Homemade Cherry Chocolate Granola Bars: Nutritious Snacking Redefined
Indulge your cravings with nutritious, homemade cherry chocolate granola bars—balanced flavor with healthy benefits.
Homemade Cherry Chocolate Granola Bars Recipe
If you crave a snack that’s as delicious as it is nourishing, homemade cherry chocolate granola bars offer the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and chocolatey flavors, without sacrificing nutrition. These granola bars combine wholesome ingredients such as old-fashioned oats, dried cherries, almond butter, and dark chocolate chips for a treat that’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
Why Cherry Chocolate Granola Bars?
- Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with energy-rich oats, fiber from dried cherries, healthy fats from almonds and almond butter, and natural sweetness from honey and raisins, these bars offer a balanced nutrition profile.
- Convenience: Perfect for an on-the-go breakfast, post-workout refuel, lunchbox treat, or afternoon pick-me-up.
- Customizable: Adapt the recipe with seasonal ingredients, nuts, seeds, or your favorite chocolate variety.
- No Preservatives: Homemade means control over every ingredient—no artificial flavors, excessive sugars, or additives.
Ingredients
To prepare a batch of homemade cherry chocolate granola bars, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 cup unsweetened dried cherries
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Optional Add-ins
- Flaxseed meal or chia seeds for extra fiber and nutrition
- Walnuts or other nuts, for changed flavor profile
- Nut butters: Substitute almond butter with peanut butter or cashew butter
- Grated coconut for tropical flair
Directions
- Prepare Baking Pan: Heat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- Toast the Oats: Spread oats evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake until just golden brown, about 8–10 minutes. Remove, let them cool completely before using.
- Hydrate and Puree Fruits: Place raisins and 1/2 cup dried cherries in a heatproof bowl. Cover with boiling water, let sit 10 minutes, then drain. Transfer the hydrated fruit to a food processor and puree until smooth.
- Create Binding Mixture: Add almond butter and honey to the pureed fruit; continue to blend until the mixture is smoothly combined. Transfer this mixture to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the cooled oats to the bowl and mix with the wet blend, ensuring all oats are evenly coated. Fold in the chopped almonds, dark chocolate chips, and remaining 1/2 cup dried cherries. Stir until well-distributed.
- Press and Set: Pat the mixture firmly into the prepared pan, using a spatula or clean hands. Let set at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Cut Bars: Using the parchment overhangs, lift the set mixture onto a cutting board and slice into 14 individual bars.
Nutrition Information (per bar)
| Calories | Protein (g) | Carbohydrates (g) | Fiber (g) | Sugars (g) | Fat (g) | Saturated Fat (g) | Cholesterol (mg) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 255 | 6 | 29 | 5 | 16 (8 added) | 13 | 2.5 | 0 | 10 |
Key Nutrition Insights:
- Balanced macros make these bars suitable as a snack or quick breakfast.
- Fiber from oats, cherries, and almonds supports digestion.
- Protein from nuts and almond butter helps keep you fuller for longer.
- Moderate natural sugars provide steady energy minus excessive spikes.
Ingredient Spotlight
Oats
Oats serve as the whole-grain base, lending heart-healthy fiber, vitamins, and a chewy foundation for the bars.
Dried Cherries
Dried cherries not only add tart sweetness but are high in antioxidants and vitamin C. Tart cherries, specifically, have been linked to anti-inflammatory benefits.
Almond Butter
Almond butter provides healthy monounsaturated fats, magnesium, and subtle nutty flavor, helping bind the mixture together naturally.
Honey
Honey acts as a natural sweetener and binder, avoiding high-fructose corn syrup or excess sugar found in many commercial granola bars.
Dark Chocolate Chips
Dark chocolate chips are rich in antioxidants, and their slightly bitter edge balances the sweetness of the fruit and honey.
Raw Almonds
Almonds contribute crunch, healthy fats, and added protein.
What others are reading
Step-by-Step Baking Tips
- Even Toasting: Be sure not to overbake the oats; a gentle golden hue preserves their nutritional value and taste.
- Puree Consistency: The smoother your fruit puree, the better your bars will stick together without crumbling.
- Firm Press: Press the mixture into the pan tightly for bars that hold their shape after slicing.
- Patience: Allow sufficient time for setting—about 1 hour is ideal for a firm texture.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
- Storage: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer shelf life, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks, or freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months.
- On-the-Go: Wrap individual bars in parchment or wax paper for a portable snack option.
- Serving Idea: Pair a bar with Greek yogurt or fresh fruit for a more substantial breakfast.
Health Benefits of Cherry Chocolate Granola Bars
- Antioxidants: Both cherries and dark chocolate are noted sources of antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress in the body.
- Heart Health: Oats and almonds contain soluble fiber and healthy fats that may support cardiovascular health.
- Energy & Focus: Complex carbs from oats provide sustained energy, while magnesium from almonds can support mental clarity.
- Muscle Recovery: Tart cherries contain compounds that may aid in muscle recovery post-exercise.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Texture Boost: For extra crunch, add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseed meal.
- Flavor Variety: Substitute dried cherries with dried cranberries, blueberries, or apricots.
- Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter & pumpkin seeds if you have a nut allergy.
- Chocolate Choices: Explore white chocolate chips or milk chocolate for a sweeter spin.
- Vegan-Friendly: Replace honey with maple syrup and choose dairy-free chocolate chips.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking oats: Can lead to a dry and crumbly texture.
- Skipping the puree: Makes bars less cohesive and prone to falling apart.
- Insufficient setting time: Results in bars that are too soft.
Nutritional Comparison: Homemade vs. Store-Bought
| Aspect | Homemade Bars | Store-Bought Bars |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar Content | 16g (8g added) | Often 15–22g (up to 12g added) |
| Fiber | 5g | 2–4g |
| Additives | None | Common: syrups, flavors, preservatives |
| Customizability | High | Low |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I substitute fresh cherries for dried?
A: Dried cherries are preferred for their concentrated flavor and reduced moisture, which helps the bars hold together. If you use fresh cherries, chop and dry them as much as possible before adding.
Q: Are these bars gluten-free?
A: They can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats.
Q: How do I keep bars from falling apart?
A: Ensure thorough mixing, use a smooth fruit puree, press mixture firmly into the pan, and allow enough time to set.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger pan (such as 9×13-inch). Adjust bake and set times as needed.
Q: What’s the best way to store granola bars for maximum freshness?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze individual bars for longer storage.
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Homemade cherry chocolate granola bars are proof that snacking can be both enjoyable and health-promoting. Follow the simple steps, experiment with flavors, and treat yourself to a balanced, delicious snack you can feel good about—every bite!
References
- https://thelemonbowl.com/chewy-dark-chocolate-cherry-granola-bars/
- https://www.ironwoodcrc.com/dark-chocolate-cherry-granola-bars-recipe/
- https://addapinch.com/dark-chocolate-cherry-pistachio-granola-bars-recipe/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a22998801/cherry-chocolate-granola-bars-recipe/
- https://whatsgabycooking.com/cherry-dark-chocolate-granola-bars/
- https://plantbasedrdblog.com/2021/08/chocolate-cherry-granola/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/a36831364/how-to-make-granola/
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