These easy, baked Apple Pie bars taste exactly like the comforting dessert minus all the guilt! Paleo, Gluten Free, Vegan and refined sugar free- These bars are the perfect snack between meals!
Oh Jetlag. How I hate thee. I’m back on home soil and running on little sleep and two haagen daaz ice creams (the flight attendant found me charming and gave me an extra).
Something I love doing when travelling, is without a doubt checking out what unique foods are in different countries or cities- especially when it comes to snack foods.
MY OTHER RECIPES
Even though it’s only been less than 2 years since my last trip over to America, I was shocked with how many new products had hit the shelves- and even rebranding of older products to keep with current trends.
The biggest eye opener for me was seeing how many paleo snack options were available! I remember during my wholeArman challenge, hard boiled eggs, jerky and more eggs were my go to choices. These days- you could have a multitude of snack bars, granola less granola (is that the right name?) and even an abundance of baked goods!
It’s amazing to see this variety- and something I truly hope Australia jumps on soon. Not just to Paleo snacks- but for diet lifestyle, including raw or vegan.
Ironically, during Niki’s paleo challenge which she (un)gracefully failed, I had two recipes made for her which never made it on the blog. After my recent jaunt up north, it inspired me to share it.
The first is a baked snack bar which after many failed attempts (trying to perfect the right amount of ground nuts to syrup) and many crumbled bars (I went through 4 tubs of Chobani 2% Yogurt with the broken bars as a topping), I finally nailed it.
I made a batch to bring to work and none of my colleagues or friends are remotely Paleo, yet they all thought it was delicious and ‘not healthy tasting’. (I seem to have that stigma attached to me).
These bars are delicious and smell amazing straight from the oven- a cross between an apple pie and a pannetone (this cake my Italian friend would gift me EVERY. CHRISTMAS). I went a couple of days eating two or three of them for breakfast with a coffee and they revved me for the day- full of warming spices and the perfect amount of sweetness without giving you a sugar rush- it’s perfection.
And in full disclosure here- because we all know blogger authenticity is key here– Only four of my bars turned our puuuuurty. The other four….not so much.
Remind me to ask mother dearest for some new kitchenware come Christmas.
- 1/2 cup cashew flour*
- 1/2 cup cashews*
- 1/2 cup pepitas
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1 T flaxmeal (ground flaxseeds)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 T cinnamon
- 1 T nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp cardamom
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 3/4 cup cashew butter*
- 1 T coconut oil
- 1 large egg, lightly whisked*
- 1/2 cup dried unsweetened apples
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and line and grease a large baking tray with coconut oil generously
- In a blender or food processor, combine the cashew flour, walnuts, pepitas, shredded coconut, flaxmeal, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom and blend until a course powder is formed. Set aside.
- In a microwave safe dish, combine the maple syrup, cashew butter and coconut oil and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until completely melted.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground up nuts/flour and add the egg and mix well. Add the liquid mixture and ensure it is fully incorporated. Pour into the greased baking pan and press firmly to ensure an even layer is formed. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden on top.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, remove and cut into even sized bars.
- The cashew butter is preferred over almond, as it's mild flavour really brings out the apple pie flavour.
- Cashew flour, butter and nuts can all be replaced with almonds or another nut.
- For a vegan version, omit the egg and substitute it for an extra T of flaxmeal.
- These bars can be left in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for later snacking (my preferred method)
Speaking of snack bars, swing by Friday for some of my travel snacks (which could fit many diet lifestyles!).
Have you noticed snacks trending with current dietary choices?
Have you ever eaten or been gifted the infamous Pannatone?
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Oh pannetone is amazing – I was only given it once, and since then I just buy it for myself. Because I’m not very good at giving, clearly. Best thing I did with it was turn it into a bread and butter pudding – sounds gross but ohhh heavenly sweet bread…
These bars look awesome! I love dried apples rings, so this is an excuse to go buy them, eat half a bag, then may be make these…
What?! You like pannetone? It’s like dried bread which isn’t too sweet- saying that- I hear it makes amazing french toast!
Jet lag is the absolute worst.
I think half the reason I don’t bake and post it on the blog is because it turns out terrible looking LOL. I’m glad you were able to get four that look great. they look delicious as always.
Thanks, Hollie! Haha 4 out of 12 is pretty decent.
Welcome baaaaack! I love when people say things like “oh yum…. these don’t even taste healthy” ….um, thanks. Oh and only having a handful of bars/muffins/cookies turn out pretty is so real.
HAIIIIII my frappacino. (did I spell that right?).
Um. I should show you my failed attempts. It’s like blooming bread crumbs.
I never cared for the Pannetone but laugh as soon as I see it appearing on store shelves super early for the holidays…Every where I turn I see gluten free snacks and meals. Like everywhere.
Seriously! Pannetone is everywhere and it’s not even tasty (unless made into French toast!)- kind of like Challah bread!
Yay, welcome back!! Hope your jet lag doesn’t last for too long.
Charlotte and I demand you hang out with us next time. No excuses.
Love all cashew goodness going on in these bars!
I went overboard with it haha- Like, every form of cashew!
Why am I not surprised that the flight attendant found you charming? Well, good sir, that charm earned you more ice cream! Kudos to you for that! And this apple pie bars? Awesome! Although, I don’t think I would complain one bit about crumbling these up on top of yogurt. In fact, that’s pretty much what I eat for breakfast every day…but the apple is a nice change of pace.
Ironic that as soon as I arrived, Chobani set me up with some yogurt- so I need to crumble the perfectly intact bars.
And the flight attendant probably gave me two because I was the only one awake lol!
Ah cashews <3 Anything…really anything with cashews and I love it! Awesome recipe!
I totally whored out the cashews here haha!
Not just delicious but looks nutritious as well. Thanks for the recipe.
No worries at all- enjoy 🙂
I love pannetone! The best thing to do with it is to use it for French toast. I did it last year for our xxmas breakfast and it’s AMAZING!
YES!!!! That is the best vehicle for French toast!
Cashew flour!? That sound divine! I’m sure it is so naturally sweet and rich tasting! Must try to find some or make my own!
So good- I whored out the cashews in this recipe- cashew flour, chopped cashews and cashew butter lol!
Mmmm. I love apple pie, and what a great idea to have these as a kind of mini apple pie bars. Just right for the time of year! Thanks!
No worries- definitely seasonal!
PANNETONE!!! My mom’s side is from Italy so yes, yes we do eat it. It’s the BEST dunked in chocolate (almond) milk. Love love love!!! I like the plain one the best as it has the perfect amount of sweetness to it.
And I’ll take all of your “non-pretty” bars if you don’t want them… 😉
…..my Italian family friends tell me they write a message ob the bottom of the box because families recycle them lol!
Well heck, those four pretty bars turned out damn beautiful!!! I hope your trip to the states was chock full of fabulousness 🙂
It was almost fabulous. If only I saw some hummus.
I think it’s pretty rude of you not to have sent me a message the minute you put this post up. APPLE PIE is my LIFE, Arman. You can’t just go around nilly-willy with recipes like this and not tell me about it ;). I will take 123932 by express mail. Thanks, bud.
I know, right. But then again, I asssumed you were at your grandma’s house EATING LASAGNE.
Good mix of ingredients there Arman – could tuck into one of those bars right now! Love the inclusion of dried apples – one of my favourite dried fruits!
I am desperate to go to the states to see what’s on offer! As much as its great that paleo snacks are available (and raw, vegan ones too) I very rarely eat them as they don’t tend to satisfy me for long. But as a treat, they are delish and full of flavour! Sometimes you just need something sweet and chewy!
Thanks, Jen! They are delicious- try them out!
Yum!!!! These look amazing! Totally making for my New Zealand trip next month. Going to need a lot of fuel for the nonstop hiking haha 🙂
YES! Do it- although make 200.
The “it doesn’t even taste healthy” is the ultimate fat guy stamp of approval. Or not so fat, just so out of touch with what they should eat… anything not infused with sugar or salt has a “healthy” taste. I’m proud of you for charming the flight attendant.
The charm didn’t last to border security who confiscated half my foodie items. Fail. I failed (Fran)
North America is definitely on the paleo trend – I was looking at ‘paleo wraps’ the other day. And I’ve never had pannetone! Am I missing out?
Be thankful you don’t know what pannatone is. It’s like eating cardboard.
I am loving the ingredients list on this! Although, where it says eggs, whisked, I read that as whiskey. Whiskey in this would be good 😉
Hhaha please try it with whisky. Actually, don’t. Save it for some cake making 😉
Yummm these sound super good– and it’s true that it is pretty unbelievable how popular paleo foods have gotten over the last few years here. PS… come back. I miss eating kale and talking realness and sipping on organic cocktails and chatting about life with you.
Dude. I have FOMO for our hangouts. and even kale! WTF!
CASHEW FLOUR? Oh sure, why not!
I bet these are so much better than the Paleo bars I ranted about on my latest post. haha
Hahahaha. Oh God those bars you talked about sound like punishment!
Wait a second, you get ice cream on airplanes? I’ve only ever been offered peanuts or pretzels. Maybe I wouldn’t be such a horribly terrified flyer if I could bury myself in an ice cream coma….
Regardless, these sound awesome! I’ve only tried 1 brand of Palo bar, and I actually adored them.
YES! But then again, it was a 17 hour flight haha. I think I’d need a tonne of peanuts and pretzels for that!
What airline were you flying on that gave you Haagen Dasz?!? So jealous.
Cathay pacific! It’s like their favourite ice cream there!
does quest know about this? uh oh.. watch out.. These might be the new addiction! LOL! and co-worker approved. In the words of Arman… “this is golden.”
Haha, I tried to match it from theirs (and larabar!).
This IS golden. Literally.
We are both having the apple vibe! This recipe look really good! Very portable snack too. I have been trying to find more bar recipes I can make at home versus buying the store variety.
Thanks! I love making my own bars!
I’ve been back from Malaysia for a week and my sleep schedule is still so messed up. But I’ve been eating my weight in cheese so it’s okay. Cheese is paleo, right? I think I remember Niki saying it was…
It most certainly is! Oh geebuz, Malaysian cheese just doesn’t compare.
I’ve definitely noticed an influx of snacks based on the current diet trends… and protein -everything- seems to be the biggest one. I mean… protein chips? Protein pasta? I feel like there’s just waaaaaaay too much focus on protein these days. What about good old fashioned carbs?!? I love them!
Carbs make you so fat fat fat.
See I’m the one with the broken bars and big tubs’o’yogurt… even when I try to be good and actually follow the recipe bars that stay like bars just don’t seem to be my thing!
Haha, trust me, it takes FOREVER to perfect!
Of course the flight attendant thought you were charming haha
Also, I’ve never had pannettone, but my italian roommate brought panforte with her, so effin good. I must make one soon, cuz I dream of that cake.
p.s. I’ve got the ‘healthy tasting’ stigma attached to me as well. Usually just means more awesome tasting food for me haha
p.p.s Thanks for the birthday wishes <3
Haha, it didn’t work at Customs when they confiscated half my goodies!
You should make birthday cake for the blog world.
So these look a lot like apple pie Quest bars… which I just bought a few of today! Love em baked with chopped baked apple & cinnamon. Love how your recipe has a lot of cashew ingredients — my fav!
YES! I tried to get inspired by their ingredients but failed lol!
Of course the flight attendant would give you TWO haagen daaz! Can you believe that I haven’t actually cooked with cashew flour before? I need to give these a go!
Lisa I am offended. I hope the next flight you take, they forget to feed you.
So sad I missed you while you were in the states… next time you NEED to come up to SF. Way better than LA anyway!!! But we aren’t really into paleo here… that I can tell at least…
I knowwwwww….I hope Davici gives you a big slap on the face from me. Wait, what?
Man America only feeds into these diet trends…literally! I can only imagine how “Paleo-filled” grocery shelves there have become. I am pretty sure just about everything there now has a gluten-free alternative. Although they aren’t always delicious as the real deal, it’s nice to know that those who eat a certain way can still enjoy old favourites (albeit slightly modified)!
Exactly! Glad they can still enjoy it too!
Well these have got my name on them. Cashews galore alongside a whole load of other sexy ingredients – win!
So good and whoring out the cashews!
ummm.. yes please!!
so good!
Awesome, I’ve been looking and looking for a recipe to use the cashew flour I randomly bought awhile ago. Of course it would come from you! 🙂
Hope you had a fantastic trip!
YES! totally a mermaid recipe!
Next time I come, we are going to the Pez factory.
Yessss absolutely!
Hi Arman! Ohhh these look delicious. You know, I’ve never actually made any bars like this at home? It doesn’t sound too hard. And I’m glad you made it home safe. Hope you enjoyed your American travels. Have a great day!
Try making bars at home- they are so much easier than it seems and delicious! Thank you- I’m so homesick for America now haha!
I bet you tweaked for the airline attendant, so that’s why she gave you an extra Haagen Daazs.
But seriously, these look fantastic! I miss me some homemade bars. And you can’t go wrong with apple pie anything.
I have a million Italian friends and I’ve never gotten a pannatone…..
*twerked
Dang auto correct
…. I shook my anaconda butt. Be thankful you haven’t received panatone. It’s like punishment!
These must be very delicious with that amount of cashew nuts!
So good and buttery!
When it comes to cookies, bars and muffins, stacking is most definitely the way to go for pictures. These came out looking incredible, and I love the use of pepitas simply so I can say pepitas. It’s the little things for me. 🙂
Pepitas remind me of Pepito which reminds me of Madeline. I hope you know what I’m talking about….
Those look incredible– like a larabar, but way better. I love cashews. They have such a great flavor that works well in so many different things.
Thanks, Michelle! Haha, I love that- Like a larabar but better. And bigger too!
I haven’t noticed so many paleo options available as much as I’ve noticed the explosion of gluten-free options here in the US. But then I don’t always look for snack bars and such because I usually make my own. These look great! Thanks for sharing them at GFW!
I reckon compared to Australia, you guys are miles ahead- I still need to order much of my GF products! Thank you for hosting- I can’t wait to try out your cookies!
I’m sure even the non-purdy ones tasted delicious. These sound really great! #recipeoftheweek
Thank you, Kate! You’re puuuuuurdy.
This recipe looks delicious, but doesn’t include what to do with the dried apples in the instructions. (Or the salt, but I assumed that just gets added to the dry mix). Please inform! Thanks!!
Oh I’m so sorry, Bec- Thanks for letting me know! Add the dried apples at the final stage before placing in the pan to bake- That way, you have them embedded throughout the bars 🙂
Awesome, thank you!
my husband always flirts with the FA’s for the whole flight, and I always bring them treats, so we are taken care of too. makes the flight much better.
these bars? WANT. now. NOW.
Hahahaha. You’re husband is a very very smart man!
very interestin recipe!
Italia Caruso
Thank you! 🙂
These look amazing. I actually have zero clue what pepitas were before googling them 😛 Silly culinary people and their special names for pumpkin seeds. Can’t wait to make these! Will def eat with some frozen banana ice cream.
Haha no worries at all- Adding banana ice cream is such a good idea!
Ahhhh, so when do I add the dried Apple??? The instructions don’t say…..
Hey Jude! Apologies for that- Simply add them in JUST before you add the liquid 🙂
These sound amazing! I’m having a hard time finding Paleo bars/ treats that don’t coconut in them. Can’t wait to try these!
😀 Fantastic- Thanks, Crystal- Enjoy!