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Cherry Almond Granola Bars

Cherry Almond Granola Bars

We go through a lot of granola bars here.  My kids love ’em, my husband loves ’em, and I certainly eat my fair share!  They’re really just so convenient as an energizing snack that is easy to take along wherever you’re going.  And they’re awfully tasty.

Cherry Almond Granola Bars - Bake.Eat.Repeat.

Since we consume a lot of these things, I decided to start making them at home as often as possible.  And these cherry almond granola bars are one of the best combinations we’ve tried.  They’re crunchy, but not too crunchy, and somehow manage to be a bit chewy at the same time.  I’m not sure how this is possible but I couldn’t decide which they were!  They’re not hard like a typical crunchy granola bar, but are not as soft as a typical chewy one.  I don’t know what that makes them.

Delicious, that’s what.

Cherry Almond Granola Bars - Bake.Eat.Repeat.

They’re filling and energizing from the peanut butter, oats and almonds.  And there’s only a quarter cup of white sugar in a huge batch of granola bars.  The rest of the sweetness comes from honey.

Also, no baking needed, just some chilling time in the fridge to firm up.  So they’re fast and easy, and you probably have everything you need for them in your pantry right now.  And if you don’t, you probably have something that you can substitute because they’re also highly adaptable.  Don’t like almonds or cherries?  Throw in cashews or raisins instead.  Or whatever it is you like!  Every single combination of these we’ve tried has been fantastic.

If you’re looking for a new snack to try, these cherry almond granola bars are a quick and easy option that you will love!

Cherry Almond Granola Bars - Bake.Eat.Repeat.

Yield: 36-42 bars

Cherry Almond Granola Bars

Cherry Almond Granola Bars

*Note:* If you don't want to use Cheerios, I've made these using Rice Krispies, or just more rolled oats and both are good. But they won't have that crispy texture if you don't use any cereal, and we've found we do prefer the crunch that you get with the cereal in there.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
  • 3 cups Cheerios
  • 1 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup almonds, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Line a rimmed 12x16 inch baking sheet with wax paper and set aside. In a large bowl, toss together the oats, cheerios, dried cherries, almonds and chocolate chips.
  2. In a small saucepan, over medium heat, combine the honey and sugar. Heat, stirring until the mixture comes to a full rolling boil. Lower the heat and continue boiling for one minute, stirring constantly. Turn off the heat and add the peanut butter and vanilla, stirring until the peanut butter has melted and the mixture is smooth.
  3. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir until it is evenly combined. Spread the mixture on the prepared baking sheet and press it down. Cover with another piece of wax paper, and use a rolling pin to press the bars down into an even, compact layer.
  4. Refrigerate the bars until firm, at least two hours, and then cut into bars and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

Notes

Source: Adapted from Today’s Parent Magazine (I’ve linked to their home page as it was from an issue many years ago, and they do not have the original recipe online).

 

 

Kelley @ Chef Savvy

Monday 26th of January 2015

I love the idea of making your own granola bars at home instead of buying them premade. Yours look 10000 x better than store bought!

stacey

Monday 26th of January 2015

Haha, thanks so much Kelley! I love making my own, so easy and totally customizable! :)

Healthy Granola Bar Recipes for National Granola Bar Day

Friday 23rd of January 2015

[…] Cherry Almond Granola Bars from Bake. Eat. Repeat. […]

Sarah@Whole and Heavenly Oven

Friday 16th of January 2015

Absolutely gorgeous granola bars, Stacey! Dried cherries I think is a particular add-in that I think is usually overlooked in granola bars, so I'm definitely loving the addition of that! Must try these. :)

stacey

Friday 16th of January 2015

Thanks Sarah! Dried cherries are definitely overlooked, but so good! Hope you like them!

Thalia @ butter and brioche

Friday 16th of January 2015

I always have to have my own granola bars on hand for when i crave a healthy sweet treat - so this recipe is just ideal for me Stacey. Loving the addition of cherries in particular!

stacey

Friday 16th of January 2015

Thanks so much Thalia! The dried cherries are my favourite part of these!

K / Pure & Complex

Thursday 15th of January 2015

I simply love granola bars but never have time to make them. I am definitely going to make time for this recipe.

stacey

Thursday 15th of January 2015

Thanks! Hope you like them!

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