Blue Ribbon Group Healthy Power Bars
UnitedHealthcare Healthy Cookie Contest Winner-2023 MN State Fair
These Healthy Power Bars come from Amy Ellenberger, who won the new UnitedHealthcare “Healthy Cookie Contest” at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair.
Amy’s Healthy Power Bars are made with raw whole cashews, oats, almonds, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds. She sweetens them with maple syrup, raisins, and Medjool dates. They have a chewy, crunchy texture you are absolutely going to love.
Good-For-You Ingredients
Congratulations to Amy!
Learn more about Amy in this Star Tribune feature story. If you want another healthy cookie option, try these!
Healthy Power Bars
2 1/2 cups raw whole cashews
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup pitted Medjool dates
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/4 cups raw whole almonds, toasted and roughly chopped
1/2 cup raw shelled sunflower seeds, toasted
3/4 cup golden raisins
2 tbsp. chia seeds
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 oz. bittersweet chocolate, melted
Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, with edges overhanging for easy removal. Set aside. Place cashews, oats, dates, salt, and cinnamon in a food processor. Process for 20-25 seconds, until a fine meal. Move mixture into large bowl. Add the almonds, sunflower seeds, raisins, and chia seeds. Mix to combine. Add the maple syrup and mix until evenly moistened. Using your hands, squeeze and clump the mixture together to ensure it is evenly mixed and moist, about 2 minutes. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap and chill at least 6 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the power bar mixture from fridge, remove from pan and unwrap. Cut into 8 even pieces, place on baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown, flipping the bars over halfway through baking. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Drizzle with melted chocolate and allow to set. Makes 8 large bars or 32 smaller ones.
