x more fiber than bran flakes
6x more protein than kidney beans
4x more phosphorous than whole milk
So enough chatter…..let’s get to the recipe.
Ingredients:
1 C. Medjool dates, pitted
1/2 C. Cashew Butter
2 T. Coconut oil, melted
3/4 C. Gluten free oats
1/2 C. Cherries, dried
1/4 C. Cacao nibs
1/4 C. Coconut , shredded
1/4 C. Chia seeds
Directions:
Place cashew butter, coconut oil and dates in food processor. Mix till ingredients are combined and smooth.
Add in remaining ingredients.
Mix till combined and the dough sticks together when pressed in between fingers.
Scoop into balls and enjoy!
You can also press these into a parchment lined pan and cut into bars.
Here are some of the products I used to make this recipe:
