Crunchy, Easy Cashew Sesame Bars or Squares

Crunchy, Easy Cashew Sesame Bars or Squares

10 servings
These may puff slightly as they bake. For an extra crispy bar press the bars to flatten when they’re still warm using another 8” square pan.

Ingredients

  • Nonstick vegetable oil spray
  • cashews
    1 ½ c
  • raw sesame seeds
    6 tbsp
  • flaxseed
    5 tbsp
  • quinoa bran or flax meal

    flax meal for Paleo

    ¼ c
  • sea salt
    ¾ tsp
  • ground cardamom
    ¼ tsp
  • cinnamon
    ¼ tsp
  • pure maple syrup
    ½ c
  • coconut oil
    1 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350°. Coat 8x8” baking pan with vegetable oil spray; line with parchment, leaving overhang on all sides. Toast cashews, sesame seeds, and flaxseed in separate areas on a rimmed baking sheet, stirring occasionally (but not mixing), until golden brown, 10–12 minutes. Let cool. Set aside 2 Tbsp. sesame seeds and 1 Tbsp. flaxseed.

  2. 2

    Process cashews and remaining seeds with quinoa bran, salt, cinnamon and cardamom in a food processor until mostly finely chopped. Place in a medium bowl.

  3. 3

    Bring maple syrup and coconut oil to a boil in a small saucepan; cook, stirring, 2-3 minutes. Pour over cashew mixture and stir to coat.

  4. 4

    Press mixture firmly into prepared pan with wet hands (it will be sticky). Top with reserved seeds; press to adhere. Bake until golden brown, 25–30 minutes. Let cool, then cut into bars.

Crunchy, Easy Cashew Sesame Bars or Squares

Crunchy, Easy Cashew Sesame Bars or Squares

60 min10 servings238 cal

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About this Recipe

Discover the Irresistible Crunch of Easy Cashew Sesame Bars

Looking for a delightful, dairy-free snack or a unique appetizer that’s both flavorful and satisfying? Our Crunchy, Easy Cashew Sesame Bars are exactly what you need! These simple yet sophisticated bars are packed with wholesome ingredients and offer an incredible texture that will keep you coming back for more. Perfect for those seeking gluten-free bars or healthy gluten-free snacks, they bring a delightful combination of nutty cashews and aromatic sesame seeds to your table.

What makes these Cashew Sesame Bars truly special is their signature crunch. While they naturally bake to a perfect chewiness, a little trick helps achieve an even crispier bar: simply press them flat with another pan while they're still warm from the oven. This easy step ensures every bite delivers that satisfying snap!

Crafted with nourishing ingredients like cashews, raw sesame seeds, and flaxseed, these bars are not only delicious but also a fantastic source of plant-based goodness. We've included options like quinoa bran or flax meal, making them versatile for various dietary preferences, including Paleo if you opt for flax meal. The subtle notes of sea salt, ground cardamom, and cinnamon elevate the flavor profile, creating a truly irresistible treat.

Tips for Perfect Bars

  • Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment with other warm spices like a pinch of ginger or a touch more cinnamon for a different twist.
  • Nutty Variations: While cashews are stellar, you could try a mix of almonds or pecans for a different flavor dimension.
  • Sweetener Swap: Maple syrup provides a lovely, rich flavor, but honey works just as beautifully if preferred.

These crunchy cashew sesame bars are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a light appetizer at your next gathering, pack them in lunchboxes for a wholesome dairy-free snack, or simply enjoy them with your morning coffee. Their wholesome ingredients and delightful crunch make them a fantastic addition to any snack repertoire.

Frequently Asked Questions