Print

Crispy Homemade Granola Bars with Cherries and Dark Chocolate

crispy homemade granola bars - featured image
Print Recipe

These crispy homemade granola bars combine the tartness of dried cherries with the rich flavor of dark chocolate for a wholesome, easy-to-make snack perfect for on-the-go or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups rolled oats (old-fashioned oats preferred)
  • ½ cup raw almonds, chopped roughly
  • ½ cup raw pecans, chopped (optional)
  • ¾ cup dried tart cherries, unsweetened or lightly sweetened
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher)
  • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.
  2. Spread the rolled oats, chopped almonds, and pecans on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and fragrant.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, sea salt, and cinnamon until combined.
  4. Add the toasted oats and nuts to the wet mixture and stir well until all oats are coated.
  5. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then fold in the dried cherries and dark chocolate chips.
  6. Transfer the mixture into the parchment-lined pan and press firmly and evenly using a spatula or lightly oiled hands.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and the center feels set but not overly hard.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the slab out onto a cutting board.
  9. Cut into 10-12 bars using a sharp knife, wiping the knife between slices for clean cuts.

Notes

Toast oats and nuts for best flavor and crunch. Press mixture firmly into pan to avoid crumbly bars. Cool completely before cutting. Use parchment paper for easy removal. Adjust baking time slightly depending on your oven to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: granola bars, homemade granola bars, healthy snacks, cherries, dark chocolate, crispy granola bars, easy snack recipe, vegan granola bars, gluten-free granola bars

Find it online: https://morselora.com/crispy-homemade-granola-bars-with-cherries-and-dark-chocolate-recipe-for-easy-healthy-snacks/