Looking for a snack that’s both tasty and healthy? You’ll love these Cherry Almond Breakfast Bars! Packed with nutritious ingredients, they are easy to make and perfect for any time of the day. I’ll guide you through simple steps, share some tips, and even suggest fun variations. Let’s dive in and whip up a delightful treat that satisfies your cravings and fuels your day!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Healthy Ingredients: These breakfast bars are packed with nutritious ingredients like oats, almonds, and dried cherries, making them a wholesome start to the day.
- Easy to Make: The recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for busy mornings or meal prep.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out the fruits or nuts based on your preference, allowing for endless variations.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of almond butter, honey or maple syrup, and cherries creates a delightful taste that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make Cherry Almond Breakfast Bars, gather these simple ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup almond flour
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
– 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1/4 cup almond butter
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup coconut flakes (unsweetened)
These ingredients combine to create a delicious and healthy snack.
Optional Ingredients for Customization
You can make these bars your own with a few optional ingredients:
– Add dark chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
– Substitute walnuts or pecans for a different nut flavor.
– Use different dried fruits like apricots or cranberries for variety.
Feel free to get creative based on your taste!
Nutritional Information Overview
These Cherry Almond Breakfast Bars are not only tasty but also nutritious. Here’s a quick look:
– Calories: About 180 per bar
– Protein: 5 grams
– Carbohydrates: 25 grams
– Fat: 8 grams
– Fiber: 3 grams
This snack provides energy and keeps you full. Enjoy these bars for breakfast or as a healthy snack anytime!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Make sure some paper hangs over the sides. This helps you lift the bars out later.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine these dry ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup almond flour
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
– 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
– 1/4 cup coconut flakes (unsweetened)
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix them well until they are evenly spread out. This step builds flavor and texture.
Combining Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, stir together:
– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1/4 cup almond butter
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure these wet ingredients blend nicely. This mix adds sweetness and binds the bars together.
Baking and Cooling the Bars
Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are coated. You may want to use your hands to mix better.
Transfer this mixture to the lined baking dish. Press it down firmly to form an even layer. Use a spatula or your hands for this step.
Now, bake the bars for 20-25 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges. It’s important to watch them so they don’t burn.
After baking, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out. Place the bars on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into squares or bars. Enjoy your tasty and healthy snack!
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Ingredient Mixing
Mixing your ingredients well is key. Start with dry ones in a big bowl. This includes rolled oats, almond flour, chopped almonds, dried cherries, coconut flakes, cinnamon, and salt. Stir them until they blend nicely. For the wet mix, use a separate bowl. Combine almond butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. This keeps the flavors even.
How to Achieve Perfect Texture
To get the right texture, your mixture should be wet but not too sticky. If it feels dry, add a splash of almond milk or a bit more syrup. Press the mixture firmly into the baking dish. This helps the bars hold together. Bake until the edges are golden, about 20-25 minutes. Let them cool completely before cutting.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Almond Breakfast Bars taste great on their own. For a fun twist, top them with yogurt or fresh fruit. You can also stack them on a platter. A sprinkle of chopped almonds and a few whole cherries add a nice touch. Enjoy them as a quick snack or a healthy breakfast on the go.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh dried cherries and quality almond butter. This will elevate your bars and enhance their taste.
- Customize the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to your taste preference. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more, or reduce it for a less sweet bar.
- Storage Tips: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for longer freshness. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Mix and Match: Feel free to substitute the dried cherries with other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots, and experiment with different nuts for a unique twist.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can easily change the nuts and fruits in this recipe. Try walnuts or pecans instead of almonds. If you prefer, use dried apricots or cranberries instead of cherries. Each swap brings a new flavor to your bars. You can even mix nuts for a crunchy surprise. Keep the base ingredients, like oats and almond flour, for the best results.
Gluten-Free Adaptations
To make these bars gluten-free, ensure that your rolled oats are certified gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free flour instead of almond flour. This swap keeps the texture nice and chewy. Check labels on all your ingredients to avoid any hidden gluten. Your bars will still taste great and be safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
Vegan Alternatives
To make the bars vegan, swap honey for maple syrup. This simple change keeps the sweetness while making it plant-based. Almond butter is already vegan, but you can also use peanut or sunflower seed butter. For egg replacements, consider adding a flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water. These options help bind the bars together without eggs, keeping them delicious and vegan-friendly.
Storage Info
Best Ways to Store Cherry Almond Breakfast Bars
Store your Cherry Almond Breakfast Bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and moist. You can keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their life, put them in the fridge. They will last about a week in the fridge.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing these bars is easy. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut the bars into squares. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy one, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Shelf Life Tips
To keep your bars tasty, avoid direct sunlight and heat. Always seal the container tightly after each use. If you notice any change in smell or texture, it’s best to discard them. Enjoy your bars when they are fresh for the best flavor!
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They last well in the fridge for up to a week. This makes them great for meal prep. Just store them in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for longer storage. They freeze well for about three months.
What can I substitute for almond butter?
If you do not have almond butter, you can use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. Both options give a nice flavor and texture. This gives you some flexibility with your ingredients. Just make sure any substitute is creamy to help bind the bars.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
You can tell the bars are done when the edges turn lightly golden. The center should feel set but not too hard. Use a toothpick to check the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready. Let them cool for a bit before cutting.
In this post, we covered how to make cherry almond breakfast bars. We looked at the ingredients, steps for mixing and baking, and tips for the best results. We also explored variations to fit your needs and how to store them. Making these bars can be fun and easy. You can adapt recipes to suit your taste. Enjoy your tasty treats and share them with others. Happy bakin
