Cherry Almond Granola Bars Recipe

If you’ve been searching for the perfect snack that feels both wholesome and indulgent, I’m so excited to share this Cherry Almond Granola Bars Recipe with you. These bars are packed with chewy dried cherries, crunchy almonds, and just the right touch of natural sweetness, making them a fan-freaking-tastic option for breakfast on-the-go or an afternoon pick-me-up. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll find yourself reaching for them all week long!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients combine to create a nourishing bite with satisfying crunch and a lovely hint of natural sweetness. When shopping, look for high-quality almond butter and unsweetened dried cherries, as they really elevate the overall flavor.

• Rolled oats: Use gluten-free oats if needed; toasting them first brings out a nutty flavor.
• Slivered almonds: I love the crunch they add, but chopped almonds work great too.
• Pitted dates: Medjool dates are my favorite for that rich caramel sweetness and sticky texture.
• Dried tart cherries: Unsweetened if possible to keep the bars balanced and not too sugary.
• Seeds of choice: Flax, hemp, sesame, and chia all add nutrition and texture—choose your favorites.
• Maple syrup: Gives a natural sweetening kick; honey is a fine substitute if you’re not vegan.
• Creamy salted natural almond butter: Just almonds and salt keep the flavor clean and simple.
• Coconut oil: Helps bind everything and adds a subtle tropical note.
• Sea salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• Vanilla extract: Optional, but I think it adds a lovely depth.

Variations

I love making this Cherry Almond Granola Bars Recipe my own by switching up ingredients or adding extras. Feel free to experiment—this recipe is a great base for personalization that’s easy to tweak!

• Nut-free variation: Swap almonds and almond butter for sunflower seeds and sunflower seed butter; my niece with nut allergies still gobbles them up.
• Fruit swaps: Dried cranberries or blueberries work wonderfully if you want to change up the tart fruit profile.
• Boost of spice: Add a dash of cinnamon or cardamom for a cozy, warm spice that takes the bars next level.
• Extra protein: Throw in a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder to power up your snack.

How to Make Cherry Almond Granola Bars Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Oats and Almonds

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (176°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper—trust me, this helps the bars lift out cleanly later. Spread your oats and almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast for about 10-12 minutes or until they’re a light golden brown. I learned the hard way that skipping this step makes the bars less flavorful, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Blend Dates and Dried Cherries

Put your pitted dates and dried cherries in a food processor and pulse until you get a sticky, clumpy mixture. It should hold together when you press it but still have small texture bits. This is the glue for your bars, so getting it right here is really important.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted oats and almonds with your seeds of choice. Give it a quick stir so everything’s nicely mixed before adding your sticky date-cherry blend.

Step 4: Warm the Wet Ingredients

In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the maple syrup, almond butter, and coconut oil, stirring constantly until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat, stir in a pinch of sea salt and the optional vanilla extract, then pour it over your dry ingredients. This warm mix will help everything bind together beautifully.

Step 5: Mix It All Together

Using a spoon or your clean hands, mix everything thoroughly. Break up any large clumps of the date mixture so it’s evenly distributed. The final mix should be sticky and hold together when you press it. If it feels crumbly, add a touch more maple syrup or almond butter—this step is key to bars that don’t fall apart when you bite in.

Step 6: Press and Chill

Transfer the mixture to your parchment-lined baking dish and press down firmly with a wooden spoon or your hands. For the tightest, least crumbly bars, I like to cover it with parchment and press down with a flat-bottom glass. Pop it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to firm up before slicing into 12 bars.

How to Serve Cherry Almond Granola Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few extra dried cherries or slivered almonds on top of the bars before pressing them down in the pan—it makes them look beautiful and adds a nice little bonus crunch or chew to that first bite.

Side Dishes

These bars are perfect paired with a cup of yogurt or smoothie for a balanced breakfast or alongside a refreshing fruit salad for a wholesome snack break.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions like kids’ lunchbox treats or brunch, I like to wrap each bar in parchment or reusable beeswax wraps tied with twine. It adds a charming, homemade touch and keeps them fresh longer when packed up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay fresh and tasty for up to two weeks. I find chilling keeps their texture just right, especially on warmer days.

Freezing

Freezing is a lifesaver for me—I keep a batch wrapped individually in the freezer for quick snacks. When you’re ready to eat one, just thaw at room temperature or enjoy straight from the freezer if you like them firm and cool.

Reheating

If you want to soften them up a bit, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave does the trick without drying them out. Just be careful not to melt the coconut oil completely or they’ll get a little too gooey.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cherry Almond Granola Bars Recipe comes together—so simple but packed with flavor and texture. When I first tried making homemade granola bars, I struggled with bars that were too dry or crumbly, but this recipe nailed it every time after a few tweaks. My family goes crazy for these, and they’re my go-to snack for busy mornings or days running errands. I hope you enjoy making and savoring them as much as I do! Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked.

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