Cherry Pistachio Granola Bars Nutritious and Tasty Snack

Looking for a delicious yet healthy snack? You’ll love these Cherry Pistachio Granola Bars! Packed with wholesome ingredients, they make for a perfect on-the-go treat or a satisfying pick-me-up. With just a few steps, you can whip up these bars at home, customizing them to suit your tastes. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how easy it is to enjoy a nutritious snack that’s both tasty and fun!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 cup rolled oats

– 1/2 cup unsalted pistachios, roughly chopped

– 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped

These main ingredients form the base of your Cherry Pistachio Granola Bars. Rolled oats provide fiber and energy. Chopped pistachios add crunch and protein. Dried cherries bring sweetness and antioxidants.

Sweeteners and Binders

– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

– 1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)

Sweeteners and binders are vital for texture. Honey or maple syrup adds natural sweetness. Almond butter or peanut butter helps hold everything together. Both also add healthy fats.

Flavor Enhancers

– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

– 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips (optional)

Flavor enhancers elevate the taste. Sea salt balances sweetness. Vanilla extract gives a warm note. Cinnamon adds a cozy spice. Optional dark chocolate chips offer a fun twist. You can mix and match these ingredients based on your taste.

For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps lift the bars out later.

3. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup chopped pistachios, and 1/2 cup chopped dried cherries.

4. Add 1/4 teaspoon sea salt and, if you like, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir well to combine.

Combining Wet Ingredients

1. Next, pour 1/4 cup almond butter and 1/4 cup honey into a small saucepan.

2. Warm over low heat for about 2-3 minutes. Stir until smooth.

3. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to the warm mixture. Mix well.

4. Pour this warm mixture over the dry ingredients in the bowl. Stir until everything is coated.

5. If you want, fold in 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips for a sweet touch.

Baking and Cooling

1. Now, transfer the mixture into the lined baking pan. Press it down firmly. Use a spatula or your fingers to make it even.

2. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden.

3. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

4. After cooling, use the parchment paper to lift out the bars. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Once cool, slice into bars and store them in an airtight container for up to one week.

These Cherry Pistachio Granola Bars are a great blend of chewy and crunchy. This quick and easy recipe makes for a perfect snack or breakfast option. For the complete recipe, refer to the [Full Recipe].

Tips & Tricks

Ingredient Substitutions

You can switch up the nut butter. Try sunflower seed butter or cashew butter. This keeps your bars tasty and safe for those with nut allergies. For sweeteners, you can use agave syrup or brown rice syrup. Each option adds a unique flavor while keeping the bars sweet.

Achieving the Perfect Texture

To get the right texture, press the mixture firmly into the pan. Use a spatula or your hands. A tight pack helps the bars hold their shape. If your bars crumble, they likely did not stick together enough. Make sure to press down well before baking.

Enhancing Flavor

Spices can boost the flavor of your bars. Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for warmth. You can also mix in seeds like chia or flaxseed for extra crunch. Feel free to add coconut flakes or dried apricots. These will give your bars a fun twist while keeping them delicious.

Variations

Vegan Version

You can easily make these bars vegan. Just replace honey with agave syrup. This swap keeps the bars sweet and sticky. Also, ensure you use vegan chocolate chips if you add them. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats.

Gluten-Free Option

To make these bars gluten-free, check all ingredients carefully. Look for oats that are certified gluten-free. You can also try other grains like quinoa flakes or buckwheat for a different texture. These options offer a great taste while keeping it gluten-free.

Nut-Free Version

If you need a nut-free version, swap out the pistachios. Use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead. This change still provides crunch and flavor. For the nut butter, try using sunbutter. It adds creaminess without nuts, making it safe for those with allergies.

You can find the Full Recipe above to get started on these variations!

Storage Info

Best Storage Practices

To keep your cherry pistachio granola bars fresh, I suggest using airtight containers. These containers help lock in moisture and prevent them from getting stale. You can also wrap each bar in parchment paper before placing them in the container. This way, they stay together and are easy to grab on the go.

Shelf Life

When stored at room temperature, these granola bars last about one week. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Simply wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy one.

Serve and Enjoy

These granola bars are tasty on their own, but you can get creative! Try serving them with yogurt or fruit for a quick breakfast. They also pair well with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a fun twist, break them into pieces and sprinkle them over ice cream for a crunchy topping. Enjoy the versatility of these delicious bars!

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?

Yes, you can swap cherries for other dried fruits. Here are some great ideas:

– Dried cranberries

– Dried apricots

– Raisins

– Dried blueberries

– Dried figs

These fruits add their unique flavor and sweetness, making your bars just as tasty.

How do I make this recipe nut-free?

To make these granola bars nut-free, follow these tips:

– Replace pistachios with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

– Use sunbutter instead of almond or peanut butter.

– Check the labels on all ingredients to ensure they are nut-free.

This way, you can enjoy a safe and delicious snack.

What are the health benefits of cherry and pistachio?

Cherries and pistachios are packed with nutrition. Here’s a quick overview:

– Cherries: High in antioxidants, they may reduce inflammation and improve sleep.

– Pistachios: Rich in protein and fiber, they support heart health and weight management.

Combining these ingredients makes for a tasty snack that fuels your body. Check the Full Recipe for more!

In this post, we explored how to make delicious granola bars using simple ingredients. You learned about the main ingredients like oats, pistachios, and dried cherries. We also covered sweeteners, flavor enhancers, and step-by-step baking instructions. You can customize your bars with fun variations or substitutions. Remember, proper storage keeps them fresh. Enjoy your tasty snacks, and feel free to experiment with new ingredients. Making your own granola bars is a fun, easy way to enjoy healthy snacks anytime!

Cherry Pistachio Granola Bars

Satisfy your cravings with these delightful Cherry Pistachio Granola Bars! Packed with rolled oats, crunchy pistachios, and sweet dried cherries, these bars are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. Easy to make in just 30 minutes, they're naturally sweetened and can be customized with chocolate chips for an extra treat. Click through to explore this tasty recipe and bring some wholesome goodness to your kitchen today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup unsalted pistachios, roughly chopped

1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips (for added sweetness, optional)

Instructions

 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pistachios, chopped dried cherries, sea salt, and cinnamon if using. Mix well to combine.

In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the almond butter and honey (or maple syrup) until they are easily blendable, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Pour the almond butter and honey mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated. If using, fold in the mini chocolate chips until well combined.

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press it down firmly into an even layer using a spatula or your fingers to ensure they hold together.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, lift the granola mixture out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

Once cooled, slice into bars and store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 10 bars

- Enjoy these deliciously chewy and crunchy granola bars as a healthy snack or a quick breakfast option!