Sweet and Crunchy Cherry Chocolate Granola Bars Recipe

As a busy person, I understand the importance of having quick and nutritious snacks on hand. These cherry chocolate chip granola bars are perfect for those busy mornings when I’m rushing like crazy or for those long afternoons when I’m trying not to crash.

They’re made with wholesome ingredients like oats, almonds, and dried cherries, and the mini chocolate chips add just the right amount of sweetness. I love making a batch of these bars as part of my meal prep routine so that I always have a filling and delicious snack to look forward to.

Easy. This recipe is pretty easy to make when you follow the steps.

Customizable. Tweak and twerk the ingredients to your liking. Use different nuts, seeds, fruits, etc.

Nutritious. Oats, almonds, and dried cherries provide a good source of fiber, protein, and other nutrients.

Portable. These bars are a perfect grab-and-go snack that you can easily take with you to work, school, or even outdoor adventures.

Cost-effective. Making chewy homemade granola bars is typically less expensive than buying boxed bars from the store.

Control. Know all the ingredients going into your bars. Use certified gluten-free oats to make this a gluten-free food. Pick all of the ingredients that work for your family’s food allergies and sensitivities.

Here’s what you need to make this easy granola bars recipe. The measurements are in the recipe card below.

• Rolled old-fashioned oats (certified gluten free if necessary)
• Chopped almonds
• Honey
• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Sea salt
• Dried cherries, chopped
• Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with foil.

Chop the almonds and dried cherries into small pieces.

Spread the oats and chopped almonds on the prepared baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 4-5 minutes.

Give them a gentle toss and toast for another 4-5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl to cool.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.

Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.

Pour the butter mixture over the cooled oat and almond mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.

Allow the mixture to cool for 5-10 minutes before adding the mini chocolate chips and chopped dried cherries.

Gently mix until everything is well combined.

Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and transfer the mixture into the pan. Use a spatula to press the mixture firmly to create an even layer.

Place the pan in the freezer for 30 minutes to set. Once set, remove the granola bars from the pan and place them on a flat surface.

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining chocolate chips for 1 minute. Transfer the melted chocolate to a sandwich bag and snip off a small corner.

Drizzle the chocolate over the granola bars in a zigzag pattern.

Use a sharp knife to slice the granola bars into desired size and enjoy your homemade cherry chocolate granola bars!

Fresh fruit. Pair your granola bars with some fresh fruit like sliced apples, bananas, or strawberries. This will add some additional nutrients and fiber to your snack.

Yogurt. A serving of yogurt is a so good with granola bars. The creamy texture of the yogurt is delicious with the crunchy texture of the bars, and the protein in the yogurt will help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Coffee or tea. These bars are the perfect tea time snack. The combination of the sweet and crunchy granola bars with a warm and comforting drink makes it a cozy break to look forward to.

Nut-free option: If you’re allergic to nuts, you can substitute the chopped almonds with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or hemp seeds. This will give you a similar crunch and protein boost in your granola bars.

Dried fruit: Instead of using dried cherries, you can try using other dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots. You can even mix and match different fruits to create your own unique flavor combinations.

Chocolate: If you’re not a fan of dark chocolate, you can use milk chocolate or white chocolate chips instead.

Sweetener: If you want to cut down on sugar, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey. You can also reduce the amount of brown sugar to make the bars less sweet.

Gluten-free option: To make this recipe gluten-free, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats and double-check that all the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Store the cherry chocolate granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to last longer, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper to keep them looking nicer.

To freeze the bars, wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Yes, you can make these granola bars vegan by using vegan butter and maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey. You can also use dairy-free chocolate chips for the topping.

While quick oats will work in this recipe, we recommend using rolled oats for the best texture and flavor.

Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch of granola bars. Just make sure to use a larger baking sheet and a bigger pan to accommodate the extra mixture.

Yes. To make these granola bars low-carb, simply swap out the honey and brown sugar for a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. You can also use keto chocolate chips or omit them altogether if you prefer. Keep in mind that the texture of the bars may be slightly different due to the change in sweetener. Also watch the macros in the fruit you choose to use.

• Double chocolate energy balls
• No-bake energy bites roundup
• Easy homemade granola

Pin this image to your snack board to save and share!

If you like snack recipes like this one, please subscribe to the blog. If you make these cherry granola bars, let me know how they turned out for you in the comments below!