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Cherry Almond Granola Bars

Cherry Almond Granola Bars
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Cherry Almond Granola Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack combining the tartness of dried cherries with the crunch of toasted almonds and wholesome rolled oats. Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup and enriched with coconut oil and vanilla, these bars are perfect for on-the-go energy, kid-friendly treats, or a nutritious snack that balances flavor and nutrition effortlessly.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups rolled oats
  • ½ cup almonds, toasted and chopped
  • ½ cup dried cherries
  • ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Additions

  • 2 tablespoons flaxseed or chia seeds
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
  • ¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
  2. Toast the Almonds and Oats: Spread almonds and rolled oats on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, enhancing their flavor and crunch.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey (or maple syrup) with coconut oil and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined, creating a smooth, sticky binder.
  4. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the toasted oats, almonds, dried cherries, and any seeds. Pour in the warm honey-oil mixture and stir thoroughly, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
  5. Press and Bake: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and firmly press it down to pack it tightly. Bake for about 15-18 minutes until edges are golden and the bars hold together well.
  6. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into squares or rectangles and get ready to enjoy!

Notes

  • Pack firmly: Press the mixture solidly into your pan to prevent crumbly bars.
  • Don’t skip toasting: Toasting nuts and oats enhances flavor and texture dramatically.
  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh oats and high-quality dried cherries make a big difference in taste.
  • Adjust sweetness: Control the amount of honey or maple syrup based on your preferred sweetness level.
  • Cool fully before slicing: This ensures clean cuts and bars that hold their shape.

Nutrition

Keywords: granola bars, cherry almond bars, healthy snack, gluten-free, homemade granola, portable snack, wholesome bars

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/cherry-almond-granola-bars/