Dark Chocolate Cherry Coconut Almond Oat Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Dark Chocolate Cherry Coconut Almond Oat Bars are a delicious and wholesome snack that combines rich chocolate, tart cherries, and crunchy almonds. Perfect for a grab-and-go treat, they balance sweet and nutty flavors with satisfying textures.

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 72% dark chocolate, 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 the oats, raw almonds, coconut flakes, cinnamon, and salt. Pulse until the mixture becomes fine and almost flour-like. Add dried cherries, almond butter, and honey, then pulse again until fully combined and forming a dough. If the mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon or two of honey or almond butter, or some dried cherries. If too wet, add more oats.
2. Step 2: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Firmly press the oat mixture into the dish, spreading it into an even layer. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Place chopped dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until completely melted (about 1½ minutes). Stir in the coconut oil until smooth.
4. Step 4: Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the oat layer. Decorate with halved fresh cherries, flaked coconut, chopped almonds, and generous pinches of flaky sea salt. Freeze for 20-30 minutes until the chocolate is set.
5. Step 5: Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water to cut the bars into 12 pieces. For smaller snacks, cut into bite-sized pieces as preferred.
6. Step 6: Store bars in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 weeks.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute almond butter with peanut or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor.
• If the dough is sticky, chilling it for 10 minutes can make it easier to press into the pan.
• Use mixed dried berries instead of cherries to vary the fruity taste.
• For a sweeter bar, drizzle a little extra honey over the chocolate layer before freezing.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, keep them frozen for up to 3 weeks. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes or enjoy chilled. Reheating is not necessary.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats?

Old fashioned oats work best here for texture, but you can use quick oats if necessary. The bars may be a bit softer and less chewy.

What if I don’t have coconut oil for the chocolate layer?

You can omit the coconut oil, but it helps the chocolate melt smoothly and set nicely. Alternatively, a small amount of butter can be used.

Dark Chocolate Cherry Coconut Almond Oat Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

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These Dark Chocolate Cherry Coconut Almond Oat Bars combine wholesome oats, crunchy almonds, and sweet dried cherries, all bound together with almond butter and honey. Topped with a smooth layer of melted dark chocolate and decorated with fresh cherries, flaked coconut, and flaky sea salt, these bars offer a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Perfect as a nutritious snack or a healthy dessert, they are easy to prepare with simple ingredients and require no baking.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (melting chocolate)
• Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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

Topping

• 6 ounces Sprouts 72% dark chocolate, 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. Prepare the base mixture: To a food processor, add the oats, raw almonds, coconut flakes, cinnamon, and salt. Pulse until the mixture becomes fine and almost flour-like. Add the dried cherries, almond butter, and honey, then pulse again until the mixture forms a cohesive dough. If the dough is too dry, add extra honey, almond butter, or dried cherries; if too wet, add more oats.
2. Press into pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Firmly press the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan, creating a solid base layer. Set aside.
3. Melt the chocolate: Place chopped dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until completely melted without overheating. Stir in the coconut oil until fully combined and smooth.
4. Assemble and chill: Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the oat layer. Decorate the top with halved fresh cherries, flaked coconut, chopped raw almonds, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Freeze for 20 to 30 minutes or until the chocolate has set.
5. Slice the bars: Use a sharp knife (warm it under hot water before slicing to prevent sticking) to cut the bars into 12 portions. For smaller snacks, cut into bite-sized pieces as desired.
6. Storage: Store bars in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 weeks to maintain freshness and texture.

Notes

• For a sweeter bar, adjust the honey quantity to taste.
• Make sure not to overheat the chocolate during melting to avoid seizing.
• Running your knife under hot water before slicing helps make cleaner cuts.
• These bars can be customized by substituting almonds with other nuts or the dried cherries with other dried fruits.
• Stored frozen, allow bars to thaw slightly before eating for best texture.

Keywords: dark chocolate bars, cherry oat bars, almond bars, no-bake snack, healthy snack bars, coconut oat bars, gluten free snack, homemade energy bars