High-Protein Energy Bars Are the Perfect Snack

• servings: 8
• active time: 10 mins
• total time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

½ cup well-stirred tahini

3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons refined coconut oil

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

⅓ cup hemp seeds

¼ cup finely chopped dried apricots

¼ cup finely chopped dried figs

¼ cup pepitas

¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

Directions

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, microwave ½ cup tahini, 3 tablespoons maple syrup and 2 tablespoons coconut oil, uncovered, on High until the oil is almost melted, about 40 seconds. Stir until melted, then stir in 1 cup oats, ⅓ cup hemp seeds, ¼ cup each apricots, figs and pepitas and ¼ teaspoon each cardamom, cinnamon and salt.

Line an 8½-by-4½ inch loaf pan with plastic wrap. Press the oat mixture firmly into the prepared pan, creating a compact, even layer. Freeze, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Using the plastic wrap as handles, remove the oat mixture from the pan. Transfer to a cutting board; remove and discard the plastic wrap. Slice into 8 (4½-by-1-inch) bars.