Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cherry-Almond Granola Bars are not only incredibly easy to make, but they’re also packed with nutritious ingredients like oats, almonds, and dried cherries. They’re the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy, making them ideal for an afternoon snack, breakfast, or even a pre-workout bite. The almond butter adds a rich, creamy texture, while the honey and brown sugar provide just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, you can store them for days, making them a convenient, homemade treat!

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 3 cups quick oats
  • 1½ cups almonds, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup dried cherries
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 1½ cups almond butter
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
  2. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the oats, chopped almonds, dried cherries, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, almond butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour the almond butter mixture into the oat mixture and stir until all the ingredients are well coated.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, pressing it down firmly to ensure the mixture sticks together.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
  7. Let the granola bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or rectangles.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: About 12 bars
  • Total time: 30 minutes (15-20 minutes baking time)

Variations

  • Nut Alternatives: Feel free to substitute almonds with your favorite nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or cashews.
  • Dried Fruit: You can switch out the dried cherries for other dried fruits, like cranberries, raisins, or apricots, to suit your preference.
  • Sweeteners: If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, you can replace the brown sugar with maple syrup or stevia.
  • Add-ins: Add chocolate chips, chia seeds, or even a pinch of cinnamon to the mixture for an extra flavor twist.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store these granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also refrigerate them for a longer shelf life of up to two weeks.
  • Freezing: To keep them longer, freeze the granola bars individually wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: If you prefer them warm, microwave for 15-20 seconds before enjoying.

FAQs

How long do homemade granola bars last?

Homemade granola bars can last up to a week at room temperature when stored properly in an airtight container. Refrigerating them can extend their shelf life to about two weeks.

Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use regular butter instead of unsalted butter. Just be mindful that it may add a bit more salt to the recipe.

Can I make these granola bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply use certified gluten-free oats to ensure the recipe is gluten-free.

How can I make these bars vegan?

To make these granola bars vegan, use a plant-based butter and replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter?

Yes, peanut butter can be substituted for almond butter, though it will give the bars a slightly different flavor.

How can I make these bars more filling?

You can add protein powder, flaxseeds, or chia seeds to the mixture for an extra boost of protein and fiber.

Can I bake these bars without an oven?

If you don’t have an oven, you can make these bars in a stovetop pan by gently heating the ingredients together and then pressing them into a pan. Let them set in the fridge before cutting.

Can I cut the bars while they’re still warm?

It’s best to wait until the granola bars have cooled completely before cutting them to avoid crumbling.

Are these bars suitable for children?

Yes, these granola bars are a great snack for kids, but make sure to watch for any nut allergies before serving.

Can I add protein powder to this recipe?

Yes, you can add a scoop of protein powder to the mixture to increase the protein content of the bars. Just be sure to adjust the wet ingredients accordingly.

Conclusion

These Easy Cherry-Almond Granola Bars are the perfect snack for busy days or whenever you need something quick, satisfying, and nutritious. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, they are a great homemade alternative to store-bought snacks. Enjoy them as part of your breakfast, as a mid-day snack, or even as a pre-workout boost. The versatility of this recipe means you can adapt it to your personal preferences, making it a staple in your snack rotation!

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Easy Cherry-Almond Granola Bars

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These Easy Cherry-Almond Granola Bars combine the sweetness of dried cherries with the crunch of almonds, all bound together with honey and almond butter. A quick and healthy snack that’s perfect for busy days.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

3 cups quick oats

1½ cups almonds, coarsely chopped

1 cup dried cherries

3 tablespoons brown sugar

⅓ cup honey

1½ cups almond butter

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
  2. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the oats, chopped almonds, dried cherries, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, almond butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour the almond butter mixture into the oat mixture and stir until all the ingredients are well coated.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, pressing it down firmly to ensure the mixture sticks together.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
  7. Let the granola bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or rectangles.

Notes

Feel free to substitute almonds with other nuts like walnuts, pecans, or cashews.

Switch dried cherries for other dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins.

For a lower-sugar option, replace the brown sugar with maple syrup or stevia.

These bars can be stored at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerated for up to two weeks.

For a longer shelf life, freeze the bars individually for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

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