![To make these tasty cherry almond granola bars, gather these essential ingredients: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup almonds, coarsely chopped - 1 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup almond butter - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional) These ingredients give the bars their chewy texture and sweet flavor. The oats serve as the base, while the almonds and cherries add crunch and sweetness. Honey or maple syrup acts as a binder, and almond butter adds creaminess. You can customize your granola bars with these optional ingredients: - 1/2 cup shredded coconut - 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins Adding these can change the flavor and texture. They can also boost the nutritional value. If you enjoy coconut, try adding shredded coconut for a tropical twist. Pumpkin seeds can give a nice crunch and extra nutrients. If you lack some ingredients, here are easy substitutes: - Use peanut butter instead of almond butter. - Swap almonds for walnuts or pecans. - Try maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option. These substitutions keep the essence of the recipe. Feel free to mix and match. This flexibility makes the recipe easy to adjust to your pantry. For more details, check the Full Recipe. To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8x8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides. This makes it easier to lift out the bars later. In a big bowl, mix 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of coarsely chopped almonds, and 1 cup of roughly chopped dried cherries. Stir well to spread everything evenly. Now, take a small saucepan and set it on low heat. Add 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup, 1/4 cup of almond butter, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir until it becomes smooth. This warm mixture will help bind the bars. Pour the warm almond mixture over the oat mix. Use a spatula to fold everything together until fully combined. If you want to add some fun, gently fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips. Next, spoon the mixture into your prepared dish. Spread it evenly and press down firmly with your hands or a spatula. This helps the bars hold together. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for a lovely golden brown color on the edges. Keep an eye on them. We don’t want burnt bars! When the bars are done baking, take them out and let them cool completely in the pan. This usually takes about 30 minutes. After they cool, the parchment paper comes in handy. Lift the whole slab out of the dish. Now, use a sharp knife to cut them into bars of your choice. You can make them thick or thin, depending on what you like. For a nice touch, wrap each granola bar in parchment paper. Tie it with twine for a rustic look. Perfect for gifts or snacks on the go! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep your granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will help them stay soft and tasty. If you want them to last longer, wrap each bar in plastic wrap or parchment paper. You can also place them in a resealable bag. Keep them in a cool, dry place. For best results, eat them within a week. To make chewy granola bars, use more almond butter and honey. This adds moisture and helps them stick together. Press the mixture tightly in the pan. If you want crisp bars, reduce the almond butter and honey slightly. Bake them a bit longer until they turn golden brown. This will create a crunchier texture. Granola bars are great on their own, but you can make them even better. Try pairing them with Greek yogurt for a healthy snack. They also go well with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey. For a fun twist, crumble them over desserts like ice cream or pudding. The sweet and nutty flavors enhance any treat! {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of your cherry almond granola bars. Try adding dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. These fruits give a sweet and tangy taste. You could also swap almonds for walnuts or pecans for a nutty twist. For a chocolatey flavor, add cocoa powder or use dark chocolate chips instead. Experimenting with spices, like cinnamon or nutmeg, can also add warmth to your bars. If you need nut-free granola bars, replace almond butter with sunflower seed butter. This keeps the texture creamy. Use pumpkin seeds instead of nuts for crunch. For gluten-free bars, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without any gluten. Using fresh fruits can give your granola bars a unique taste. In spring, add fresh strawberries or blueberries. In summer, try peaches or cherries for a juicy kick. Fall is perfect for apples and pears, while winter can bring in zest with citrus fruits. Just be sure to adjust the liquid in the recipe when using fresh fruits. This keeps your bars from becoming too wet. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe for Cherry Almond Granola Bars. To keep your Cherry Almond Granola Bars fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. You can layer the bars with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store them at room temperature for easy access. For longer freshness, keep them away from direct sunlight and heat. Freezing is a great option for longer storage. To freeze, wrap each granola bar in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Make sure to label the bag with the date. These bars can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Cherry Almond Granola Bars can stay fresh for about one week when stored correctly at room temperature. To maintain their best taste and texture, check for any signs of spoilage. If they become hard or dry, a quick microwave for a few seconds can help. Remember to always check the ingredients used, as some may have shorter shelf lives than others. Storing them properly ensures you enjoy their delightful flavors longer! Cherry Almond Granola Bars have about 200 calories each. This can vary slightly based on ingredients. For instance, if you add chocolate chips, the calorie count may rise. Always check your specific brands for the most accurate count. Yes, you can! Feel free to swap almonds for walnuts or pecans. You can use dried cranberries or apricots instead of cherries. This recipe is flexible, so try your favorites. Mixing flavors keeps it fun and tasty. To keep your granola bars from crumbling, press the mixture firmly into the pan. Make sure it’s compact. Also, using enough sticky ingredients like honey or almond butter helps hold everything together. Baking them long enough until golden brown also helps. You learned how to make tasty Cherry Almond Granola Bars. We covered key ingredients, from essentials to fun options. You can customize your bars with swaps that suit your taste. I shared easy steps for prep and baking, plus cooling tips for the best cut. Storing your bars well will keep them fresh. You can also enjoy variations to match the seasons. With these tips, you can feel confident in making your own bars. Now, go ahead and create your perfect snack!](https://spoonfulsavory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/c9f5bb3d-4d53-4000-ab23-4047a9e321da-250x250.webp)
60. Cherry Almond Granola Bars
Make your snack time delicious with homemade Cherry Almond Granola Bars! Packed with rolled oats, almonds, and dried cherries, these bars are super easy to whip up and perfect for on-the-go munching. Drizzle in honey or maple syrup, mix in some chocolate chips if you like, and bake to a golden brown. Ready in just 45 minutes, they're a healthy treat that's both satisfying and tasty. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your snacking!