![- 1 ½ cups rolled oats - ½ cup unsweetened almond butter - ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup - ½ cup dried cherries, chopped - ½ cup dark chocolate chips - ¼ cup slivered almonds - ¼ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract The ingredients in these cherry chocolate chip granola bars create a perfect balance of flavors. The rolled oats give a hearty base, and the almond butter adds a rich creaminess. Honey or maple syrup provides natural sweetness. Dried cherries bring a tart burst, while dark chocolate chips give a sweet touch. Slivered almonds add a nice crunch, and salt enhances all the flavors. - Mixing bowl - Baking pan (8-inch square) - Parchment paper - Spatula - Small saucepan Having the right tools makes cooking easier. A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients. A baking pan lined with parchment paper ensures easy removal later. A spatula helps mix and press the mixture down firmly. Lastly, a small saucepan is needed for melting the almond butter with honey. These tools help you create delicious bars with ease. You can find the full recipe in the earlier section for all the steps. Enjoy! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, grab an 8-inch square baking pan. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some edges hanging. This makes it easy to remove the bars later. Now, let’s mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine: - 1 ½ cups rolled oats - ½ cup dried cherries, chopped - ½ cup dark chocolate chips - ¼ cup slivered almonds - ¼ teaspoon salt Stir these ingredients well until they are evenly mixed. Now, melt the almond butter mixture. In a small saucepan, combine: - ½ cup unsweetened almond butter - ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Heat this over low heat. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and warm. Once melted, pour it over the dry ingredients in your mixing bowl. Mix everything well until the oats and fruits are fully coated. Next, transfer your mixture to the prepared pan. Press it firmly into the pan using a spatula or your hands. Make sure it is even. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Look for golden edges; that's your cue it's done. After baking, remove the pan and let it cool for 30 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the granola out easily. Finally, cut it into bars or squares. Enjoy these delicious Cherry Chocolate Chip Granola Bars! For the complete recipe, see the [Full Recipe]. To make the best cherry chocolate chip granola bars, even mixing is key. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure every bite is full of flavor. When adding the wet mixture, press the mixture firmly into the pan. This helps the bars stick together better. A good press leads to a nice, sturdy bar that won’t crumble when you take a bite. For a beautiful presentation, arrange the bars on a nice plate. You can also wrap each bar in parchment paper and tie it with string. This makes a lovely gift for friends or family. Pair these tasty bars with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee. The flavors of cherry and chocolate go great with these drinks. If you have allergies, there are easy substitutions. You can use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter for nut-free bars. To make these bars vegan, replace honey with maple syrup. Each change keeps the bars delicious while meeting your needs. Enjoy making them your own! {{image_2}} You can make your cherry chocolate chip granola bars even better by adding nuts or seeds. Consider using walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds. These add both taste and good fats. You can also swap dried cherries for other dried fruits, like cranberries or apricots. Each option gives a new twist to the bars. To make your bars extra crunchy, add crispy rice. This small change creates a fun texture. You can also adjust the sweetness level. If you like it less sweet, use less honey or maple syrup. If you want a sweeter treat, add more chocolate chips. You can create your granola bars with different base ingredients. Try peanut butter instead of almond butter. This small swap changes the flavor nicely. You can also experiment with spices. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth. Each change can lead to a unique version of your bars. For the full recipe, check the section above. To keep your cherry chocolate chip granola bars fresh, use an airtight container. A glass jar or a plastic container works well. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep air out. You can also wrap each bar in parchment paper for extra protection. If you want to store them longer, freezing is a great option. Place the bars in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. These granola bars can last about one week in your pantry. If you store them in the fridge, they may last up to two weeks. Always check for freshness before eating. Look for any signs of spoilage. If the bars smell off or feel too hard, it’s best to toss them out. Freshness is key for enjoying their great taste! Cherry chocolate chip granola bars last about one week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you keep them in the fridge, they can stay fresh for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They will last for about three months in the freezer. Yes, you can easily make these granola bars gluten-free! Just use gluten-free rolled oats. Many brands offer gluten-free oats that are safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Always check the label to ensure they are certified gluten-free. This small change keeps the delicious taste while making them suitable for everyone. If you need a substitute for almond butter, try peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. Both options work well in this recipe. They add creaminess and flavor similar to almond butter. If you want a nut-free version, sunflower seed butter is a great choice. You can find cherry chocolate chip granola bars in many grocery stores. Check the snack aisle or the health food section. Some stores may carry them in bulk bins too. If you want fresh bars, try local bakeries or specialty shops that focus on healthy snacks. Using fresh cherries instead of dried is possible, but it will change the texture. Fresh cherries have more moisture. This can make the bars softer and harder to hold together. If you choose fresh cherries, chop them and reduce the amount of other wet ingredients slightly to balance the moisture. This blog post covered how to make cherry chocolate chip granola bars. We looked at required ingredients, helpful tools, and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for perfecting your bars and fun variations to try. Lastly, I discussed storage methods to keep your snacks fresh. Remember, making these bars lets you customize flavors and textures to fit your taste. Enjoy your homemade treats, and don't forget to share them with friends!](https://mycookingcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/74a5999e-c2f1-4ee7-a91f-ab383cd5dac1-250x250.webp)
Cherry Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Discover the deliciousness of Cherry Chocolate Chip Granola Bars! Perfect for a quick snack or a sweet treat, these bars blend oats, cherries, and dark chocolate for a tasty, wholesome option. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll create a delightful snack in no time. Click through to explore the full recipe and make your own batch today! Indulge in this perfect balance of flavors!