Cherry Almond Granola Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Cherry Almond Granola Bars are a delicious and healthy snack, perfect for a quick energy boost. Packed with natural sweetness from dates and dried cherries, they combine a chewy texture with a satisfying crunch from almonds and oats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates (pitted)
- 3/4 cup almonds
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup dried cherries
- 2/3 cup rolled oats
Instructions
- Step 1: Soak the dates in warm water for 15-20 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Step 2: In a food processor, grind the almonds until crumbly but not into a fine flour.
- Step 3: Add the soaked dates, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the food processor. Blend, scraping the sides as needed, until the mixture forms a sticky ball.
- Step 4: Transfer the sticky mixture to a large bowl.
- Step 5: Stir in the rolled oats and dried cherries until fully combined.
- Step 6: Line an 8 x 4 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish. For easier pressing, cover the mixture with another piece of parchment paper and use your hands to press down.
- Step 7: Cover and place the dish in the freezer for 20-30 minutes until firm. Remove from the dish using the parchment paper and cut into 5 bars or 10 squares. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free version, substitute almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Add a pinch of sea salt or cinnamon for extra flavor depth.
- Use other dried fruits like cranberries or raisins if you prefer.
- Pressing the mixture firmly ensures the bars hold together better.
Storage
Store the granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or slightly warm in the microwave for a softer texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these bars without a food processor?
While a food processor makes blending easier, you can finely chop the almonds and mash the dates by hand, then mix thoroughly with the other ingredients. The texture might be a bit different but still delicious.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, these bars are gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats to avoid cross-contamination.
Print
Cherry Almond Granola Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 bars or 10 squares 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Cherry Almond Granola Bars are a delicious and nutritious no-bake snack, combining the natural sweetness of dates and dried cherries with the crunch of almonds and oats. Perfect for a quick energy boost or a healthy treat on-the-go, these bars are easy to make, gluten-free, and require no cooking.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 cup almonds
- 3/4 cup dried cherries
- 2/3 cup rolled oats
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup dates (pitted)
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Soak Dates: Soak the pitted dates in warm water for 15-20 minutes to soften them, then drain well and set aside.
- Grind Almonds: Using a food processor, pulse the almonds until they become crumbly but not ground into a fine flour.
- Blend Dates and Syrup: Add the soaked dates, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the food processor with the almonds. Blend until the mixture forms a thick, sticky ball, scraping down the sides as needed to fully incorporate the dates.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the sticky mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add the rolled oats and dried cherries, and mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Press Mixture: Line an 8 x 4 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Spoon the mixture into the dish and press it down firmly and evenly. For best results, cover with another piece of parchment paper and press down with your hands.
- Chill: Cover the dish and place it in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to set and firm up.
- Cut and Serve: Lift the parchment paper out of the dish and cut the mixture into 5 bars or 10 squares. Enjoy immediately or store for later.
Notes
- Ensure the dates are well-soaked and soft for easier blending.
- You can substitute almonds with other nuts such as walnuts or pecans if preferred.
- Store the granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
- For a nut-free version, replace almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more maple syrup if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cherry almond granola bars, no bake, healthy snack, gluten free, energy bars, dried cherries, almonds, dates
