Dried Cherry and Almond Energy Bars are the perfect blend of sweet and nutty that makes for a satisfying snack anytime you need a boost. Packed with wholesome ingredients, these bars are not just tasty; they’re also a healthy option for those on the go. Whether you’re heading out for a hike, looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, or just need a quick bite during a busy workday, these energy bars have got you covered. Plus, making them at home means you can customize them to your taste!
What Goes into This Dried Cherry and Almond Energy Bars
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup whole almonds (75 g)
- 1 cup blanched, sliced almonds (150 g)
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans (75 g)
- 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (100 g)
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds (70 g)
- 3/4 cup pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds) (100 g)
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds (75 g)
- 1/4 cup ground flax seed meal (30 g)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds (30 g)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (50 g)
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil (for nut/seed mixture) (45 ml)
- 4 tablespoons rice syrup (for nut/seed mixture) (60 ml)
- 1 cup dried cherries (150 g)
- 2 tablespoons rice syrup (for cherry mixture) (30 ml)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (for cherry mixture) (30 ml)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Step-by-Step Recipe for Dried Cherry and Almond Energy Bars
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Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Set it aside for later.
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On a sheet pan, combine the whole almonds, sliced almonds, chopped pecans, chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and coconut flakes. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of coconut oil and 4 tablespoons of rice syrup. Stir everything together until well mixed. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until the mixture is golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
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In a food processor, blend the dried cherries, 2 tablespoons of rice syrup, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla until smooth.
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In a large bowl, mix together the toasted nut and seed mixture with the cherry mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
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Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Pat it down evenly across the bottom. Bake in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for 30-35 minutes until the bars are firm and no longer sticky.
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Let the bars cool in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into your desired sizes. Store the energy bars in an airtight container.
How to Serve Dried Cherry and Almond Energy Bars
These energy bars are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve them as a quick breakfast option or as an afternoon snack. They are great on their own, but you can also pair them with a cup of yogurt or a smoothie for added nutrition. To impress guests, consider serving them on a charcuterie board with fresh fruit and nuts for a colorful and healthful display!
Helpful Tricks for Dried Cherry and Almond Energy Bars
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Customize your nuts and seeds: Feel free to swap out nuts or seeds based on what you have on hand or your personal preference. Pecans can be replaced with hazelnuts or cashews, and you can mix in some dried fruit for a different twist!
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Storage matters: To keep your energy bars fresh for longer, store them in the refrigerator. They can last up to two weeks in an airtight container.
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Make it sweeter: If you like your bars sweeter, you can add a little more rice syrup to the cherry mixture or toss in a handful of dark chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
Dried Cherry and Almond Energy Bars FAQs
Can I use other dried fruits?
Absolutely! You can replace dried cherries with cranberries, raisins, or apricots to create a different flavor profile.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
You’ll know they’re ready when they feel firm to the touch and no longer sticky in the center. They will firm up more as they cool.
Can I freeze these energy bars?
Yes! These bars freeze well. Just be sure to wrap them individually or place parchment paper between layers whenever storing them in the freezer.
These Dried Cherry and Almond Energy Bars are a fantastic way to fuel your day, and the best part is they are easy to make at home. Give them a try, and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and textures!
Dried Cherry and Almond Energy Bars
These energy bars are a perfect blend of sweet and nutty, packed with wholesome ingredients for a healthy snack on the go.
Nut and Seed Mixture
- 1/2 cup whole almonds ((75 g))
- 1 cup blanched, sliced almonds ((150 g))
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans ((75 g))
- 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts ((100 g))
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds ((70 g))
- 3/4 cup pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds) ((100 g))
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds ((75 g))
- 1/4 cup ground flax seed meal ((30 g))
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds ((30 g))
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes ((50 g))
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil (for nut/seed mixture) ((45 ml))
- 4 tablespoons rice syrup (for nut/seed mixture) ((60 ml))
Cherry Mixture
- 1 cup dried cherries ((150 g))
- 2 tablespoons rice syrup (for cherry mixture) ((30 ml))
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (for cherry mixture) ((30 ml))
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Set it aside.
- On a sheet pan, combine the whole almonds, sliced almonds, chopped pecans, chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and coconut flakes. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of coconut oil and 4 tablespoons of rice syrup. Stir until well mixed.
- Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- In a food processor, blend the dried cherries, 2 tablespoons of rice syrup, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a large bowl, mix the toasted nut and seed mixture with the cherry mixture. Stir until combined.
Baking
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Pat it down evenly across the bottom.
- Bake in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for 30-35 minutes until firm and no longer sticky.
- Let the bars cool in the pan. Once cooled, lift out using parchment paper and cut into desired sizes.
Customize your nuts and seeds according to preference. Store in the refrigerator to keep fresh for up to two weeks. For added sweetness, consider adding more rice syrup or dark chocolate chips.
