If you’re looking for a simple, tasty, and nutritious snack, the Cherry Almond Granola Bars Recipe is just what you need! These bars are easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients, making them perfect for busy days. Customize them with your favorite seeds or add-ins for an even more personalized treat.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 180
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 10mg
Why Make Cherry Almond Granola Bars Recipe
These bars offer a delicious way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your diet. Packed with rolled oats, nuts, and fruits, the Cherry Almond Granola Bars are rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. They are perfect for breakfast on-the-go, a mid-afternoon snack, or even a post-workout boost. Plus, you can feel great knowing you’re fueling your body with whole foods without any artificial additives!
How to Make Cherry Almond Granola Bars Recipe Step by Step
Ingredients
1 ½ cups rolled oats (gluten-free for GF eaters)
3/4 cup slivered almonds (or chopped raw almonds)
2/3 cup packed pitted dates (approx. 7-8 large medjool dates)
1/3 cup packed dried tart cherries (unsweetened preferred)
1/4 cup seeds of choice (flax, hemp, sesame, chia)
1 healthy pinch sea salt
1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey if not vegan)
1/4 cup creamy salted natural almond butter (almonds + salt only)
1 Tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Directions
Heat the oven to 350°F (176°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Spread the oats and almonds on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until they turn slightly golden and aromatic. Place the pitted dates and dried tart cherries in a food processor and pulse for about 20 seconds until the mixture forms small lumps or a sticky ball, ensuring it is tacky enough to bind the bars.
Transfer the toasted oats and almonds to a large mixing bowl. Add the date-cherry paste along with your chosen seeds, mixing gently to combine all ingredients. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the maple syrup, almond butter, and coconut oil. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy, then remove from heat. Stir in the sea salt and vanilla extract if using.
Pour the warm syrup mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly using a spoon or your hands, breaking apart the date mixture to distribute it evenly. Add extra dried cherries or a bit more maple syrup or almond butter if the mixture feels too dry or crumbly. The mixture should be sticky and hold together when pressed.
Transfer the sticky mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover with parchment paper and firmly press down with a flat object like a drinking glass to compact the mixture tightly. This ensures the bars won’t crumble once chilled. Place the dish in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to harden the bars. This helps them hold their shape for slicing.
Lift the chilled mixture from the dish using the parchment paper and cut into 12 equal bars. Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months. Bars maintain the best shape when kept chilled or frozen but are portable for on-the-go snacking.
How to Serve Cherry Almond Granola Bars Recipe
Enjoy these granola bars on their own, or pair them with a dollop of Greek yogurt for an added protein boost. They also make a great accompaniment to a fresh fruit salad or a handful of nuts for a balanced snack. For a delightful evening treat, crumble them over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to Store Cherry Almond Granola Bars Recipe
Store these granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness. If you prefer to freeze them, wrap each bar in parchment paper before placing them in a freezer-safe bag to make it easy to grab one when you’re on the go. When ready to enjoy, simply take out as many as you want—no need to thaw!
Expert Tips for Cooking Cherry Almond Granola Bars Recipe
- Toast the oats and almonds longer for a more pronounced nutty flavor.
- Use a silicone baking dish for easier removal of the bars.
- If you prefer a bit of crunch, add some puffed rice or quinoa to the mixture.
- Press the mixture down firmly to avoid crumbly bars.
- Experiment with different dried fruits, like apricots or cranberries, for variety.
Delicious Variations of Cherry Almond Granola Bars Recipe
For those who enjoy a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. If you’re looking for a citrus twist, try incorporating some lemon or orange zest into the mixture. For a more herby flavor, you can experiment with fresh rosemary or chopped mint to add a unique flair to your granola bars.
Conclusion
The Cherry Almond Granola Bars Recipe is not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to make. With its customizable ingredients and healthy profile, it’s a snack you can feel good about. Try it today and enjoy the delightful taste and energy-boosting benefits!
Cherry Almond Granola Bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats (gluten-free for GF eaters)
- 3/4 cup slivered almonds (or chopped raw almonds)
- 2/3 cup packed pitted dates (approx. 7-8 large medjool dates)
- 1/3 cup packed dried tart cherries (unsweetened preferred)
- 1/4 cup seeds of choice (flax, hemp, sesame, chia)
- 1 pinch sea salt A healthy pinch
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey if not vegan)
- 1/4 cup creamy salted natural almond butter (almonds + salt only)
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional) Optional for flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the oven to 350°F (176°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Spread the oats and almonds on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until they turn slightly golden and aromatic.
- Place the pitted dates and dried tart cherries in a food processor and pulse for about 20 seconds until the mixture forms small lumps or a sticky ball.
- Transfer the toasted oats and almonds to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the date-cherry paste along with your chosen seeds, mixing gently to combine all ingredients.
Mixing
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the maple syrup, almond butter, and coconut oil. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy, then remove from heat.
- Stir in the sea salt and vanilla extract if using.
- Pour the warm syrup mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly using a spoon or your hands, breaking apart the date mixture to distribute it evenly.
- Add extra dried cherries or more maple syrup or almond butter if the mixture feels too dry or crumbly.
Shaping and Chilling
- Transfer the sticky mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover with parchment paper.
- Firmly press down with a flat object like a drinking glass to compact the mixture tightly.
- Place the dish in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to harden the bars.
Slicing and Storing
- Lift the chilled mixture from the dish using the parchment paper and cut into 12 equal bars.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months.
