Oatmeal Energy Bars

I was reluctant to call these oat bars 'oatmeal energy bars' as all food could be labelled as 'energy'! It's true that carbohydrates from oats, sugars from dried cranberries, fats from almonds and cashews, and protein and fiber from flaxseed all give a person energy. However, almost all food and drink contains calories that can be used as a source of energy. A chocolate bar could be named an energy bar and a slice of pizza could be called an energy slice. One has to consider the ingredients and quantity in a serving in order to determined whether or not food is healthy and beneficial to a person's body.

The recipe below is fairly simple and delicious. The only job that requires a little effort is turning the cashews into cashew butter or paste. A food processor is required for this task. Nut butter can be purchased from a supermarket but they sometimes contain additional ingredients like oil which is not really necessary. Simply add the cashews to a food processor and mix until a paste is formed.

The picture below shows the various stages of the cashew butter. Be patient and persevere. It's not as time consuming and tough on the blender as making almond butter. It's tempting to add liquid like water or oil but I resisted and the cashews were slowly transformed into a smooth paste.

Depending on my 'energy' requirements, I usually cut these bars into 6, 8 or 12 pieces. I think the ideal serving is eight. When cut into six bars, each one is very filling and contains almost 350 calories; great for a long bike ride or day hike. Twelve bars are ideal for mid-morning or mid-afternoon snacks, containing 170 calories) and can easily be eaten on the go. However, they are so delicious that one twelfth sometimes doesn't feel like enough. Eight squares provide 250 calories each which make a great pre- or post-workout snack.

Regardless of size, each energy bar has a gooey, soft texture (like a cliff bar), thanks to the oats and cashew butter, with sweetness from the cranberries and the honey, plus crunch from the chopped almonds.

Oatmeal Energy Bars
Makes 6, 8 or 12
Click HERE for a printable recipe card.

Ingredients:
- 160g / 5.7oz oats
- 26g / 4tbsp flaxseed
- 56g / 2oz almonds, chopped
- 40g / 1.4oz cranberries, dried
- 1/4tsp cinnamon
- 112g / 4oz cashews, blended into butter/paste
- 15ml / 1tbsp water
- 80g / 4tbsp honey

- 1tsp vanilla extract

Method:
Combine dry ingredients (oats, flaxseed, almonds, cranberries and cinnamon) in a bowl.

In a food processor, blend the cashews to form a buttery paste. There's no need to add liquid, just keep blending.

In a pan or microwaveable bowl, slowly heat the cashew paste, water, honey and vanilla extract to combine all ingredients. This helps make a smoother mixture which is easier to blend with the dry ingredients.

Stir the wet and dry ingredients together until well mixed. Use your hand to combine if desired.

Pack firmly into a baking pan. I used a loaf tin but an 8x8 tin will also work.

Chill for a few hours, then cut into 6, 8 or 12 slices/squares. ENJOY! 

 

Click HERE for a printable recipe card.

Nutritional Information:

Oatmeal Energy Bars - 8 Bars

Oatmeal Energy Bars - 6 Bars

Oatmeal Energy Bars - 12 Bars