Crunchy Cashew-Sesame Bars

By

Bon Appetit, January 2015, page 69.

  • 12

Ingredients

  • Nonstick vegetable oil spray
  • 1 1/2 cups cashews
  • 6 tablespoons raw sesame seeds
  • 5 tablespoons flaxseed
  • 1/4 cup wheat bran
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Preparation

Step 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.

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

Bring maple syrup and coconut oil to a boil in a small saucepan; cook, stirring, 1 minute. Pour over cashew mixture and stir to coat.

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.

DO AHEAD: Bars can be made 2 weeks ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.