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To make Cherry Chocolate Granola Bars, you need these tasty ingredients: - 2 cups rolled oats - ½ cup almond butter (or any nut/seed butter of choice) - ¼ cup honey or maple syrup - ½ cup dark chocolate chips - ½ cup dried cherries, chopped - ¼ cup sunflower seeds - ¼ cup sliced almonds - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon cinnamon - Pinch of salt You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - If you don’t have almond butter, peanut butter works too. - Maple syrup can replace honey for a vegan option. - You can use any dried fruit instead of cherries, like cranberries or raisins. - For a nut-free version, skip the nuts and use pumpkin seeds. Choosing the best ingredients helps make better bars. Here are my tips: - Buy organic oats to avoid pesticides and chemicals. - Look for nut butters with no added sugars or oils. - Choose dark chocolate chips with at least 70% cocoa for a rich taste. - Select plump, moist dried cherries for a juicy bite. - Always check the expiration dates on all products. These tips help you create delicious Cherry Chocolate Granola Bars. You can find the full recipe above to get started! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, grab an 8x8 inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the edges. This step makes it easy to lift out the granola bars later. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of rolled oats, ¼ cup of sunflower seeds, and ¼ cup of sliced almonds. Add ½ cup of chopped dried cherries, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir these dry ingredients until they are well combined. This mixture forms the base of your granola bars and gives them texture. For the wet mix, take a microwave-safe bowl. Add ½ cup of almond butter and ¼ cup of honey or maple syrup. Microwave this mix in 20-second intervals. Stir after each interval until it becomes smooth and melted. Once ready, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour this warm mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well. This helps to coat all the oats and nuts evenly. Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Press it firmly with a spatula or your hands. This step ensures the bars hold together when baked. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown. Once baked, let it cool in the dish for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the granola out and place it on a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before cutting into bars. Store your delicious bars in an airtight container. Enjoy this tasty snack! To get the best texture in your Cherry Chocolate Granola Bars, focus on the oats. Use rolled oats for the right chewiness. Press the mixture firmly into the baking dish. This step helps the bars hold together well. Bake until the edges are golden brown, but not too dark. A bit of crunch is good, but you want a soft center too. One common mistake is not measuring ingredients accurately. Use a scale for the best results. Overmixing can also ruin the bars. Gently fold in the chocolate chips to keep them whole. Lastly, don’t skip cooling the bars before cutting. This makes them easier to slice and keeps them from falling apart. You can customize your bars by adding other flavors. Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for contrast. Nuts like walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. You could also toss in some coconut flakes for extra flavor. If you love spices, a dash of nutmeg can make a big difference. Each of these adds a unique twist to the classic Cherry Chocolate Granola Bars recipe. {{image_2}} You can add a nutty twist to your Cherry Chocolate Granola Bars. By mixing in chopped nuts, you heighten the texture and flavor. Use walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts to enhance the crunch. Simply add about ½ cup of your chosen nuts to the dry mix. This change makes the bars more filling and adds healthy fats. Want to make your bars vegan? Swap honey for maple syrup. Both sweeteners work well, but maple syrup keeps it plant-based. For a gluten-free option, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. This small change allows everyone to enjoy your tasty snack without worry. With these swaps, your Cherry Chocolate Granola Bars will be a hit with all! You can easily customize flavors in your granola bars. For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut. About ½ cup will do the trick! You can also spice it up with 1 teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla. This gives your bars a unique flavor and aroma. Try adding spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warm touch. Each variation adds a new layer of taste, making your snacks even more exciting. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To keep your Cherry Chocolate Granola Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This protects them from air and moisture. You can place them in the pantry or the fridge. If you use the fridge, they stay fresh longer. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper. This way, they won’t stick together. When stored correctly, these granola bars last for up to two weeks. If you keep them in the fridge, they may stay fresh for a bit longer. Check for any signs of spoilage. If they smell off or have changed color, toss them out. Always trust your senses. Freezing is a great option if you want to keep your bars for longer. To freeze, wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. This keeps them tasty and ready to enjoy! For the full recipe, check out the Cherry Chocolate Granola Bars section. Yes, you can use other nuts or seeds. Try walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds. Each adds a unique flavor and texture. Just keep the total amount the same. You can mix and match to find your favorite combo. Definitely, these bars are a healthy snack option. They contain oats, nuts, and dried fruits. These ingredients provide fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. Using dark chocolate adds antioxidants while keeping sugar low. They are great for energy, perfect for a quick snack. You can find pre-made bars in most grocery stores. Check the health food aisle or snack section. Brands like Nature Valley or RXBAR often have similar flavors. Always read the label to ensure quality ingredients. To make gluten-free Cherry Chocolate Granola Bars, use gluten-free oats. Many brands offer certified gluten-free oats now. This simple swap ensures your bars are safe for those with gluten allergies or sensitivities. This guide walked you through making delicious Cherry Chocolate Granola Bars. We covered the key ingredients, including tips on choosing the best ones. You learned step-by-step instructions for mixing and baking. Plus, we shared useful tips to avoid common mistakes. You explored fun variations and storage methods to keep your bars fresh. Remember, baking is all about experimenting and enjoying the process. Try different flavors and ingredients to make this recipe your own. Happy baking!

Cherry Chocolate Granola Bars

Indulge in the perfect blend of flavors with these Cherry Chocolate Granola Bars! Packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, almond butter, dried cherries, and dark chocolate chips, these easy-to-make snacks are ideal for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. Discover how to create your own delicious and healthy treat that the whole family will love.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

½ cup almond butter (or any nut/seed butter of choice)

¼ cup honey or maple syrup

½ cup dark chocolate chips

½ cup dried cherries, chopped

¼ cup sunflower seeds

¼ cup sliced almonds

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, dried cherries, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well until combined.

      In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the almond butter and honey (or maple syrup). Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.

        Stir the vanilla extract into the melted mixture, then pour it over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Mix thoroughly until all the oats and nuts are coated.

          Fold in the dark chocolate chips gently to avoid them melting too much.

            Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands to create an even layer.

              Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

                Remove from the oven and let it cool in the dish for about 10 minutes. Then use the parchment overhang to lift the granola bars out and place on a wire rack to cool completely.

                  Once cooled, cut into bars of your desired size. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12 bars