Chocolate Cherry Snack Bars

Name: Chocolate Cherry Snack Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 bars
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup pitted cherries, chopped; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup almond butter; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or walnuts)

Highlighted under: Modern Planning

I recently created these delightful Chocolate Cherry Snack Bars and was blown away by their rich flavors and satisfying crunch. Each bite offers a perfect blend of chocolate and cherries, making it a perfect pick-me-up during the day. I love how easy they are to make, and they disappear quickly once shared with friends and family. Plus, these bars are so versatile - you can swap in different nuts or dried fruits based on your preferences. Give them a try; you won’t regret it!

Created by

Briar Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-06T14:09:35.041Z

I have been experimenting with different snack bar recipes for a while, and I think I've found a winner with these Chocolate Cherry Snack Bars. The combination of oats, chocolate chips, and dried cherries creates a delightful texture that keeps me coming back for more. The process is simple, and the outcome is just so rewarding!

One special tip I learned along the way is to slightly underbake the bars so they remain chewy rather than hard. This little trick makes a world of difference in their overall enjoyment. When testing the recipe, my friends and I couldn’t stop snacking on them - they truly are addictive!

        Why You Will Love These Bars
        Decadent chocolate flavor with tart cherries for a perfect balance
Chewy texture with a hint of crunch from oats and nuts
Excellent for meal prep or a quick snack on the go

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The star ingredients in these Chocolate Cherry Snack Bars are the rolled oats and almond butter. Rolled oats not only provide a hearty texture but also act as a binding agent to hold everything together. They absorb moisture during baking, resulting in chewy bars. Meanwhile, almond butter contributes healthy fats and a creamy component that balances the sweetness of the honey or maple syrup, creating a satisfying mouthfeel.

Chopped cherries add a burst of tartness which complements the deep, rich flavor of the dark chocolate chips. Using fresh, pitted cherries is ideal, but if cherries are out of season, frozen varieties can work well. Just ensure to thaw and drain them properly to prevent excess moisture in your bars. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a twist.

Tips for Perfectly Baked Bars

When baking the bars, it's crucial to monitor them closely starting at the 20-minute mark. You want the edges to turn golden brown, indicating that they're cooked through. If you notice the top appears too brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil to prevent burning while allowing the insides to bake properly. Remember, the bars will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit soft when you first take them out of the oven.

After baking, cooling them completely in the pan is essential to ensure they hold their shape. Lifting them out using the parchment paper creates a protective barrier that allows for easy removal without crumbling. If the bars seem too crumbly when cutting, it could be due to overbaking; aim for that golden edge, but don’t wait until the center looks completely set.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Chocolate Cherry Snack Bars:

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup pitted cherries, chopped
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup almond butter
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or walnuts)

Make sure to have all ingredients measured before you start mixing!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious bars:

Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, chopped cherries, dark chocolate chips, and chopped nuts. In a separate bowl, combine the almond butter, honey, vanilla extract, and salt until well blended.

Mix Everything Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.

Bake the Bars

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Cool and Cut

Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in a pinch of cinnamon or a sprinkle of shredded coconut with the dry ingredients. You can also substitute other dried fruits for cherries if you prefer!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Chocolate Cherry Snack Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Simply wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be enjoyed straight from the freezer for a refreshing snack or thawed overnight in the fridge for a convenient treat.

If you're preparing these bars for meal prep, consider doubling the recipe. You can bake two batches simultaneously if you have the oven space, or simply use a larger baking dish. Just be mindful to adjust your baking time, as a thicker mixture may require an additional 5-10 minutes in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

These bars make an excellent on-the-go breakfast or afternoon snack, but they can also be dressed up for dessert. Consider drizzling melted dark chocolate over the top after cutting them for a truly indulgent treat. You could pair them with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or a cup of hot tea for a delightful snack break.

For a fun twist, serve these bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of coconut flakes. You can also taste different variations by adding spices, like cinnamon or nutmeg, to the mixture for added warmth and complexity. The versatility of these bars allows you to tailor them to your taste preferences!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?

While you can use fresh cherries, they may add excess moisture and could affect the texture of the bars. Dried cherries work best!

→ How should I store the bars?

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

→ Can I freeze these snack bars?

Absolutely! Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to three months.

→ What can I substitute for almond butter?

You can use any nut butter such as peanut butter or cashew butter, or you can opt for sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.