These homemade chocolate cherry granola bars are chewy and packed with oats, almonds, chocolate chips, and dried cherries. They're perfect for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack and also easy to customize.
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Why this recipe works
Healthy grab-and-go breakfast and snack options are a must for busy families. But you don't always need to turn to off the shelf packaged products. These homemade chocolate cherry granola bars are a great example. They're super easy to make and you can easily customize them to your taste and nutritional needs.
For another great on the go option check out my homemade instant oatmeal packets. They're a perfect replacement for store bought flavored oatmeal packs.
Ingredients
The basic ingredients for these oatmeal granola bars are simple, and there are TONS of additional options for mix-ins. I've listed my favorites further down in the post.
See the recipe card for the full list of ingredients and amounts.
How to make homemade granola bars
- Begin by roasting the oats and nuts in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Melt the butter in a pan set over medium heat. Then add in the brown sugar, vanilla, and honey and bring to a simmer until the sugar is dissolved.
- Combine the dry ingredients, except for the chocolate chips, in a mixing bowl along with any additional mix ins you want to add.
- Pour the sugar mixture in and stir until thoroughly combined. Allow the mixture to cool for 5-10 minutes, then stir in the chocolate chips. No harm if they melt just a bit.
- Pour the mixture into a 8 or 9 inch square dish lined with parchment paper and press down firmly to an even thickness. A stiff spatula works well for this. If you don't press them firmly, they will be more likely to fall apart. Top with additional chocolate chips if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, then remove and cut into bars.
Granola Bar Mix-ins
The options for granola bar mix-ins are nearly endless, but be careful not to go overboard. Too many can make your bars fall apart and some options will quickly turn this healthy snack into a candy bar! For the best results coarsely chop any larger add-ins.
- Seeds - Almost any seeds work great in these bars. I like to use pepitas, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds.
- Dried Fruits - Most died fruits are also great add ins for your homemade granola bars. Dried blueberries, raisins, apricots, pineapple, mango, cherries, and cranberries are all great options.
- Nuts - You can't go wrong with adding more nuts to the mix, but most nuts do have a high fat content, so don't go too crazy if you want to keep these bars fairly healthy.
- Healthy Options - There are lots of ground or powdered add-ins you can use to boost the nutrition in your granola bars. Some of my favorites are ground flax seed and wheat germ for fiber.
- Pretzels - Roughly chopped pretzels will add some additional salty flavor and crunch to your granola bars.
- Sweets - For sweeter granola bars M&Ms, peanut butter chips, and other small candies make a yummy treat.
- Other ideas - For other options try shredded coconut, peanut butter, dried cereals, or maple syrup.
Recipe Tips and FAQs
Store your granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. The bars will harden the longer they sit in storage. So for the softest, chewiest texture eat within 3-4 days.
Yes, depending on the add-ins you use homemade granola bars will typically last from 1 to 3 months in the freezer. Tightly wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and place in a large freezer bag then grab them as needed and let thaw at room temperature before eating.
Agave syrup, maple syrup, corn syrup, or brown rice syrup will also work in this recipe.
More grab and go breakfast ideas
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Cherry Granola Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups old fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup almonds, coarsely chopped
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup dried cherries
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Begin by roasting the oats and nuts in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Melt the butter in a small pot set over medium heat. Then reduce the heat to medium-low and add in the brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and honey and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Combine the dry ingredients, except for the chocolate chips, in a mixing bowl along with any additional mix ins you want to add.
- Pour the sugar mixture in and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to cool for 5-10 minutes, then stir in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the mixture into a 8 or 9 inch square baking dish lined with parchment paper and press down firmly to an even thickness. Top with additional chocolate chips if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, then remove and cut into bars.
Nutrition
* All nutrition information we provide are estimates based on third party calculators. We encourage you to calculate these on your own for accurate results.
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