Treat yourself to these irresistible Iron Squares, packed with wholesome ingredients and decadent flavors. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings or as a nutritious on-the-go snack. Enjoy every bite knowing you're nourishing your body and delighting your taste buds simultaneously! This is the perfect treat that can act as a pre or post workout snack giving you that protein and iron boost your body needs.
Peanut Butter:
Rich in Protein: Peanut butter is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
Healthy Fats: It contains monounsaturated fats, which can help improve heart health by lowering bad cholesterol levels.
Nutrient Dense: Peanut butter is packed with essential nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium.
Satiety: The combination of protein and healthy fats in peanut butter can help keep you feeling full and satisfied, making it a great option for weight management.
Blackstrap Molasses:
Iron Content: Blackstrap molasses is a concentrated source of iron, making it particularly beneficial for those with iron deficiency or anemia.
Calcium and Magnesium: It contains significant amounts of calcium and magnesium, which are essential for bone health and muscle function.
Antioxidants: Blackstrap molasses is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Energy Boost: The natural sugars in blackstrap molasses provide a quick energy boost without causing a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.
Hemp Hearts:
Complete Protein: Hemp hearts are a complete source of protein, meaning they provide all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own.
Healthy Fats: They are high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and improved brain health.
Digestive Health: Hemp hearts are a good source of fiber, which can promote digestive regularity and support a healthy gut microbiome.
Minerals: They contain essential minerals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc, which are important for various bodily functions including immune support and metabolism.
Whole Grain Cereal:
Fiber: Whole grain cereals are rich in dietary fiber, which can help regulate digestion, prevent constipation, and lower the risk of certain chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Nutrients: They are often fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, iron, and zinc, which are important for overall health and energy production.
Satiety: The combination of fiber and complex carbohydrates in whole grain cereals can help keep you feeling full and satisfied, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
Heart Health: Whole grains have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease due to their ability to lower cholesterol levels and improve blood sugar control.
Dark Chocolate:
Antioxidants: Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which can help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation in the body.
Heart Health: Consuming dark chocolate in moderation has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease, as it may help improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Brain Health: The flavonoids in dark chocolate have been shown to improve cognitive function and may help protect against age-related cognitive decline.
Mood Booster: Dark chocolate contains compounds like theobromine and phenylethylamine, which can stimulate the release of endorphins and serotonin in the brain, promoting feelings of happiness and relaxation.
Incorporating these foods into your diet in moderation can contribute to overall health and well-being.
This recipe is so quick and easy to make and just as quick and easy to eat. Make it for yourself, your family, friends or colleagues. Success guaranteed!
As plant based eaters we have to always make sure all our basis are covered when it comes to key nutrients like iron and proteins. This snack has your back. Loaded with iron from the blackstrap molasses, dark chocolate and whole grains cereal it also has tons of proteins from the nut butter and hemp seeds.
These squares are very indulgent and taste like they shouldn't be good for you but they are!
Whether enjoyed as a midday pick-me-up or a guilt-free dessert, these Irresistible Iron Squares are the ultimate treat for satisfying your cravings while nourishing your body. With their wholesome ingredients and decadent flavors, they're sure to become a staple in your snacking repertoire. So go ahead, indulge in a square (or two) and treat yourself to a moment of pure bliss!
IRON SQUARE RECIPE
Prep time: 15 min
Set time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min Servings: 9-12 squares (depending on size)
Ingredients
3/4 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup blackstrap molasses
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups whole grain cereal of choice (I use Heritage Flakes cereal from Nature's path)
1/3 cup hemp seeds
3/4 cup dark chocolate (70%)
1 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbs coconut flakes (optional)
pink salt (optional)
How to make it:
Prepare the Base: Start by combining peanut butter, maple syrup, molasses, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and well-incorporated.
Add Crunch: Fold in whole grain cereal and hemp seeds until every morsel is coated in the delicious mixture.
Set the Foundation: Press the mixture firmly into a tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring it's evenly compacted.
Indulge in Chocolate: Melt dark chocolate with the coconut oil and pour it over the cereal mixture, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Optional Toppings: For an extra touch of decadence, sprinkle coconut flakes and a pinch of pink salt over the chocolate layer.
Chill and Set: Place the tray in the freezer for 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set and the flavors to meld into perfection.
Slice and Serve: Once set, cut the mixture into squares and savor the irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Keep the leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
Tips and tricks
You can store the squares in an air tight container in the fridge (up to 1 week) or freezer (up to 3 weeks). I bet you they won't last this long. I have been making a batch every couple of weeks in our house so that we are always stocked with delicious snack options throughout our week.
I hope you enjoy this decadent, yet healthy snack that will help top off your iron and protein intake for the day. You get the additional benefits of healthy fats with nut butter and hemp seeds.
Comments