These simple energy bars are delightfully chewy and nutty, too, with a touch of “pumpkin spice”. The combo of the dates, cashews and coconut bring it all together for a well rounded (or shall I say nicely squared) bar.

I’ve been wanting to keep my energy bars simple, using ingredients I often stock in my cupboard. I generally have a supply of Paleo Pro protein powder because it’s got plenty of protein (26g per scoop) for my smoothies and snacks like these delicious baked treats. And it’s got no added sugar. Cashews are one of several nut varieties I keep and coconut is something I love to have on hand, whether coconut cream powder, shredded coconut or the whole food itself so I can drink the coconut water and scoop out the delightfully creamy flesh. And well, I could never be without my dates. 1-2 small date is just enough per serving. So we don’t use a lot, because only a touch of natural whole food sweetener is necessary. Each one of these energy bars contains just 1 small date, no added sugars, and plenty of satisfying healthy fats.

I think you’ll love my wholesome  Coconut Cashew Energy Bars (scroll down for the recipe). And BTW: I’ve got 50 new healthy, tasty plant-based recipes in my latest book The Healthy Alkaline Diet Guide on Pre-sale Now at Amazon. Click here to pre-order: https://amzn.to/2ZItARf

Note: While it’s true you will need to watch out for lemons (citrus), garlic and certain other trigger foods, many of the recipes in my new book can easily be modified by simply omitting the ingredient or replacing (i.e. replace lemon juice with  ground Sumac or lemon zest to taste).

So without further ado, here’s the recipe for my homemade energy bars:

Coconut Cashew Energy Bars

Want to make this a Keto treat?

With no added sugars, it is already a low carb treat. To Make this more Keto-friendly, swap the dates for 2 tsp Erythritol (I use Swerve, granular), and swap 4 Tbsp of the cashews for macadamia nuts (which have more fat, less carbs). This brings the bar to approx. 70% fat with just 5g Net Carbs. And if you swap the egg white for Egg White Protein Powder, you have a NO-COOK option – just freeze to firm.

Coconut Cashew Energy Bars

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Prep Time 3 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 23 minutes mins

Servings 4 squares

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup raw cashews or for KETO OPTION: 2 Tbsp cashews + 4 Tbsp Macadamia nuts
• 5 small dates or for KETO OPTION: 2 tsp Swerve Erythritol sweetener
• 1 scoop PaleoPro Pumpkin Protein Powder
• 1 Tablespoon Coconut Cream powder I used Earth Circle Organics or Coconut Manna coconut butter.
• 1 egg white or 2 Tbsp egg white protein powder for NO-COOK OPTION
• 3 Tbsp Manitoba HarvestHemp Hearts for topping
• Note: Use up to 1 Tbsp of water if batter too dry

Instructions

 

• Line a bread loaf pan* with parchment or foil.
• Process nuts, dates (or Swerve), PaleoPro Pumpkin powder, coconut cream and egg white in a blender.
• Add up to 1 Tablespoon of water if needed for batter to ball up in food processor.
• Spread evenly into square pan.
• Sprinkle Hemp Hearts evenly on top.
• Bake at 350ºF for 20 minutes. Let cool. (If using Egg White Protein Powder, omit this step, no need to cook).
• Place in freezer to firm for 20 minutes.

Notes

Since PaleoPro Pumpkin Spice protein powder may be a seasonal item, you can use their Aztec Vanilla flavor.

The recipe fits to spread batter evenly, approx. 1/4" thick onto the bottom of a bread loaf pan.

Disclaimer: I wasn’t paid to mention any of the products listed in this post. These are items I enjoy and like to keep in my cupboard. However I was provided with Earth Circle Organics, Manitoba Harvest, and PaleoPro products.