Looking for a simple, tasty snack that hits the spot? These Cherry Almond Granola Bars are perfect for you! Packed with wholesome ingredients, they offer a delightful crunch and a sweet burst of flavor. Whether you’re on the go or enjoying a cozy afternoon, these bars will keep you satisfied. In this post, I’ll guide you through easy steps for making these delicious treats at home. Let’s dive into the tasty world of granola bars!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Healthy Ingredients: This recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried fruits, making it a nutritious choice for any time of day.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, these granola bars can be whipped up quickly, perfect for busy mornings or snacks.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients based on your preferences, adding different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for a personal touch.
- Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of flavors, from tart cherries to creamy almond butter, creates a delightful taste that keeps you coming back for more!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients List
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup almonds, roughly chopped
– 1 cup dried cherries, coarsely chopped
– 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option)
– 1/2 cup creamy almond butter
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips (optional for extra indulgence)
I love how simple this list is. Each ingredient plays a key role. The rolled oats give a nice base. Almonds add crunch. Dried cherries bring sweetness and chewiness. Honey or maple syrup binds it all together. Almond butter adds creaminess. Light brown sugar gives a hint of caramel flavor. Vanilla extract boosts taste. Salt enhances all the flavors. Ground cinnamon adds warmth. Feel free to add mini dark chocolate chips for a sweet touch.
Substitute Options
If you run out of any ingredient, don’t worry! Here are some easy swaps:
– Use peanut butter instead of almond butter.
– Swap honey for agave syrup for a vegan choice.
– Change dried cherries for dried cranberries or raisins.
– Replace almonds with any nuts you like, such as walnuts or pecans.
– Use coconut sugar instead of light brown sugar for a different flavor.
These options keep the bars delicious and fun. You can mix and match based on what you have.
Nutritional Information
Each granola bar is packed with nutrients. Here’s a quick look at what you get per bar:
– Calories: About 180
– Protein: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 25g
– Fat: 7g
– Fiber: 3g
– Sugar: 8g
These bars are great for a quick energy boost. They provide healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack during the day!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take an 8×8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the sides. This step helps you lift the bars out easily later.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, chopped almonds, and coarsely chopped dried cherries. Add the salt and ground cinnamon into the bowl. Stir everything well to make sure the dry ingredients are evenly mixed. This mix gives the bars great texture and flavor.
Creating the Wet Mixture
In a small saucepan, add the honey or maple syrup and almond butter. Then, sprinkle in the light brown sugar. Heat this mixture on low. Keep stirring until it melts and becomes smooth. Once it’s all combined, take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This mixture binds everything together.
Combining and Pressing the Mixtures
Pour your warm almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Use a spatula to mix them together. Make sure all dry bits are coated. If you want, gently fold in mini chocolate chips for extra fun.
Baking the Granola Bars
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands. This step helps the bars hold their shape. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and a nice smell.
Cooling and Slicing
Once baked, take the dish out of the oven. Let it cool for about 15 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the granola block out. Place it on a cutting board. Once it’s completely cool, cut it into bars or squares as you like. Store your tasty granola bars in an airtight container for up to one week.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Perfect Texture
To get the best texture for your granola bars, follow these key steps:
– Use rolled oats for chewiness.
– Chop your almonds and cherries well for even bites.
– Press the mixture firmly into the pan. This helps the bars hold together.
– Bake until golden brown for a crispy edge.
A golden edge means more flavor. If you prefer softer bars, bake for a shorter time. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Ideal Storage Practices
Store your granola bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to one week.
– For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Then place them in a zip-top bag.
– When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature for a few minutes.
This will keep them tasty and ready for a snack!
Serving Suggestions
These granola bars are fun to enjoy in many ways:
– Eat them as a quick breakfast on busy mornings.
– Pack them in your lunch for a tasty snack.
– Serve with yogurt for a creamy dip.
You can even drizzle melted dark chocolate on top for extra taste. This adds a sweet touch that kids love!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your dried cherries and almonds are fresh for the best flavor and texture in your granola bars.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to swap out almonds for other nuts or add seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup for a less sweet bar.
- Store Properly: Keep your granola bars in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and avoid them becoming soggy.
Variations
Alternative Nut Options
You can switch out almonds for other nuts. Walnuts, pecans, or cashews work well. Each nut adds a unique taste and crunch. Choose what you like best or what you have at home. Keep in mind that nut sizes may differ. Chop larger nuts to match the size of almonds. This keeps the bars uniform and easy to eat.
Dried Fruit Swaps
Dried cherries give these bars a lovely flavor, but feel free to swap them. Raisins, cranberries, or apricots are great choices. Each type of dried fruit brings its own sweetness. You can even mix different dried fruits for a fun twist. Just ensure they are chopped into small pieces. This helps them blend better with the other ingredients.
Gluten-Free Adaptations
To make these granola bars gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats. Many brands offer oats that are safe for gluten-sensitive diets. Always check the label to be sure. If you want extra flavor, try adding coconut flakes or sunflower seeds. They add texture and taste without gluten. Enjoy these bars as a safe and tasty snack for everyone!
Storage Info
How to Store Homemade Granola Bars
After you make your cherry almond granola bars, they need proper storage. You should keep them in an airtight container. This will keep them fresh and tasty. If you stack the bars, place parchment paper between each layer. This step prevents sticking and makes it easy to grab one when you need a quick snack.
Freezing Suggestions
If you want to store the bars for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each granola bar tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method helps protect the bars from freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you want to eat one, take it out and let it thaw at room temperature.
Shelf Life of Stored Bars
When stored properly, your homemade granola bars last up to one week at room temperature. If you keep them in the fridge, they can last for two weeks. Just remember, the fresher they are, the better they will taste! Enjoy your cherry almond granola bars as a quick breakfast or a fun snack anytime.
FAQs
How long do cherry almond granola bars last?
Cherry almond granola bars can last for about one week. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. They can stay good in the freezer for up to three months.
Can I use other nut butters?
Yes, you can use other nut butters like peanut butter or cashew butter. Each nut butter will give a different flavor. Just ensure your nut butter is creamy for the best texture.
Is this recipe easy to make vegan?
Absolutely, this recipe is easy to make vegan. Just swap honey for maple syrup. Also, check your dark chocolate chips for dairy-free options.
How do I cut the granola bars without crumbling?
To cut the granola bars cleanly, let them cool completely. Use a sharp knife and press down gently. You can also cut them in the pan while they are still warm, but be careful to avoid crumbling.
Can I add proteins to the recipe?
Yes, you can add proteins! Consider adding protein powder or nuts for a protein boost. If you want to add protein powder, mix it with the dry ingredients for even distribution.
This blog post covered making cherry almond granola bars. We explored ingredients, steps, and helpful tips. You learned how to prep your dish and mix ingredients for great texture. We also discussed storage and variations to match your taste.
Remember, you can customize these bars as you like. Enjoy making your own healthy snacks that taste grea
