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I’ve got chocolate covered snacks today!
Surprise, surprise right?
But when in doubt, always go with chocolate covered. Not that I was in doubt or anything. I mean, dipping these bars in chocolate was honestly the whole reason behind making these extra healthy bars. Duh.
I have actually had these dark chocolate dipped crunchy coconut cashew sesame bars (whew) sitting on my computer since before New Years, but for some reason, things like chia pudding and peanut butter chocolate bars got in the way. Well, it’s not that they got in the way (because they are all freaking delicious), it’s more that I was saving these bars for the very right time because, well that’s just what I do. I save favorite recipes until I am ready to share them. And yeah, sorry if you have heard this before, but I feel I need to explain my freakish ways once more.
But hey, at least there is a method for my madness, I’m giving you healthy chocolate bars that you can totally feel good about eating. That’s gotta count for something, right?
So, these bars are basically a bunch of healthy ingredients (but still really great tasting!) piled into a bar. They are gluten-free, vegan and full of healthy fats and protein. Which is obviously why these are acceptable at any given point throughout the day.
Can you say a little chocolate for breakfast? Ahhhh, yes pleeeaase.
See, your Tuesday is already looking up.
The bulk of these bars are a base of cashews, coconut and boat loads of seeds. I chose to use a mix of black and white sesame seeds, flax seeds and hemp seeds. They seemed to be the perfect mix and added just the right amount of CRUNCH to the bars.
Start off by toasting everything to get that delicious roasted flavor. Then just blend together, mix with a little maple syrup or honey, a touch of vanilla and salt, and bake, cut and dip….
Or in my case, double dip. Then drizzle on some more. I just couldn’t help it. You should never go lite on chocolate layers. Just never.
Dark Chocolate Dipped Crunchy Coconut Cashew Sesame Bars.
Servings: 8 CHOCOLATE CRUNCHY CASHEW BARS
Calories Per Serving: 431 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups raw cashews
- 1/2 cup raw unsweetened coconut flakes
- 6 tablespoons sesame seeds I used a mix of black and white
- 3 tablespoons flax seeds
- 3 tablespoons hemp seeds
- 1/4 cup wheat bran or cooked quinoa for gluten free eaters
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces dark chocolate melted
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
*Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit January 2015 Issue.
And now we snack….and snack a lot.
How do you dip them in chocolate? And how do you make them dry without sticking to the paper?
Hi Elizabeth,
I just use a spoon to flip them through a bowl of chocolate and allow them to dry on the parchment paper. The freezing will prevent them from sticking to the parchment. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I have made these SO many times! I just love them. Now I’m making them for my daughter who has had to change her diet and will try them today with quinoa!
I am so happy you loved these Carolin! Thank you so much! xTieghan
Just tried these and they are amazing! I’m just wondering do you know how much protein, cards, and fat are in these?
Thanks
Hi Tyo! I am sorry, I do not know this info. Very happy you loved these!
I can’t stop scrolling through your recipes and can’t decide anymore what to start cooking with 😀 Been following you on IG for long now and always loved your creations but now I love them even more. Thank you for sharing all this goodness with us!
So happy to hear from you!! Thanks for following!!
Hope you love everything!!
Does anyone have a suggestion on how to make these bars stick together? When I cut into squares, they completely crumbled everywhere!
Hey Leslie, did you cut them right out of the oven or once they were cold? Also, did you change anything in the recipe?
What can you substitute for the honey…diabetic.
Hi Irena,
The honey helps to sweeten the bars and hold them together. Would maple syrup work?
I made these today, added the cinnamon with the vanilla and they are amazing. Do you have any idea of the nutritional breakdown? Thanks for the great recipe!
So happy you loved it! Sorry, but I do not have that info.
What would you suggest to use in place of the coconut flakes, or how to adapt the recipe to make up for the lack of the coconut flakes…
I can only stomach fresh coconut…cannot eat any of those shredded, dried coconut products…
Thanks…
Hey David,
Just leave the coconut out. No biggie! Enjoy the bars!
Thanks for the response…I just wasn’t sure if omitting the coconut would make a difference in how they set-up in the end…Will definitely be trying these…