Go Back
The base of these bars is simple and wholesome. Here are the main ingredients you'll need: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup chopped almonds - 1 cup dried cherries These ingredients bring a great texture and taste. The oats give a hearty feel. Chopped almonds add crunch, while dried cherries offer a sweet and tangy kick. To hold everything together, we need some sweeteners and binders. Grab these: - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup almond butter The honey or maple syrup adds sweetness and moisture. Almond butter acts as a glue, making the bars chewy. A few extra touches will elevate the flavor. Use: - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract - 1/4 teaspoon salt Vanilla and almond extracts bring warmth and depth. The salt balances the sweetness, making every bite pop. If you want to mix things up, consider these optional add-ins: - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips Chocolate chips give a fun twist. They melt slightly, making the bars even more delicious. Now, you have the perfect blend of ingredients for Cherry Almond Granola Bars. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the bars bake evenly. 2. Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some paper over the sides. This makes removal easier later. 3. In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, chopped almonds, and dried cherries. Make sure they are well combined. 1. In a small saucepan, combine the honey or maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. 2. Heat the mixture over low heat. Stir it until smooth and well combined. This helps the flavors mix better. 3. Pour the warm almond mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix well until everything is coated. If you want, fold in mini chocolate chips gently. 1. Transfer the granola mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. 2. Press down firmly to make sure the bars hold together after baking. This step is key! 3. Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Watch for a golden brown color on the edges. 1. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool completely in the pan. 2. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out. 3. Once cool, cut into bars of your desired size. Enjoy your Cherry Almond Granola Bars! For the full recipe, refer back to the main article. To get the best texture in your granola bars, press down firmly before baking. This step helps the bars stick together. A good press makes them chewy and crunchy. Adjust the baking time to find your perfect chewiness. Bake for 20 minutes for softer bars or up to 25 minutes for a crispier result. Store your granola bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for longer. To prevent them from drying out, add a piece of bread to the container. The bread will help keep the bars moist. If you want to keep them longer, place your granola bars in the fridge. You can make your granola bars unique by trying different nuts and dried fruits. Swap almonds for walnuts or hazelnuts. Use cranberries, raisins, or apricots instead of cherries. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor. You can also mix in seeds for extra crunch. Explore different combinations to find your favorite mix! For the full recipe, check out the Cherry Almond Granola Bars section. {{image_2}} You can easily make a nut-free version of these bars. Just swap out the almonds. Use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead. This keeps the crunch and taste. Plus, it makes the bars safe for those with nut allergies. Seeds add good fats and protein, making them a great choice. To make these bars vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey. Plant-based butter works well too. Try coconut oil or any vegan spread. These swaps keep the bars tasty and friendly for a vegan diet. You won’t lose any flavor or texture with these changes. Want to boost the flavor? Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the mix. A pinch of either can make a big impact. These spices add warmth and depth to the bars. You could also mix in a dash of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite blend. Check out the Full Recipe for more details and tips! To keep your Cherry Almond Granola Bars fresh, use airtight containers. These containers help lock in moisture and flavor. You can also refrigerate them. The fridge keeps the bars fresh longer, but it may change their texture. If you prefer a firmer bite, store them at room temperature. Homemade granola bars last about one week at room temperature. They can last up to two weeks in the fridge. Pay attention to any signs of spoilage, like a strange smell or change in texture. If you notice these signs, it's best to toss them out. Freezing is a great way to keep granola bars for longer. To freeze, wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. When you want to eat one, take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. This keeps the texture nice and chewy. Enjoy your delicious Cherry Almond Granola Bars anytime! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free. Just use certified gluten-free oats instead of regular oats. This small swap keeps the taste and texture while making it safe for those with gluten allergies. Always check the label on your oats. Sometimes, cross-contamination happens during processing. You can try other nut butters like peanut or cashew butter. Each nut butter adds a unique flavor. Peanut butter gives a rich taste, while cashew butter is creamier. If you prefer a seed option, sunflower seed butter works well too. Just remember, the choice affects the final flavor. Yes! These bars offer great nutrition. They are full of fiber from oats and nuts. The dried cherries add antioxidants. The sweetness comes from honey or maple syrup, which is better than refined sugar. However, watch the portion size. They are still energy-dense snacks. You can easily change the sweetness level. Use less honey or maple syrup if you want them less sweet. For a sweeter taste, add a bit more. You can also try adding a touch of mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce. This keeps the bars moist and adds natural sweetness. The Cherry Almond Granola Bars recipe combines tasty ingredients like oats, almonds, and cherries. You can adjust sweetness and customize flavors easily. We explored tips for the perfect texture and effective storage methods. You can make nut-free or vegan versions, too. These bars are simple, tasty, and a great snack option. Enjoy making them your own!

Cherry Almond Granola Bars

Discover the deliciousness of Cherry Almond Granola Bars! These tasty bars are packed with rolled oats, crunchy almonds, and sweet dried cherries, making them a perfect snack for any time of day. Easy to make and ready in just 45 minutes, they can be enjoyed at home or on the go. Follow our simple recipe and treat yourself to a healthy, satisfying snack. Click through for the full recipe and start baking today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup almonds, chopped

1 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup almond butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

    In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, chopped almonds, and dried cherries.

      In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey (or maple syrup), almond butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. Stir until smooth and well combined.

        Pour the warm almond mixture over the oat mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. If using, fold in the mini chocolate chips gently.

          Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Press down firmly to ensure the bars hold together after baking.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

              Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out with the parchment paper.

                Once cool, cut into bars of desired size.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

                    - Presentation Tips: Wrap each granola bar in parchment paper and tie with a twine for a rustic look, perfect for gifting or snacking on-the-go.