Cashew Butter Macro Bars

As I was planning out blog recipes and trying to dive deep into my brain for something creative…I was also planning a hiking trip…and finishing some very stressful large work projects! So the hiking trip thoughts won out with influencing this post because I really did need something for the trip…just seemed efficient!

And these Cashew Butter Macro Bars are perfect for fighting fatigue on the trail (as well as these Banana Oat On the Go Bars)!

Why?

Macro’s are carbohydrates, fat and protein.

These bars hit all those marks.

They have carbs in the form of oats. They have fat in the form of cashew butter. They have protein in the form of almond slices, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds.

High in energy.

For a hiking trip. For when you need something to keep your belly full longer.

And bonus. They have no added sugar.

Another bonus. Sprinkle or stir in cacao nibs. Now they are also empowered with a superfood.

WIN – WIN.

The Essentials

1/4 cup each sesame seeds, sunflower seeds and sliced almonds

1 1/2 cup oats

1 cup quinoa flakes 2 bananas mashed

1/4 cup cashew butter 1/2 cup natural applesauce

1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp vanilla dash of cinnamon 3 Tblsp cacao nibs (optional)

How to:

Lightly toast your seeds and almonds on a parchment lined baking sheet at 350 degrees for about 5 – 10 min (keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!). While those toast, mash your bananas in a bowl. Stir in oats, quinoa flakes, cashew butter and applesauce. Stir in vanilla, salt and cinnamon. Fold in your toasted seeds and almonds. Stir in cacao nibs.

Let rest for 10 min in bowl. This helps soften your oats and ‘soak’ in the ingredients.

Pour mixture into a 11 x 7 pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 min (or until starts to get slightly brown on the edges).

Delicious warm. Delicious cold. Delicious with extra cashew butter slathered on the top!

Enjoy xo,

Sarah