Looking for a tasty and healthy snack? You’ll love these Cherry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars! They are easy to make and packed with nutrients. Perfect for busy mornings or a quick treat, these bars combine oats, cherries, and nut butter for a delicious bite. Whether you’re feeding kids or craving something sweet, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get baking!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Cherry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup pitted cherries, chopped
– 1/2 cup almond butter
– 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
Optional Ingredients
– 1/2 cup chopped nuts or seeds
– 1/4 cup chocolate chips or dried cherries
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
When I make Cherry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars, I love to start with the main ingredients. The rolled oats form the base. They provide great texture and nutrients. Cherries add a sweet and tart flavor. Their bright color makes the bars look good too. Almond butter gives a rich, creamy taste. You can swap it with peanut butter if you like. Honey or maple syrup serves as a natural sweetener.
For extra crunch or flavor, I add optional ingredients. Nuts or seeds enhance the nutrition and taste. Chocolate chips or dried cherries add a fun twist. Vanilla extract brings in a warm flavor. Salt balances the sweetness, while cinnamon adds warmth.
You can find the full recipe at the end of this article. This recipe is simple and fun. It’s a great way to start your day or enjoy as a snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Oven and Baking Pan
– Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
– In a bowl, combine 2 cups rolled oats, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
– Stir until they mix well. This step adds flavor and texture to your bars.
Preparing the Wet Ingredients
– In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup almond butter, 1/2 cup honey, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
– Mix until smooth. This mixture brings moisture and sweetness to the bars.
Combining Mixtures and Baking
– Pour the almond butter mixture into the dry oats.
– Mix thoroughly until the oats are coated.
– Gently fold in 1 cup chopped cherries and 1/2 cup chopped nuts or seeds.
– Transfer everything to the prepared pan. Press it down firmly and evenly.
– Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
– Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
– Lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cool completely on a wire rack.
– Cut into squares or bars of your choice.
These steps lead you to delicious Cherry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Texture
To make your Cherry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars dense, press the mixture firmly into the pan. This helps the bars hold together better. Use your hands or a spatula to flatten the mixture evenly. After baking, let the bars cool in the pan for about ten minutes. This step makes them easier to cut and prevents crumbling.
Enhancing Flavor
Using fresh cherries when they are in season brings out the best taste. Cherries add a sweet and juicy burst to each bite. You can also try adding spices like nutmeg or ginger. These spices can enhance the flavor and make your bars unique. Just a pinch can make a big difference!
Variations
Different Fruit Options
You can easily change the fruit in your Cherry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars. If you prefer, swap out the cherries for blueberries or raspberries. Both fruits add a burst of flavor and color to the bars. Another fun idea is to use dried fruits. Cranberries or apricots work well and give a nice chewy texture. These swaps keep your breakfast exciting and tasty.
Nut and Seed Swaps
Don’t worry if you don’t have almond butter. You can use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter instead. These options provide different flavors and nutrients. You can also play around with the nuts. Try walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds for more crunch. Each nut brings its unique taste, making your bars a little different every time.
Gluten-Free Alternatives
If you need gluten-free options, it’s simple. Just use certified gluten-free oats. They work the same way as regular oats. This way, everyone can enjoy your Cherry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars, even those with gluten sensitivity. Enjoy these delicious bars without worry! For the full recipe, check out the details provided earlier.
Storage Info
How to Store Cherry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
You can store your Cherry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature. They stay fresh for about a week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing is a great way to keep these bars for longer. To freeze, wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
When you want to enjoy a bar, take it out of the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If you need it faster, you can leave it at room temperature for a few hours. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This will warm it up nicely. Enjoy!
For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries in these bars. Frozen cherries save time and add convenience. They are just as tasty and nutritious as fresh ones. When using frozen cherries, let them thaw before chopping. This helps mix them evenly into the dough. You might want to drain any excess juice to keep the bars from getting too wet.
How long do these bars last?
These bars can last up to a week at room temperature. Just keep them in an airtight container. If you store them in the fridge, they can stay fresh for up to two weeks. Be sure to wrap them tightly to keep them moist and tasty.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Absolutely! To make these bars vegan, swap honey with maple syrup. You can also use a nut butter like almond or sunflower seed butter. These simple changes will keep the flavor amazing while making the bars plant-based.
What are the nutritional benefits of oats?
Oats are packed with health benefits. They are high in fiber, which helps digestion and keeps you full. Oats also contain essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron and magnesium. Plus, they may lower cholesterol, making them heart-healthy. The oats in these bars boost energy, making them a great breakfast or snack option. Enjoy them often for a nutritious treat! For the full recipe, check out the Cherry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars.
You learned how to make Cherry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars using simple, nutritious ingredients. These bars are easy to mix, bake, and enjoy. You can customize them with your favorite fruits and nuts. Keeping them fresh is simple, whether at room temperature or in the freezer. I hope you try this recipe and enjoy it as much as I do. Healthy treats like these can make your mornings better!
![- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pitted cherries, chopped - 1/2 cup almond butter - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 cup chopped nuts or seeds - 1/4 cup chocolate chips or dried cherries - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon When I make Cherry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars, I love to start with the main ingredients. The rolled oats form the base. They provide great texture and nutrients. Cherries add a sweet and tart flavor. Their bright color makes the bars look good too. Almond butter gives a rich, creamy taste. You can swap it with peanut butter if you like. Honey or maple syrup serves as a natural sweetener. For extra crunch or flavor, I add optional ingredients. Nuts or seeds enhance the nutrition and taste. Chocolate chips or dried cherries add a fun twist. Vanilla extract brings in a warm flavor. Salt balances the sweetness, while cinnamon adds warmth. You can find the full recipe at the end of this article. This recipe is simple and fun. It’s a great way to start your day or enjoy as a snack! - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later. - In a bowl, combine 2 cups rolled oats, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. - Stir until they mix well. This step adds flavor and texture to your bars. - In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup almond butter, 1/2 cup honey, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. - Mix until smooth. This mixture brings moisture and sweetness to the bars. - Pour the almond butter mixture into the dry oats. - Mix thoroughly until the oats are coated. - Gently fold in 1 cup chopped cherries and 1/2 cup chopped nuts or seeds. - Transfer everything to the prepared pan. Press it down firmly and evenly. - Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. - Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. - Lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cool completely on a wire rack. - Cut into squares or bars of your choice. These steps lead you to delicious Cherry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To make your Cherry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars dense, press the mixture firmly into the pan. This helps the bars hold together better. Use your hands or a spatula to flatten the mixture evenly. After baking, let the bars cool in the pan for about ten minutes. This step makes them easier to cut and prevents crumbling. Using fresh cherries when they are in season brings out the best taste. Cherries add a sweet and juicy burst to each bite. You can also try adding spices like nutmeg or ginger. These spices can enhance the flavor and make your bars unique. Just a pinch can make a big difference! {{image_2}} You can easily change the fruit in your Cherry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars. If you prefer, swap out the cherries for blueberries or raspberries. Both fruits add a burst of flavor and color to the bars. Another fun idea is to use dried fruits. Cranberries or apricots work well and give a nice chewy texture. These swaps keep your breakfast exciting and tasty. Don’t worry if you don’t have almond butter. You can use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter instead. These options provide different flavors and nutrients. You can also play around with the nuts. Try walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds for more crunch. Each nut brings its unique taste, making your bars a little different every time. If you need gluten-free options, it’s simple. Just use certified gluten-free oats. They work the same way as regular oats. This way, everyone can enjoy your Cherry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars, even those with gluten sensitivity. Enjoy these delicious bars without worry! For the full recipe, check out the details provided earlier. You can store your Cherry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature. They stay fresh for about a week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Freezing is a great way to keep these bars for longer. To freeze, wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy a bar, take it out of the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If you need it faster, you can leave it at room temperature for a few hours. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This will warm it up nicely. Enjoy! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Yes, you can use frozen cherries in these bars. Frozen cherries save time and add convenience. They are just as tasty and nutritious as fresh ones. When using frozen cherries, let them thaw before chopping. This helps mix them evenly into the dough. You might want to drain any excess juice to keep the bars from getting too wet. These bars can last up to a week at room temperature. Just keep them in an airtight container. If you store them in the fridge, they can stay fresh for up to two weeks. Be sure to wrap them tightly to keep them moist and tasty. Absolutely! To make these bars vegan, swap honey with maple syrup. You can also use a nut butter like almond or sunflower seed butter. These simple changes will keep the flavor amazing while making the bars plant-based. Oats are packed with health benefits. They are high in fiber, which helps digestion and keeps you full. Oats also contain essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron and magnesium. Plus, they may lower cholesterol, making them heart-healthy. The oats in these bars boost energy, making them a great breakfast or snack option. Enjoy them often for a nutritious treat! For the full recipe, check out the Cherry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars. You learned how to make Cherry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars using simple, nutritious ingredients. These bars are easy to mix, bake, and enjoy. You can customize them with your favorite fruits and nuts. Keeping them fresh is simple, whether at room temperature or in the freezer. I hope you try this recipe and enjoy it as much as I do. Healthy treats like these can make your mornings better!](https://savoryspiral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/62394055-94a1-429b-b428-d30b9033b479-250x250.webp)