Cherry Almond Granola Bars

We go through a lot of granola bars here.  My kids love ’em, my husband loves ’em, and I certainly eat my fair share!  They’re really just so convenient as an energizing snack that is easy to take along wherever you’re going.  And they’re awfully tasty.

Since we consume a lot of these things, I decided to start making them at home as often as possible.  And these cherry almond granola bars are one of the best combinations we’ve tried.  They’re crunchy, but not too crunchy, and somehow manage to be a bit chewy at the same time.  I’m not sure how this is possible but I couldn’t decide which they were!  They’re not hard like a typical crunchy granola bar, but are not as soft as a typical chewy one.  I don’t know what that makes them.

Delicious, that’s what.

They’re filling and energizing from the peanut butter, oats and almonds.  And there’s only a quarter cup of white sugar in a huge batch of granola bars.  The rest of the sweetness comes from honey.

Also, no baking needed, just some chilling time in the fridge to firm up.  So they’re fast and easy, and you probably have everything you need for them in your pantry right now.  And if you don’t, you probably have something that you can substitute because they’re also highly adaptable.  Don’t like almonds or cherries?  Throw in cashews or raisins instead.  Or whatever it is you like!  Every single combination of these we’ve tried has been fantastic.

If you’re looking for a new snack to try, these cherry almond granola bars are a quick and easy option that you will love!

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Yield: 36-42 bars

Cherry Almond Granola Bars

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*Note:* If you don't want to use Cheerios, I've made these using Rice Krispies, or just more rolled oats and both are good. But they won't have that crispy texture if you don't use any cereal, and we've found we do prefer the crunch that you get with the cereal in there.

Ingredients

• 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 3 cups Cheerios
• 1 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup almonds, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

1. Line a rimmed 12x16 inch baking sheet with wax paper and set aside. In a large bowl, toss together the oats, cheerios, dried cherries, almonds and chocolate chips.
3. In a small saucepan, over medium heat, combine the honey and sugar. Heat, stirring until the mixture comes to a full rolling boil. Lower the heat and continue boiling for one minute, stirring constantly. Turn off the heat and add the peanut butter and vanilla, stirring until the peanut butter has melted and the mixture is smooth.
5. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir until it is evenly combined. Spread the mixture on the prepared baking sheet and press it down. Cover with another piece of wax paper, and use a rolling pin to press the bars down into an even, compact layer.
7. Refrigerate the bars until firm, at least two hours, and then cut into bars and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

Notes

Source: Adapted from Today’s Parent Magazine (I’ve linked to their home page as it was from an issue many years ago, and they do not have the original recipe online).