• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Lucy Loves

A charming food blog with recipes and other ramblings which may or may not be of interest to you

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About Lucy
  • Recipes
    • Recipe A-Z
  • Contact Lucy Loves
  • Lucy Loves Press Page
  • My Privacy and Cookies Policy
    • Cookie Policy
  • Reviews and That

June 15, 2016 By Lucy Leave a Comment

Coconut Cashew Bars

Coconut Cashew Bars Recipe

Once again, I have been overindulging and being, quite frankly, a bit of a porker. I have so little will power when it comes to treats, or anything delicious, and, of course, gin, that I have to occasionally have a word with myself. So this week I have been baking slightly less horrifying sweet items to take the edge off my treats addiction.

Since sugar has now been branded the devils work, I have been looking at baking with less refined sugar, where at all possible. These Coconut Cashew Bars fit that brief brilliantly. Once you start eating less sugar, you certainly crave it less, however, I do still need something sweet at certain times of the day. These bars contain brown rice syrup, honey works as well apparently, and the natural sweetness of dates so they perfectly bridge the time between coat off to dinner’s ready, which is definitely my weakest moment. The inspiration for these tasty nutty bars come via Sallys Baking Addiction, thanking you, Sally.

These are soft, but crisp, nutty with a warm toasted flavour, you will not miss sugar once you eaten one *or two* of these Coconut Cashew Bars. They are, of course, incredibly easy to make, just a bit of nut blitzing, stirring and pressing. The resulting bake keeps perfectly in a tin to last all week. Unless you have a Ben in your house, who, once he discovered where I had hidden these, inhaled half of them in one sitting. So, my tip of the week is to find a better hiding place for your stash of nutty bars than I did.

Coconut-cashew-bars-recipe-lucyloves-foodblog

As always, here are the ingredients for this weeks sweet-ish treat. All nice and storecupboardy based and do adapt the ingredients to suit your culinary needs, and what you have to hand. Feel free to mix your nuts, replace the peanut butter for another nut butter and change the dates to apricots, dried cranberries or cherries. I liked the slightly fudgy sweetness of the dates, but you choose.

Make a start by lining your square tin with non stick baking paper and pre-heating your oven to a low 150 degrees fan assisted. Next take a mixing bowl and measure in your brown rice syrup.

Coconut-cashew-bars-recipe-lucyloves-foodblog

Weigh in the ground almonds and vanilla extract, then spoon in your peanut, or other nut, butter. I had a vat of natural peanut butter so I went with this healthier version.

Coconut-cashew-bars-recipe-lucyloves-foodblog

Coconut-cashew-bars-recipe-lucyloves-foodblog

I could eat that spoonful of peanut butter at anytime of day or night as I have quite a dangerous peanut butter habit. Pop in the quarter teaspoon of salt then turn to your food processor or tiny chopper for your chosen nuts and fruits. Put them into the bowl of your mixer and process until they are a nut/date rubble. You don’t want dust here, think chunky *like my legs*.

Coconut-cashew-bars-recipe-lucyloves-foodblog

Coconut-cashew-bars-recipe-lucyloves-foodblog

Tip these into the mixing bowl and give it a good stir.

Coconut-cashew-bars-recipe-lucyloves-foodblog

Then for more natural sweetness, good oils and fibre stir in the dessicated coconut and chia seeds. If you don’t have chia seeds try another seed like sunflower, for example.

Coconut-cashew-bars-recipe-lucyloves-foodblog

Coconut-cashew-bars-recipe-lucyloves-foodblog

Mix this all again, super thoroughly, until the nutty mixture is starting to bind together. It’s quite a thick, dry affair, but don’t panic, it will all set in the low oven and whilst chilling afterwards.

Coconut-cashew-bars-recipe-lucyloves-foodblog

Press this naturally tasty mixture into your lined tin using the back of a spoon or your hands. Make sure it is well compacted and pressed well into the corners of the tin.

Coconut-cashew-bars-recipe-lucyloves-foodblog

Coconut-cashew-bars-recipe-lucyloves-foodblog

Pop your tin of nut based tastiness into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until firm and starting to brown evenly. The sweet wafts coming from the oven will be a tell tale sign these are nearly ready.

Coconut-cashew-bars-recipe-lucyloves-foodblog

Now, here you have to show a modicum of restraint, which if you are a loyal reader, you will know is not my strong point. Your Coconut Cashew Bars need a hour to cool then a further 30 minutes in the fridge to chill down before cutting. This is quite important, otherwise you may end up with Coconut and Cashew Crumbs.

Once the agonising wait is over, cut the slab into 8 bar size pieces. Or if you are less greedy than me, you could choose smaller squares.

Coconut-cashew-bars-recipe-lucyloves-foodblog

Coconut-cashew-bars-recipe-lucyloves-foodblog

These are an incredibly tasty treat. Keep them in a tin, possibly under lock and key.

Coconut-cashew-bars-recipe-lucyloves-foodblog

Coconut-cashew-bars-recipe-lucyloves-foodblog

Coconut-cashew-bars-recipe-lucyloves-foodblog

Coconut-cashew-bars-recipe-lucyloves-foodblog

These are a brilliant healthier option. The chia seeds add omega 3 oils, the nuts provide vitamin B and fibre and the dates offer potassium and a natural sweetness. But, regardless of all that waffle, these are bloody tasty, satisfying and a top addition to your treats tin.

Lucy x

Coconut Cashew Bars Recipe

Makes 8-ish, size dependent

You will need a lined 20cm by 20cm square tin and a food processor or top knife skills

115g honey or brown rice syrup, Ocado had this readily available

1/4 teaspoon salt

30g ground almonds, or grind your own from whole almonds in the food processor

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 heaped tablespoon almond or peanut butter

200g cashew nuts or almonds, I used a mix of both

60g desiccated coconut

approx 75g dates, dried cranberries, dried apricots, you choose

1 tablespoon chia seeds, or other seeds of your choice

Pre heat the oven to 150 degrees fan assisted and line your square baking tin.

In a good sized bowl measure in the brown rice syrup or honey. Stir in the ground almonds and salt, vanilla extract and almond or peanut butter. Give the mixture a good stir.

In your food processor or with a sharp knife, chop the cashews or almonds and dates or other fruits into fine pieces, you want small-ish bits, nutty rubble, not dust. Then mix this into the syrup/honey mixture along with the coconut and chia, or other seeds. Stir this mixture really well, until all the nuts and fruit are  coated and starting to bind together.

Press this mixture into your lined tin using the back of a spoon or your hands. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the bars are firm and turning golden brown. Leave this to cool for an hour then pop in the fridge for an extra half an hour to make sure they are firm before cutting.

Cut the slab into 8 bars, or more for smaller pieces, and enjoy. Keep them in an airtight tin for up to a week.

print

Filed Under: Baking, Healthy Option, Picnic, Recipes, Tray bake




Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

ABOUT LUCY

I am Lucy. A barely 50 year old with roles a-plenty. Mum to two boys and a dog, wife, PA and now blogger. We live in the suburbs of SW London and pretty much constantly have our noses in the trough. Read More…

Have a little look at these

Sloe-motion-cocktail-lucyloves-foodblog

A Sloe Motion

One Pot Chicken with Orzo and Parmesan recipe from Lucy Loves Food Blog

One Pot Chicken with Orzo and Parmesan

MIncemeat Bakewell Tart recipe from Lucy Loves Food Blog

Mincemeat Bakewell Tart

Cloudy-sky-cocktail-recipe-lucyloves-foodblog

A Cloudy Sky Cocktail for a Winter Friday

lucyck

lucyck
This @ottolenghi inspired Rice with Lamb and Spice This @ottolenghi inspired Rice with Lamb and Spiced Chicken would make a beyond tasty, slightly show-offy change to your usual Easter roast 
.
.
.
.
.
#lucyloves #foodblogger #instablogger #instablog #britainsbesthomecooks_ #foodie #foodphotography #foodpics #frommytable #fromscratch #devourpower #huffposttaste #comfortfood #food52 #recipes #instafood #f52community #easter #lamb #ottolenghi #instafoodblog #instafoodie #london #foodspotting #eat #delicious #recipetesting #homecooking #homecook
Making one piece of steak feed 3-4 makes my Beef C Making one piece of steak feed 3-4 makes my Beef Chow Mein much cheaper and far less gloopy than a crappy takeaway ❤️
.
.
.
.
.
#lucyloves #foodblogger #instablogger #instablog #britainsbesthomecooks_ #foodie #foodphotography #foodpics #frommytable #fromscratch #devourpower #huffposttaste #comfortfood #food52 #recipes #instafood #f52community #beef #fakeaway #chowmein #instafoodblog #instafoodie #london #foodspotting #eat #delicious #recipetesting #homecooking #homecook
If funds are low and you’re a hoarder of jam jar If funds are low and you’re a hoarder of jam jars like myself these Victoria Sponge Cake Jars are the Mother’s Day gift for you 💖 
.
.
.
.
.
#lucyloves #foodblogger #instablogger #instablog #britainsbesthomecooks_ #foodie #foodphotography #foodpics #frommytable #fromscratch #devourpower #huffposttaste #comfortfood #food52 #recipes #instafood #f52community #mothersday #cakejars #victoriasponge #homemadegifts #instafoodblog #instafoodie #london #foodspotting #eat #delicious #recipetesting #homecooking #homecook
My Roasted Gnocchi with Sausage is the bloody tast My Roasted Gnocchi with Sausage is the bloody tasty product of a fruitful fridge forage and a total lethargy for cooking mid week meals 
.
.
.
.
.
#lucyloves #foodblogger #instablogger #instablog #britainsbesthomecooks_ #foodie #foodphotography #foodpics #frommytable #fromscratch #traybake #sausages #gnocchi #devourpower #huffposttaste #comfortfood #food52 #recipes #instafood #f52community #instafoodblog #instafoodie #london #foodspotting #eat #delicious #recipetesting #homecooking #frugalfood
These Mini Dutch Baby Pancakes *mine were fat babi These Mini Dutch Baby Pancakes *mine were fat babies can I just say* will make your Shrove Tuesday a slaving over a hot stove free zone 🥞
.
.
.
.
.
#lucyloves #foodblogger #instablogger #instablog #britainsbesthomecooks_ #foodie #foodphotography #foodpics #frommytable #fromscratch #pancakes #shrovetuesday #pancakeday #dutchbabies #devourpower #huffposttaste #comfortfood #food52 #recipes #instafood #f52community #instafoodblog #instafoodie #london #foodspotting #eat #delicious #recipetesting #homecooking #homecook
This Salted Caramel Espresso Martini may be the be This Salted Caramel Espresso Martini may be the best after dinner cocktail ever *and means you don’t have to make a pud*❤️
.
.
.
.
.
#lucyloves #foodblogger #instablogger #instablog #britainsbesthomecooks_ #foodie #foodphotography #cocktails #friday #espressomartini #frommytable #fromscratch #devourpower #huffposttaste #comfortfood #food52 #recipes #instadrink #cocktails #f52community #instafoodblog #instafoodie #london #drinkspotting #drink #delicious #recipetesting #valentines
Romance isn’t dead in our house, it’s just nap Romance isn’t dead in our house, it’s just napping. But if I was trying to woo someone it would certainly be with these Cheese and Ham Dough Balls. Balls are very romantic😬 
.
.
.
.
.
#lucyloves #foodblogger #instablogger #instablog #love #foodoflove #hamandcheese #britainsbesthomecooks_ #foodie #foodphotography #foodpics #frommytable #fromscratch #devourpower #huffposttaste #comfortfood #food52 #recipes #instafood #f52community #instafoodblog #instafoodie #london #foodspotting #eat #delicious #recipetesting #homecooking
My Honey Roasted Roots with Halloumi isn’t reall My Honey Roasted Roots with Halloumi isn’t really a recipe, more a collection of fridge remnants fashioned into something really rather delicious 
.
.
.
.
.
#lucyloves #foodblogger #instablogger #instablog #britainsbesthomecooks_ #foodie #foodphotography #foodpics #frommytable #fromscratch #frugal  #fridgeforage #devourpower #huffposttaste #comfortfood #food52 #recipes #instafood #f52community #halloumi #instafoodblog #instafoodie #london #foodspotting #eat #delicious #recipetesting #homecooking #homecook
Not my usual Friday cocktail but if you’re feeli Not my usual Friday cocktail but if you’re feeling a bit off form this Hot Lemon, Honey and Ginger is going to soothe, warm and, if you add a drop of whisky, lift your spirits 🥃
.
.
.
.
.
#lucyloves #foodblogger #instablogger #instablog #whisky #lemon #honey #remedy #britainsbesthomecooks_ #foodie #foodphotography #foodpics #frommytable #fromscratch #devourpower #huffposttaste #comfortfood #food52 #recipes #instadrink #f52community #instafoodblog #instafoodie #london #drinkspotting #drink #delicious #recipetesting
Given the price of heating the house, you may want Given the price of heating the house, you may want to make my Chicken with Barley and chicken crackling to warm you up. Recipe can be found via the link in my profile, as always ❤️
.
.
.
.
.
#lucyloves #foodblogger #instablogger #instablog #britainsbesthomecooks_ #foodie #foodphotography #foodpics #frommytable #fromscratch #devourpower #huffposttaste #comfortfood #food52 #recipes #instafood #f52community #winterwarmer #instafoodblog #instafoodie #london #foodspotting #eat #delicious #recipetesting #homecooking #chicken
January is like whole month of Mondays 🙄. Cheer January is like whole month of Mondays 🙄. Cheer yourself up with a massive dollop of Panettone Bread and Butter Pudding 
.
.
.
.
.
#lucyloves #foodblogger #instablogger #instablog #britainsbesthomecooks_ #foodie #foodphotography #foodpics #frommytable #fromscratch #january #panettone #devourpower #huffposttaste #comfortfood #food52 #recipes #instafood #f52community #instafoodblog #instafoodie #london #foodspotting #eat #delicious #recipetesting #homecooking #homecook
Everything crossed for 2023. Happy New Year to you Everything crossed for 2023. Happy New Year to you and yours for later. Lots of love ❤️ 
.
.
.
.
.
#lucyloves #foodblogger #grahamandgreen #filmboard #happynewyear #2023 #instablogger #instablog #britainsbesthomecooks_ #foodie #foodphotography #foodpics #frommytable #fromscratch #devourpower #huffposttaste #comfortfood #food52 #recipes #instafood #f52community #instafoodblog #instafoodie #london #foodspotting #eat #delicious #recipetesting #homecooking #homecook
Load More… Follow on Instagram

Footer

ABOUT LUCY

I am Lucy. A barely 50 year old with roles a-plenty. Mum to two boys and a dog, wife, PA and now blogger. We live in the suburbs of SW London and pretty much constantly have our noses in the trough. Read More…

stay connected

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Sign up here for the Lucy Loves monthly newsletter






 

All copy and images copyright Lucy Loves unless otherwise indicated.

This website uses cookies
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Cookies Reject Cookies Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT