Dark Chocolate Cherry Coconut Almond Oat Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Dark Chocolate Cherry Coconut Almond Oat Bars are a deliciously wholesome treat with a perfect balance of chewy oats, crunchy almonds, and sweet cherries. Topped with rich dark chocolate and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, they make a great snack or dessert for any time of day.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup raw almonds
• 1/2 cup coconut flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 6 ounces dark chocolate (72%), chopped
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• Fresh red cherries, pitted and halved, for decorating
• Flaked coconut, for decorating
• Chopped raw almonds, for decorating
• Flaky sea salt, for decorating

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a food processor, combine oats, almonds, coconut flakes, cinnamon, and salt. Pulse until the mixture is fine and almost flour-like. Add dried cherries, almond butter, and honey, then pulse again until the mixture forms a dough. If too dry, add more honey, almond butter, or dried cherries; if too wet, add more oats.
2. Step 2: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Press the oat mixture firmly into the bottom in an even layer and set aside.
3. Step 3: Place chopped dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted. Add coconut oil and stir until combined and smooth.
4. Step 4: Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the oat layer. Decorate with fresh cherry halves, flaked coconut, chopped almonds, and flaky sea salt. Freeze for 20–30 minutes until the chocolate is set.
5. Step 5: Using a sharp knife warmed under hot water, cut into 12 bars. For smaller snacks, cut into bite-sized pieces.
6. Step 6: Store bars in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 weeks.

Tips & Variations

• If you prefer a nut-free version, substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter and replace almonds with pumpkin seeds.
• For extra chewiness, soak dried cherries in warm water for 10 minutes before adding.
• Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for the best flavor.
• Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the oat mixture for a subtle flavor boost.

Storage

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer for up to 3 weeks. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature for 10–15 minutes or warm slightly in the microwave for a softer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?

Yes, you can substitute almonds with walnuts, pecans, or cashews depending on your preference. Just make sure to maintain the same quantity for similar texture.

Is it possible to make these bars vegan?

Absolutely! Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and ensure your dark chocolate is dairy-free to keep the recipe fully vegan.

Dark Chocolate Cherry Coconut Almond Oat Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 116 reviews

These Dark Chocolate Cherry Coconut Almond Oat Bars combine wholesome oats, crunchy almonds, and sweet dried cherries with rich dark chocolate for a delicious, nutritious snack bar. With a chewy oat base and a smooth dark chocolate topping decorated with fresh cherries, coconut flakes, and sea salt, these bars are perfect for breakfast on-the-go or a healthy treat.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (for melting chocolate)
• Total Time: 45 minutes (includes chilling time)
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup raw almonds
• 1/2 cup coconut flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dried cherries

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Sprouts Organic Almond Butter
• 1/3 cup honey

Chocolate Topping

• 6 ounces Sprouts 72% dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

Decorations

• Fresh red cherries, pitted and halved
• Flaked coconut
• Chopped raw almonds
• Flaky sea salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the oat mixture: In a food processor, combine oats, raw almonds, coconut flakes, cinnamon, and salt. Pulse until mixture is finely ground to a flour-like texture. Add dried cherries, almond butter, and honey, then pulse again until fully combined and forms a dough. Adjust consistency by adding more honey, almond butter or oats as needed.
2. Press into pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Firmly press the oat dough into the bottom, creating an even layer. Set aside while preparing the topping.
3. Melt the chocolate: Place chopped dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted but not overheated (about 1½ minutes total). Stir in coconut oil until smooth and fully melted.
4. Assemble bars: Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the oat base layer. Decorate with halved fresh cherries, flaked coconut, chopped almonds, and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. Freeze for 20-30 minutes, or until chocolate is set.
5. Slice and serve: Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water for clean cuts to slice the set bars into 12 pieces. For smaller snacks, cut into bite-sized pieces as desired.
6. Storage: Store bars in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 weeks to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey depending on preference.
• Use parchment paper for easy removal of bars from the pan.
• Warming the knife before slicing ensures clean edges without cracking the chocolate.
• These bars are great for meal prepping and on-the-go snacks.
• Substitute dried cherries with other dried fruits like cranberries or raisins if preferred.

Keywords: dark chocolate cherry bars, almond oat bars, healthy snack bars, no bake bars, gluten free snacks