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- 1 cup dried cherries, chopped - 1 cup almonds, roughly chopped - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup almond butter - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract For these cherry almond energy bars, the main ingredients bring great taste and energy. 1. Dried cherries add natural sweetness and a chewy texture. They pack antioxidants and vitamins. 2. Almonds give a nice crunch and healthy fats. They also provide protein and fiber. 3. Rolled oats are the base of the bars. They offer whole grains and help you feel full. 4. Almond butter binds everything together. It adds creaminess and rich flavor. 5. Honey or maple syrup serves as a natural sweetener. It adds moisture and keeps the bars from being dry. 6. Salt enhances all the flavors well. It balances the sweetness of the other ingredients. 7. Almond extract boosts the almond flavor. Just a little adds a nice touch. - 1/4 cup sunflower seeds - 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips You can change up the bars with some optional ingredients. 1. Sunflower seeds add more crunch and nutrition. They are rich in vitamins and minerals. 2. Mini dark chocolate chips give a sweet touch. They add a fun taste and make the bars feel like a treat. - Caloric content: Each bar has about 150 calories. This makes them a good snack. - Protein, fibers, and sugars: You will get around 4 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and 7 grams of sugar in each bar. - Vitamins and minerals: The bars offer vitamin E, magnesium, and iron. These nutrients help keep you healthy. These cherry almond energy bars are not just tasty but also a smart choice for snacking. 1. Preheat your oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven for even baking. 2. Prepare the baking dish. Take an 8x8 inch dish and line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This will help you remove the bars later. 1. Combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together: - 1 cup dried cherries, chopped - 1 cup almonds, roughly chopped - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional) Stir well to blend everything evenly. 2. Melt the wet ingredients. In a small saucepan, add: - 1/2 cup almond butter - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract Heat over low. Stir until melted and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. 1. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish. Pour the warm almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients. If using, fold in 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips at this point. 2. Mix thoroughly. Use a spatula or your hands to combine. Ensure all the dry ingredients are coated well. 3. Press the mixture into the dish. Firmly press it down into an even layer. This helps the bars hold their shape. 4. Bake the bars. Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness when the edges start to turn golden brown. To get the best texture for your Cherry Almond Energy Bars, compact the mixture well. When you press it down firmly, the bars hold together better. If you want a softer bar, reduce the baking time by a few minutes. Check them at 20 minutes. If the edges are golden, they are done! Feel free to swap nuts or sweeteners based on what you like. Pecans or walnuts can work well instead of almonds. If you want a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey. This change keeps the bars sweet while fitting a plant-based diet. To boost the almond flavor, add a bit more almond extract. A teaspoon can make a big difference. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. These flavors give the bars a unique twist that keeps things interesting! {{image_2}} You can mix things up with different dried fruits. Try raisins, apricots, or cranberries. Each fruit adds its own taste and texture. You can also use other nuts. Pecans, walnuts, or cashews work great. Each nut gives a unique crunch and flavor. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free oats. This keeps the bars safe for those with gluten issues. For nut-free versions, you can use seeds. Sunflower or pumpkin seeds can replace nuts. They still give a nice texture and nutrients. You can make bite-sized bars for on-the-go snacks. Just cut the bars smaller after baking. If you want larger batches, double the recipe. This way, you have plenty for everyone. Share them with family and friends, or keep them for yourself! To keep your Cherry Almond Energy Bars fresh, use an airtight container. This helps prevent air and moisture from getting in. Store them at room temperature for up to a week. If you keep them in a cool, dry place, they will taste their best. Refrigerating your energy bars adds freshness and keeps them longer. When stored in the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. This method also helps maintain their chewy texture and flavor. You can freeze the bars for even longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This prevents freezer burn. When you want to eat one, take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. You can also microwave it for a few seconds. Enjoy your delicious treat whenever you want! No, fresh cherries won’t work as well. Dried cherries have less moisture. They add sweetness and chewy texture to the bars. You want to keep the right balance. Dried fruit holds together better in energy bars. These bars last up to one week at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. For longer freshness, refrigerate them. In the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. Yes, these energy bars are great for kids. They are tasty and packed with nutrients. Kids love the sweet cherries and crunchy almonds. They make a healthy snack for school or play. Yes, you can add protein powder! Mix in one or two scoops. Just be sure to adjust the wet ingredients slightly. This will keep the bars moist and tasty. You can buy Cherry Almond Energy Bars at many grocery stores. Look in the snack aisle or health food section. You can also find them online. If you want a fresh batch, try making them at home! In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients needed for Cherry Almond Energy Bars. We discussed step-by-step instructions to help you make them easily. I shared tips for texture and flavor variations, plus storage methods to keep them fresh. Now, you have the tools to create a delicious snack. Enjoy these bars anytime for energy and taste. Try new flavors and find what you love best!

Cherry Almond Energy Bars

Fuel your day with these delicious Cherry Almond Energy Bars! Packed with wholesome ingredients like dried cherries, almonds, and rolled oats, these bars are a perfect grab-and-go snack. Whether for breakfast or a post-workout boost, they are easy to make and full of flavor. Check out the full recipe and transform your snack game today! Click through to explore this delightful recipe and start making your own energy bars now!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup dried cherries, chopped

1 cup almonds, roughly chopped

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup almond butter

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional)

1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

    In a large bowl, combine the chopped dried cherries, almonds, rolled oats, and sunflower seeds (if using). Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.

      In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and almond extract. Stir until melted and smooth, which will take about 2-3 minutes.

        Pour the warm almond butter mixture over the oat and nut mixture. If you're adding mini dark chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.

          Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything together until all dry ingredients are thoroughly coated.

            Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and firmly press it down into an even layer. Make sure it is compact so it holds shape when cut.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.

                Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

                  Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares or rectangles.

                    Store the energy bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12 bars