Cherry Almond Bars Recipe

Rolled oats: These provide a chewy texture and are a great source of fiber.

Almond flour: A gluten-free flour that adds a nutty flavor and moist texture.

Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds a rich, caramel-like flavor.

Coconut oil: Used as a binding agent and adds a subtle coconut flavor.

Dried cherries: These add a sweet and tart flavor to the bars.

Sliced almonds: Provide a crunchy texture and enhance the almond flavor.

Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the mixture.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.

When pressing the mixture into the baking dish, use a piece of parchment paper to help evenly distribute the dough and prevent it from sticking to your hands. This ensures a uniform thickness, which helps the bars bake evenly and achieve a consistent texture.

• Rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes provide a similar texture and are also gluten-free, making them a good alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Almond flour - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour has a mild flavor and similar consistency, making it a good substitute in baked goods.

• Maple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar has a similar sweetness and consistency, making it a suitable alternative for sweetening.

• Coconut oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier fat alternative, though it may slightly alter the flavor.

• Dried cherries - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries have a similar tartness and chewy texture, making them a good substitute.

• Sliced almonds - Substitute with pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds provide a similar crunch and are a good nut-free alternative.

• Vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a complementary flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar flavor profile.

• Allow the Cherry Almond Bars to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the bars soggy.
• For short-term storage, place the bars in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Store the container at room temperature if you plan to consume the bars within 2-3 days. Ensure it's kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the bars. They can last up to a week in the fridge. Again, use an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• To freeze the bars, first, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap. This helps to keep them from sticking together and makes it easy to grab a single serving.
• Place the individually wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the container with the date to keep track of their freshness.
• Frozen Cherry Almond Bars can be stored for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
• For a quick thaw, you can microwave a bar for about 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the bars too soft.
• If you prefer a warm treat, you can reheat the bars in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will give them a freshly baked texture.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the cherry almond bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the bars' texture and keeps them crispy on the outside while soft on the inside.

• Microwave Method: Place a cherry almond bar on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check the temperature and heat for an additional 10 seconds if needed. This method is quick and convenient but may make the bars slightly softer.

• Toaster Oven Method: Set your toaster oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the cherry almond bars on the toaster oven tray. Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. This method is great for a small batch and helps retain the bars' crispy texture.

• Stovetop Method: If you prefer a slightly toasted flavor, heat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the cherry almond bars in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through. This method adds a nice, toasty edge to the bars.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Place the cherry almond bars in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-5 minutes or until warmed through. This method is quick and helps maintain the bars' crispy texture.

• Oven: Used to bake the cherry almond bars at 350°F (175°C) until they are golden brown.

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the oats, almond flour, and salt, as well as mixing in the wet ingredients and folding in the dried cherries and sliced almonds.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the rolled oats, almond flour, maple syrup, coconut oil, dried cherries, and sliced almonds.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract and salt precisely.

• Spatula: Handy for stirring the mixture and ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

• Baking dish: The container in which the mixture is pressed and baked to form the bars.

• Parchment paper: Optional, but useful for lining the baking dish to prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the bars after baking.

• Knife: Needed for chopping the dried cherries and slicing the cooled bars.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the dried cherries.

• Cooling rack: Allows the baked bars to cool evenly before cutting into portions.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients like rolled oats, almond flour, and dried cherries before starting to streamline the process.

Use parchment paper: Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and less cleanup.

Melt coconut oil ahead: Melt the coconut oil in advance so it’s ready to mix when you need it.

Chop cherries in bulk: Chop all the dried cherries at once to save time during assembly.

Combine dry ingredients first: Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution and saves time.