Caramel Cashew Protein Bars

I will admit, not every recipe I make is for Emily. And while I'm being honest, not everything I eat is gluten free either! But, because I am a stay at home mom, I spend my days at home with my children, and though they have come to accept gluten as a forbidden fruit, I do my best to not eat it around them. Because of that, all of the snacks I make are gluten free. Including these OMG, oh so AMAZING, Caramel Cashew Protein Bars... And I am not lying when I say, I can't even taste the protein powder in these!!! If you are the kind of person that actually enjoys the taste of protein powder, by itself, then this is not the recipe for you!!!

Ingredients:

3 cups lightly salted cashews

1 cup vanilla protein powder

2 Tbsp coconut oil

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/4 cup half and half

Recipe:

Whisk coconut oil, brown sugar, and half and half together in a heavy sauce pan. 

If you are a fan of sauces, I have found that coconut oil makes a great butter substitute!

Cook over medium heat stirring constantly. 

Within 5-8 minutes the sauce will bubble and begin to thicken. 

Set aside to cool.

While caramel sauce is cooling, toss cashews in a food processor or blender and let it rip.

Depending on the quality of your appliance, this will take anywhere from 3 to 8 minutes. You want to make cashew butter, so you are looking for a smooth and creamy, almost liquid, texture. 

Be patient, this can be obtained even with the junkiest of appliances, it just takes time!

Add cooled caramel sauce and protein powder to cashew butter and blend until combined. 

You may have to stir in excess protein powder to thoroughly incorporate it into the mixture.

Dump mixture into a lined baking dish. 

I like to line mine with plastic wrap to keep the bars from sticking. 

Smooth mixture out evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes, until firm.

Cut into squares. Store remaining bars in fridge.

Depending on the protein powder you use and the number of square you cut your bars in to, the amount of protein per bar will vary.

ENJOY!

***Whey protein powder is in theory gluten free. Some of the lesser quality brands do mix in filler, sometimes this includes wheat products. Do check the ingredient list, some even come with a "contains wheat" or "may contain wheat" warning. Beyond that, if you are highly sensitive to gluten, it would be advisable to go with a brand that tests it's product for gluten levels. These are a bit more expensive, but may be worth the cost. Many companies offer mass increase or meal replacement protein supplements. These typically contain gluten and are frequently right along side whey protein supplements, making cross contamination highly likely. Know yourself, and know your protein!!!***