Go Nuts Over Chocolatey Cherry-Coconut Granola Bars!

As a busy professional, I’m always looking for something quick and easy to snack on throughout the day. This Chocolate-Cherry-Coconut Granola Bars recipe is the perfect solution! It’s easy to make, full of delicious flavors and incredibly satisfying. The combination of cherries, chocolate and coconut is a match made in heaven, and the crunchy, nutty granola adds the perfect texture to these delectable bars.

Chocolate-Cherry-Coconut Granola Bars Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1 cup slivered almonds
• 1 cup puffed rice cereal
• 2 ¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup dried tart cherries
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ⅔ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup mini semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• In a large bowl, mix together the coconut flakes, almonds, puffed rice cereal, and oats.
• Add the dried cherries and mix until well combined.
• In a small saucepan, heat the peanut butter, honey, coconut oil, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until melted and smooth.
• Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture and mix until everything is well coated.
• Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.
• Pour the oat mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
• Bake for 5 minutes.
• Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips over the top and press them into the mixture.
• Bake for an additional 5 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into bars.
• Enjoy your Chocolate-Cherry-Coconut Granola Bars!

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 bar (50g). Calories: 165, Total Fat: 7.3g, Saturated Fat: 3.5g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 46mg, Total Carbohydrate: 19.6g, Dietary Fiber: 2.2g, Sugars: 10.6g, Protein: 3.4g.

What flavors combine to make the perfect bite of a chocolate-cherry-coconut granola bar?

The perfect bite of a chocolate-cherry-coconut granola bar combines the sweetness of chocolate, the tartness of cherries, and the nuttiness of coconut. The combination of these flavors creates a crunchy, chewy, and delicious snack that is sure to satisfy.

Chocolate provides a rich sweetness in the granola bar that is balanced by the tartness of the cherries. The cherries add a unique flavor that contrasts the chocolate, making it a delectable treat. The coconut also adds a hint of nuttiness to the granola bar, creating a flavor-packed snack.

The texture of the chocolate-cherry-coconut granola bar is also important in creating the perfect bite. The crunch of the granola, the chewiness of the chocolate chips, and the slight crunch of the coconut all contribute to the unique texture.

Overall, the combination of sweet chocolate, tart cherries, and nutty coconut combine to create the perfect bite of a chocolate-cherry-coconut granola bar. The mix of flavors and textures makes it a delicious and satisfying snack.

What special health benefits can be found in a chocolate-cherry-coconut granola bar?

A chocolate-cherry-coconut granola bar can provide a range of health benefits, including:

• A boost of energy – the combination of oats, dried fruit, nuts and seeds provide carbohydrates and healthy fats that can provide sustained energy throughout the day.
• Heart health – the oats are high in soluble fiber, which helps to lower cholesterol levels. The nuts and seeds provide healthy fats that can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
• High in antioxidants – dark chocolate, cherries and coconut are all high in antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
• Improved digestion – the mix of oats, nuts and seeds can help to keep the digestive system healthy, while the dried fruit provides additional fiber.
• Balanced nutrition – the combination of oats, dried fruit, nuts and seeds provide a balanced mix of essential vitamins, minerals, protein and healthy fats.

What tips and tricks can be used to ensure chocolate-cherry-coconut granola bars come out perfectly every time?

Start by preheating the oven to 350°F.

• Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray.
• In a large bowl, combine 2 cups rolled oats, 1/2 cup slivered almonds, 1/2 cup shredded coconut, 1/2 cup dried cherries, 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup flaxseed meal, 1/4 cup wheat germ, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup coconut oil, 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract.
• Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
• Pour the granola mixture into the prepared baking dish and press down lightly with a spatula or your hands to even it out.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is lightly browned.
• Allow the granola bars to cool completely before cutting into bars.
• For maximum crunch, store the granola bars in an airtight container.

What are the key steps to making a delicious chocolate-cherry-coconut granola bar?

The key steps to making a delicious chocolate-cherry-coconut granola bar are preparing the ingredients, making the granola bars, and baking them.

To begin, you will need to gather the ingredients you will need, which include rolled oats, honey, almond butter, chocolate chips, dried cherries, coconut flakes, and salt. You will also need a baking sheet and parchment paper.

Next, prepare the granola bars. In a bowl, combine the rolled oats, honey, almond butter, chocolate chips, dried cherries, coconut flakes, and salt. Mix everything together until it is thoroughly combined.

Once the ingredients are combined, spread the mixture out onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Use a spatula to press the mixture into an even layer. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Finally, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola bar cool completely before cutting it into bars.

How can chocolate-cherry-coconut granola bars be used to make a quick, healthy snack?

Chocolate-cherry-coconut granola bars are incredibly versatile and can easily be used to make a quick, healthy snack. Whether you’re looking for a snack to take on the go, or something to enjoy in the comfort of your own home, these granola bars are sure to satisfy.

To make a quick and healthy snack with chocolate-cherry-coconut granola bars, simply grab a bar and enjoy! They are already pre-portioned into individual servings and are made with wholesome ingredients, such as oats, dried cherries, coconut, and dark chocolate chips. This combination of ingredients provides a delicious balance of sweetness, tartness, and crunch.

In addition to being an easy and delicious snack, chocolate-cherry-coconut granola bars are also a great source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Fiber helps to keep you full throughout the day, while protein and healthy fats provide sustained energy. Furthermore, these granola bars contain no added sugar, making them a much healthier alternative to many other snacks.

If you’re looking to create a more complex snack with chocolate-cherry-coconut granola bars, you can pair them with fresh fruit and yogurt for a delicious and nutritious treat. Alternatively, you can crumble them over ice cream for a decadent and satisfying dessert.

No matter how you choose to enjoy them, chocolate-cherry-coconut granola bars are a great way to make a quick, healthy snack. With their delicious combination of flavors and wholesome ingredients, these bars are sure to satisfy your hunger and cravings.

What are the key differences between homemade and store-bought chocolate-cherry-coconut granola bars?

The key differences between homemade and store-bought chocolate-cherry-coconut granola bars are the ingredients, nutritional value, and cost.

When it comes to ingredients, homemade chocolate-cherry-coconut granola bars can be made with whatever ingredients you have on hand. You have the freedom to tailor the ingredients to your own taste and dietary preferences, like using gluten-free oats, vegan-friendly chocolate chips, and so on. On the other hand, the ingredients in store-bought chocolate-cherry-coconut granola bars are usually predetermined and may not be as healthy or include as many natural ingredients as homemade granola bars.

Nutritionally, homemade chocolate-cherry-coconut granola bars are usually higher in quality than store-bought bars. This is because you have full control over the amount of fat, sugar, and other ingredients that go into the bars. Store-bought bars often contain added preservatives or unhealthy ingredients to help them stay fresh for longer.

Finally, when it comes to cost, homemade chocolate-cherry-coconut granola bars are usually cheaper than store-bought bars. This is because you can buy the ingredients in bulk, as opposed to individual bars at the store. Plus, you’ll be able to make a larger batch at once, so you can save money in the long run.

Overall, homemade and store-bought chocolate-cherry-coconut granola bars both have their pros and cons. If you’re looking for a healthier option, homemade bars are the way to go. But if you’re looking for convenience, store-bought bars might be the better choice.

What unique flavors can be added to a chocolate-cherry-coconut granola bar to make a one-of-a-kind snack?

Unique flavors can be added to a chocolate-cherry-coconut granola bar to make a one-of-a-kind snack. The possibilities are nearly endless and can be tailored to individual tastes. Some interesting flavor combinations to consider include the addition of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom; dried fruits such as apricots and raisins; and nuts such as almonds, pecans, and macadamia nuts. For an added crunch, chia seeds or flaxseeds can be added to the mix. For a hint of sweetness, honey or maple syrup can be added. To give the bars an extra kick, espresso powder or cocoa powder can be thrown into the mix. The end result will be a delicious, nutritious, and unique snack that will keep you fueled throughout the day.