![- 1 ½ cups rolled oats - 1 cup pitted cherries, chopped (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut - ½ cup almond butter (or any nut butter) - ½ cup honey or maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon cinnamon - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ cup chopped almonds or walnuts (optional) These ingredients form the base of your Cherry Coconut Oat Bars. The oats provide a hearty texture. Cherries add a sweet and tart flavor. Coconut brings a lovely chewiness that contrasts well with the crunch of nuts. Almond butter binds everything together and adds creaminess. Honey or maple syrup sweeten the bars naturally. Using fresh or frozen cherries works well. If you pick fresh cherries, make sure to pit and chop them first. Shredded coconut must be unsweetened to keep the bars healthy. You can swap almond butter for any nut or seed butter you prefer. The vanilla extract and cinnamon add warmth and depth to the flavor. If you want extra crunch, consider adding chopped almonds or walnuts. They give a nice bite and boost the nutrition. Keep in mind that these bars are very flexible. You can adjust ingredients based on what you have at home. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. This mix of ingredients makes the bars tasty and fun to eat. They are perfect for snacks, breakfast, or a sweet treat. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Start by setting your oven. This step is key for even baking. Lining the dish helps you lift the bars out easily later. - Combine rolled oats, chopped cherries, shredded coconut. - Add chopped nuts (optional), cinnamon, and salt. In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, cherries, and coconut. If you like, toss in some nuts for crunch. Sprinkle in cinnamon and salt. Stir well until everything looks even. - Warm almond butter and honey (or maple syrup). - Stir in vanilla extract. In a small bowl, warm almond butter and honey together. A quick zap in the microwave works well. Adding vanilla gives a nice flavor. Mix until it's smooth and creamy. - Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. - Mix until sticky and well-combined. Now, pour the warm mixture into the dry bowl. Stir it all together. You want it to be sticky and hold together well. - Transfer the mixture to the baking dish. - Press down firmly and bake for 20-25 minutes. Next, pour the mixture into the lined dish. Press it down firmly with a spatula. This step helps the bars stick together. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for golden edges and a set center. - Cool for 10 minutes in baking dish. - Transfer to wire rack before cutting into bars. After baking, let the dish cool for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely before cutting. This step keeps them from getting soggy. For the full recipe, check out the ingredients listed above! To make your Cherry Coconut Oat Bars just right, the mixture needs to be sticky. If it feels dry, add a little more almond butter or honey. After mixing, press down firmly in your baking dish. This step helps the bars bake evenly. Store your bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. If you stack them, use parchment paper between the layers. This way, they won’t stick together. You can boost the flavor by adding spices like nutmeg or ginger. If you want to switch things up, try swapping almond butter for another nut or seed butter. This simple change can give you new textures and tastes. {{image_2}} You can change up the taste of your Cherry Coconut Oat Bars easily. If you want a new flavor, try these ideas: - Substitute cherries with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. These fruits add a tart taste and bright color. - Add chocolate chips for a sweet twist. This makes the bars richer and more appealing to kids. If you need to make these bars fit your diet better, here are some options: - Use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly option. This swap keeps the sweetness without using animal products. - Replace nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. This keeps the crunch while avoiding allergens. Following a gluten-free diet? No problem! You can still enjoy these bars: - Verify that your oats are certified gluten-free. Some oats may have cross-contamination with gluten. - Substitute with gluten-free flour if desired. This can help with the texture while keeping it gluten-free. For more details on the recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Enjoy your tasty treats! To keep your cherry coconut oat bars fresh, store them in a cool, dry place. Use an airtight container to prevent moisture. For longer-lasting bars, place them in the fridge. The cooler temperature helps maintain their taste and texture. If you want to save some bars for later, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or foil. This protects them from freezer burn. When you want a snack, thaw a bar at room temperature. You can also microwave it for a quick treat. At room temperature, expect your bars to last up to a week. This makes them great for snacks or lunchboxes. If stored in the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. Keeping them cold helps maintain their flavor and freshness. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Yes, just thaw and chop before using. Frozen cherries work well and save time. They add great flavor and texture to the bars. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid after thawing. This way, your bars remain firm and chewy. You can easily make these bars vegan. Just substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup. Both options add sweetness without any animal products. They blend well with the other ingredients, keeping the bars tasty and moist. I recommend using rolled oats for this recipe. They provide a better texture and chewiness. Instant oats can make the bars too soft and change how they hold together. Stick to rolled oats for the best results. Aim for a thickness of about 1 to 1.5 inches in the baking dish. This thickness ensures even baking and a nice chewy texture. If they are too thin, they may not hold together well. Keep an eye on the edges as they bake, and look for a golden color. These cherry coconut oat bars are easy to make and delicious. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and various tips for baking. I shared ideas for flavor changes and how to store them well. By using the right techniques, you can enjoy tasty bars that fit your diet. Remember, feel free to get creative with flavors or toppings. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a snack to love!](https://lisadishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/77c8d24a-f5f8-46db-917a-da4f38566efa-250x250.webp)
Cherry Coconut Oat Bars
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these delicious Cherry Coconut Oat Bars! Packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, pitted cherries, and nut butter, these easy-to-make bars are the perfect healthy snack for any time of day. Bake a batch in just 45 minutes and enjoy a tasty treat that's both nutritious and delightful.