I don’t know why, but I love cooking, more for the sharing aspect of making food, rather than the actual enjoying what I make. So when I’m sitting down to think of a meal prep for treats, or I’m considering a new recipe, I love to make sure I can share it. This recipe below is adapted from energy bites I’ve previously made before, but holds together well like a granola bar, and they’re perfect to squeeze in to your lunch, as a treat, or a sharable with your friends and co-workers!
The last time I made a batch of these granola bars, they didn’t last longer than two days… I mean there’s crunch, peanut butter, chocolate, and a little sweet from dried cherries, what more can you ask for?!
I think I might go make another batch of these, I’m drooling just typing this out! If you want to try my new favorite treat, keep on reading for the recipe…
Cherry & Chocolate Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup Honey
- 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- 2 tbsp Truvia Brown Sugar Blend
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Salt (optional)
- 2 cups Quick Oats
- 2 cups Crispy Rice Cereal
- 1/2 cup Dried Cherries (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips
Instructions
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Line a pan (I used an 8x8) with foil and spray with a non-stick spray
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Microwave peanut butter, honey, and brown sugar for 1 minute, stir, and microwave for 30 more seconds (you can repeat an additional 30 seconds if you mixture is not smooth when stirring)
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Add in vanilla, cinnamon, and salt
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Add in oats and mix until evenly coated
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Gently stir in the rice cereal, followed by dried cherries and chocolate chips
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Transfer mixture to a foil lined pan and press down firmly to pack your bars (apply pressure with either your hands or a spatula/utensil to make sure they stay together)
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Place the container in the freezer for 30 minutes to 1 hour until the bars are set (longer time might be necessary for thicker bars)
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Remove from container and foil, and slice bars however you'd like. Enjoy!
Nutrition:
Serving size: 1 bar (I cut mine in to 30 bite size pieces because they’re pretty filling and thick)
Calories: 83cal | Carbs: 13.3g | Fat: 3.1g | Protein: 1.8g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6.7g
Notes:
- Bars will keep for 1 week in an airtight container (can be in refrigerator or at room temperature)
- These treats are pretty dense, and pack a punch of flavor, so I usually slice mine in to snacking squares – they’re the perfect treat for a sweet tooth!
- Make a double batch if you want to share, they don’t last long!
- Consider additional add ins – raisins, nuts, seeds, etc.
So simple, right?! My favorite kind of recipe… whip these up in less than 15 minutes, and you’re eating them in an hour. They’re good straight from the freezer (because I can never help myself to wait), and even better once they finally soften up. I cut these in to bite size pieces because the peanut butter makes them really indulgent for me, and that way its a “treat” I look forward to, and it fits in to my meal plan!
If you try these bars let me know, I’d love to hear your favorite add in’s!
Until next time,
Paige
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