Maca Energy Bars With Cinnamon

Munching on a no-bake, crunchy, and nutritious snack that fulfils your sweet tooth cravings while giving you an instant energy boost — who doesn’t want to be counted in? These low-sugar, value-packed maca energy bars are the perfect way to give yourself the motivation to stay on the go throughout the day without letting your power levels fall low. 

Wear your apron and prepare your cooking gear as we go on to discover an easy recipe for the healthy maca bars! 

What Is Maca? 

Maca is a medicinal plant that grows in the high plateaus of Peru and enhances stamina, mental strength, and clarity. Unlike caffeine, a stimulant, maca is an adaptogen that aids the body in adapting to stress, nourishing the body, and getting back to balance. From fragile bones to fertility problems and poor memory, this cruciferous vegetable is a solution to multiple health problems. 

Maca Energy Bars Ingredients 

For the mixture

• Dates 
• Maca powder
• Desiccated coconut
• Oat flour
• Cacao nibs 
• Cinnamon 

For the chocolate drizzle and toppings 

• Dark chocolate chips
• Sea salt
• Chopped pistachio

How To Make Maca Energy Bars 

Eight ingredients, 5 simple steps, a pan, parchment paper, and a blender is all you need for the quick and fun maca energy bars recipe! 

• Step 1 – Prepare an 8×8 pan by lining it with parchment paper. 
• Step 2 – Blend the ingredients with a food processor or blender. Alternatively, you can pulse it until the mixture keeps its shape.
  
  Pro Tip: When you think the mixture is ready, take out a piece and roll it between your palms. If it sticks together, it is ready. If it’s crumbly, it needs to be blended a bit longer or requires more moisture. If it is too dry, add a teaspoon of water until the mixture starts sticking together. Normally, 1 or a maximum of 2 teaspoons will be enough. 
• Step 3 – Transfer the mixture to the lined baking dish and press it down firmly. 
• Step 4 – Refrigerate for at least one hour. 
• Step 5 – Cut it out into squares or bars and decorate it with the toppings. 

Steps For The Toppings 

1. Melt the dark chocolate with a double boiler or in the microwave. 
2. Drizzle the chocolate over the maca energy bars, followed by a sprinkle of chopped pistachio and sea salt. 
3. Refrigerate it for about an hour to let the chocolate set. 

Serve and enjoy with your family and friends! Got leftovers? Keep them fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

FAQs

Does maca increase energy?

Yes, maca increases energy. One common reason why people consume maca is the caffeine-free energy boost it provides. People using maca tend to feel more energized, awake, and driven, which also helps maintain a regulated mood throughout the day. “Maca does seem to have energy-producing effects,” says doctor Karen Koffler, M.D., from Coral Gables, Florida.

Are energy bars good for you? 

Energy bars are a good option for a mini meal or a snack, but only if they offer an appropriate dose of fiber and protein with a low sugar and saturated-fat content. If, however, they contain sugary coverings and chocolate syrups, they become more like protein-fortified candy bars with higher drawbacks than benefits. 

Preparing Maca energy bars at home can guarantee you only extract the benefits. With cinnamon as a natural and healthy sweetener and dark chocolate paired with pistachio as the toppings, homemade energy bars are a simple combination of superfoods that ensure good health and safe edibles. 

Where can I find Maca?

Maca can be found in supermarkets, health food shops, and through multiple online retailers. When looking for maca in a grocery store, the first stop you might make will be at the supplement area, where maca is sold in capsule bottles (or in bags on the lower shelf). 

Grocery stores may also store maca powder with natural ingredients on the health food aisle. Don’t forget to check the spice and baking aisles. In case you find gelatinized maca powder, don’t worry. It doesn’t include gelatin; it’s just maca powder processed with water. 

What kind of Maca is best?

There are three types of maca, namely black, red, and yellow maca. While yellow is generally considered an effective option for both sexes, the best type that suits your body comes down to your lifestyle requirements. 

Red, for example, is essential for nourishing the female reproductive organs and the function of the prostate in men; black acts as a natural anti-depressant, improves male libido, and boosts athletic performance; yellow enhances energy levels, increases fertility, and maintains balance.

Is Maca safe for breastfeeding women and children? 

Yes, maca is completely safe for breastfeeding women and children. It contributes to improving cognitive performance and building strong bones, making it a great addition to the diet. 

From raising energy levels and balancing hormones to improving fertility and reducing stress, maca is an all-in-one edible with countless benefits. Whether you take it by itself on an empty stomach, use it to prepare a creamy chocolate maca smoothie, or make the super-delicious maca energy bars, it’s high time to include this nutritious vegetable in your diet now!