Imagine biting into a perfectly balanced granola bar that's simultaneously crunchy, chewy, and bursting with rich chocolate and tangy cherry flavors. These homemade Chewy Cherry Chocolate Granola Bars aren't just a snack—they're a gourmet experience that will transform your everyday munching into a culinary adventure. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or a parent looking for nutritious treats, these bars promise to satisfy your cravings and elevate your snack game to a whole new level.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup almonds, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats and chopped almonds. Toast them lightly in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until they become fragrant and golden brown, stirring once halfway through.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, warm the honey and almond butter together for 30-45 seconds. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
- Add vanilla extract to the honey-almond butter mixture and mix well.
- Pour the warm liquid mixture over the toasted oats and almonds. Stir thoroughly to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly coated.
- Fold in the chopped dried cherries and dark chocolate chips, mixing gently to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, pressing firmly and evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon to create a compact layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. The bars will continue to set as they cool.
- Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the entire block out of the pan and place on a cutting board.
- Cut into 12 equal bars using a sharp knife. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Toast your oats and almonds carefully to enhance their nutty flavor, but watch them closely to prevent burning.
- Use room temperature honey and almond butter for easier mixing and better ingredient integration.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure compact, well-formed bars that hold together.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to achieve clean, neat edges.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the bars after cooling.
- Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Experiment with different mix-ins like coconut flakes or different nuts for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
