Crunchy Cashew-Sesame Bars

Ingredients

• Nonstick vegetable oil spray
• 1 1/2 cups cashews
• 8 tablespoons raw sesame seeds
• divided
• 6 tablespoons flaxseed
• divided
• 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
• One 8x8" baking pan
• Parchment paper

Instructions

1. 1

   Coat 8x8" baking pan with nonstick vegetable oil spray; line with parchment, leaving overhang on all sides.

2. 2

   Toast 1 1/2 cups cashews, 6 tablespoons raw sesame seeds, and 5 tablespoons flaxseed in separate areas on a rimmed baking sheet in a 350° oven, stirring occasionally (but not mixing), until golden brown, 10–12 minutes.

3. 3

   Set aside 2 tablespoons sesame seeds and 1 tablespoon flaxseed.

4. 4

   Process cashews and remaining seeds with 1/4 cup wheat bran, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom in a food processor until mostly finely chopped.

5. 5

   Place in a medium bowl.

6. 6

   Bring 1/2 cup pure maple syrup and 1 tablespoon coconut oil to a boil in a small saucepan; cook, stirring, 1 minute.

7. 7

   Pour over cashew mixture and stir to coat.

8. 8

   Press mixture firmly into prepared pan with wet hands (it will be sticky).

9. 9

   Top with reserved seeds; press to adhere.

10. 10

    Bake until golden brown, 25–30 minutes.

11. 11

    Let cool, then cut into bars.