No-Bake Quinoa Power Bars with Cashews and Chia Seeds
Nutrient-dense energy bars combining toasted quinoa flakes, cashews, and sunflower seeds with superfood additions like chia and flax seeds. The maple syrup and almond butter binding creates chewy bars perfect for post-workout fuel or healthy snacking. Dried cherries add natural sweetness while optional chocolate chips satisfy cravings. These bars firm up in the refrigerator and can be customized with different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits based on preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 cups quinoa flakes
- 1 cup cashews, chopped
- ½ cup sunflower seeds, raw
- ⅓ cup flax seeds, ground
- ⅓ cup chia seeds
- ¾ cup dried cherries
- ½ cup carob or chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- ½ cup applesauce, unsweetened
- ⅝ cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- chocolate, melted(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- 2
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper
- 3
Toss quinoa flakes, cashews and sunflower seeds and toast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally
- 4
Place in a large bowl and allow to cool slightly
- 5
Add flax seeds, chia seeds, dried cherries and chocolate chips
- 6
Melt coconut oil in a small saucepan
- 7
Add almond butter, applesauce and maple syrup to saucepan
- 8
Bring to a boil and lower heat to medium low
- 9
Cook for 3 minutes
- 10
Stir in vanilla and sea salt
- 11
Pour mixture over dry ingredients
- 12
Transfer mixture to a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- 13
Press into a rectangle
- 14
Bake for 10 minutes
- 15
Allow to cool then place into refrigerator until firm
- 16
Cut into desired shape
- 17
Drizzle with chocolate if desired
Tips
Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure bars hold together well when cut.
Toast the nuts and seeds until golden for enhanced flavor and crunch.
Chill bars for at least 2 hours before cutting for clean edges.
Good to Know
Store in refrigerator for up to 1 week in airtight container.
Can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored covered in refrigerator.
Cut into bars and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Common Mistakes
Press mixture firmly to avoid crumbly bars that fall apart.
Cool toasted ingredients before adding wet mixture to prevent melting.
Chill adequately before cutting to ensure clean slices.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, ensure chocolate chips are dairy-free and the recipe is naturally vegan with plant-based ingredients like almond butter and coconut oil.
How long do these bars keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months wrapped individually.
Can I substitute the quinoa flakes?
Yes, rolled oats work well as a 1:1 substitute, though the texture will be slightly different and more traditional.