Chocolate Cherry Snack Bars

Name: Chocolate Cherry Snack Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 10 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped; 1/4 cup almond butter; 2 tablespoons honey; A pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Cozy Collection

I absolutely love making these Chocolate Cherry Snack Bars whenever I'm in need of a delicious pick-me-up. The combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries creates a delightful balance that's not only satisfying but also nutritious. These bars are perfect for breakfast on the go or as a post-workout snack. Plus, they’re super simple to prepare with just a few ingredients. You'll love how quickly they come together and how good they make you feel!

Created by

Tilda Greenwood

Last updated on 2026-01-06T16:58:34.646Z

When I first experimented with these Chocolate Cherry Snack Bars, I was amazed at how simple it was to combine such rich flavors into a healthy snack. The key ingredient was the dried cherries, which added not only sweetness but also a vibrant color. I realized that by using oats as the base, I could create a nutrient-dense bar that keeps me full and energized.

Over time, I've tailored this recipe to include different mix-ins, but I always come back to the chocolate and cherry combination. It’s satisfying and delicious! The trick is to melt the chocolate just enough to bind the ingredients without making it too runny, so be sure to keep an eye on it while microwaving.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor balanced with tangy cherries
Nutritious and filling, perfect for an energy boost
Easy to make and customizable with your favorite nuts

      

Ingredient Insights

The star of these Chocolate Cherry Snack Bars is undoubtedly the combination of dark chocolate and dried cherries. Dark chocolate not only provides a rich, indulgent flavor but also contributes antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress. Meanwhile, dried cherries add a tangy sweetness and a good dose of fiber, which supports digestive health. Choosing high-quality dark chocolate, ideally with at least 70% cocoa content, ensures that you get maximum health benefits while still enjoying that delightful chocolatey taste.

Almond butter serves as a creamy binding agent in this recipe, lending healthy fats and protein. If you're out of almond butter or have nut allergies, feel free to substitute it with sunflower seed butter or tahini. Both alternatives maintain a similar texture and moisture level, allowing your bars to hold together beautifully. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may shift slightly, with tahini offering a nuttier and slightly more bitter taste.

Texture and Consistency

Getting the perfect texture in your snack bars is crucial for the best snacking experience. When combining the rolled oats and the chocolate mixture, ensure that you mix them thoroughly until the oats are evenly coated. This step helps the bars maintain their structure once chilled. If the mixture seems too dry and crumbles when pressed, consider adding a touch more almond butter or a teaspoon of water to achieve the right consistency.

After you've lined your baking dish with parchment, remember to press the mixture firmly into the dish. This compacting step helps the bars hold their shape after they set. Aim for a thickness of about half an inch; if they are too thin, they might break apart easily when cut. For a delightful finishing touch, consider sprinkling some additional chopped dried cherries or chocolate chips on top before refrigerating for extra visual appeal and a punch of flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Chocolate Cherry Snack Bars:

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
1/4 cup almond butter
2 tablespoons honey
A pinch of salt

Once you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to put them together!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your snack bars:

Prepare the mixture

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and almond butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals until melted and smooth. Then, stir in honey and a pinch of salt.

Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats and chopped dried cherries. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.

Shape and chill

Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish, pressing it down firmly. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes until set.

Cut into bars

Once set, lift the mixture out of the dish using the parchment paper and cut it into bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Enjoy these delicious bars as a quick snack or a sweet treat!

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment with different nuts or seeds in place of the dried cherries for varied flavors and textures.

Storage and Shelf Life

To enjoy these Chocolate Cherry Snack Bars over an extended period, proper storage is key. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to prepare them ahead of time, these bars also freeze well. Simply wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store them in a zip-top freezer bag. They can last in the freezer for up to three months, allowing you to have a wholesome snack ready whenever cravings strike.

When you're ready to eat a frozen bar, just take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly. You can also pop it in the microwave for a few seconds if you're short on time, but be careful not to overdo it, as you want to avoid melting the chocolate.

Creative Variations

These Chocolate Cherry Snack Bars are highly adaptable, making it easy to customize them based on your taste preferences. For a hint of spice, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. You might also experiment with other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots to complement the chocolate flavor. If you're a fan of crunch, toss in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to add texture and additional healthy fats.

If you're looking to lower the sugar content in the recipe, you can reduce the amount of honey or replace it with a sugar-free alternative like agave nectar or maple syrup. Keep in mind that this could slightly alter the texture, so monitor the mixture carefully as you mix and adjust accordingly to achieve the right consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?

Fresh cherries have high water content, which may not work for this recipe. Dried cherries are recommended for texture and sweetness.

→ How should I store the bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

→ Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes! Use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.

→ What can I substitute for almond butter?

You can use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter if you have nut allergies.