Chocolate Almond Cherry Granola Bars

I've partnered with California Almonds on this sponsored post and all opinions stated are my own.

Chocolate Almond Cherry Granola Bars are the perfect anytime grab and go snack! With all the oats, almonds, and dried cherries they are super high in fiber and protein making them great for on the go. We love to take them with us when we go hiking, and camping, or even on long road trips. They're surprisingly easy to make.

With February being Almond Month, and the 16th being Almond Day. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than with Chocolate Almond Cherry Granola Bars. They also make a great heart healthy snack since it is also American Heart Month and National Snacking Month.. I even love to grab one of these high protein bars to satisfy my sweet tooth, a little chocolate on the top goes a long ways. 1 ounce of almonds contains 6 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fiber. They are also an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamin E, and magnesium. I like to snack on 1.5 ounces of almonds daily to curb my appetite without increasing calorie intake or body weight. Make sure to have a handful of almonds ready to snack on is a simple habit that is easy, and good for you! You can learn more about Almond Month, get recipes, and nutritional tips at www.almonds.com/celebratealmonds. 

Are you ready to make Granola Bars? 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 15" x 10" pan and line with parchment paper. The butter is to help hold the parchment in place. Set aside. 

In a large bowl stir together 3 1/2 cups Rolled Oats, 2 cups Crispy Rice Cereal, 1/2 cup Roasted Almonds, and 1/2 cups Chopped Dried Cherries, until well combined.

In a small saucepan stir together 1/3 cup Coconut Oil, 2/3 cup Honey, 1/2 cup Brown Sugar, 1/4 cup Almond Butter, 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon, and 1 pinch Salt. Stir over medium heat until boiling, continue to stir for 4 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract. 

Stir hot honey mixture into oatmeal until well combined.

Using a buttered spoon press Granola Bar mixture tightly into pan. Sprinkle with 2 1/4 cup Chocolate Chips. Cook in oven for 4-5 minutes until chocolate chips are melted.

Spread chocolate evenly across bars. Allow to cool at room temperature until chocolate is hardened.

Remove bars from pan and cut into strips. Store Chocolate Almond Cherry Granola Bars in an airtight container.

Now pardon me while I go grab one of these Chocolate Cherry Granola Bars for breakfast! 

Here's the printable recipe so you can easily save a copy: 

yield: 15Author: Serena Bakes Simply From Scratchprint recipe

Chocolate Almond Cherry Granola Bars

Easy to make Chocolate Almond Cherry Bars are a delicious sweet treat perfect for on the go!

prep time: 15 MINScook time: 10 MINStotal time: 25 mins

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 1/2 cups Rolled Oats
• 2 cups Crispy Rice Cereal
• 1/2 cup Roasted Almonds
• 1/2 cup Chopped Dried Cherries
• 1/3 cup Coconut Oil
• 2/3 cup Honey
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
• 1/4 cup Almond Butter
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1 pinch Salt
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla
• 2 1/4 cup Chocolate Chips

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Butter a 15" x 10" pan and line with parchment paper. The butter is to help hold the parchment in place. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl combine rolled oats, crispy rice cereal, almonds, and cherries.
3. In a small saucepan combine coconut oil, honey, brown sugar, almond butter, ground cinnamon, and salt, until well combined. Stir over medium heat until boiling, continue to stir for 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
4. Stir hot honey mixture into oatmeal, until well combined.
5. Press oatmeal mixture into pan using a buttered spoon until tightly compacted. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top.
6. Bake for 4-5 minutes until chocolate is melted.
7. Spread chocolate evenly across bars, and allow to cool, until chocolate is set.
8. Remove bars from pan and cut into 15 strips. Store in an airtight container.

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© 2017 Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch

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