Cashew Apricot Bars

Cashew Apricot Bars

These are so much better than a store bought granola bar.  Once cool, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and take with you on your next trip to the gym.
Servings 12 bars

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups old fashioned oats
  • cup cashew butter
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 large egg white
  • ½ cup unsalted roasted cashews coarsely chopped
  • cup dried apricots coarsely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°.                   
  • Line an 8" square metal baking pan with parchment paper; let excess hang over edge.
  • Spread oats onto a baking sheet.  Bake at 350° until toasted, about 12 minutes.
  • Place in a medium bowl; cool.
  • Place cashew butter, syrup, and oil in a microwavable bowl.  Microwave at HIGH until warm, about 30 seconds; whisk until smooth.
  • Whisk in vanilla, salt, and egg white.
  • Add cashews and apricots to oats.
  • Pour cashew butter mixture over oat mixture; stir until well combined.
  • Using a spatula, press mixture very firmly into prepared pan.
  • Bake at 350° until lightly browned, 20-22 minutes.
  • Cool in pan on a wire rack 15 minutes.  Remove from pan using parchment paper.  Cool completely on rack.  Cut into 12 (4" x 1 ⅓") bars.

Notes

Recipe from Southern Living Magazine.