Chocolate Cherry Snack Bars

Name: Chocolate Cherry Snack Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips; 1 cup dried cherries; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Favorites

I absolutely love making these Chocolate Cherry Snack Bars when I'm in the mood for a quick yet indulgent treat. The combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherries creates a delightful fusion that’s hard to resist. These bars are not only delicious but also super easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy afternoons or a hiking snack. I often tweak the ingredients to include nuts or seeds, enhancing the texture and nutritional value. They truly have become a staple in my snack repertoire.

Created by

Lucy Thompson

Last updated on 2026-01-06T11:17:34.789Z

These Chocolate Cherry Snack Bars have become a family favorite after I discovered how easy they are to make. I remember the first time I made them; the kitchen filled with the aroma of melted chocolate and baking cherries, and I couldn't wait to try them warm out of the oven. The secret is to let the bars cool completely before slicing them, which makes cutting into them much easier and cleaner.

In my experiments, I learned that using high-quality dark chocolate provides a richer flavor, perfectly complemented by the natural sweetness of dried cherries. Adding a pinch of sea salt brings out the flavors even more. You’ll want to make these again and again!

Why You'll Love These Bars
Decadent chocolate flavor balanced with tart cherries
Chewy texture that satisfies every craving
Quick and easy to prepare for snacks or dessert

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in these Chocolate Cherry Snack Bars contributes to both flavor and texture. For instance, the rolled oats provide a hearty base, offering chewiness and a dose of fiber. Almond flour adds a nutty richness while keeping the bars gluten-free, and cocoa powder delivers the deep chocolate flavor we crave. Dried cherries not only enhance sweetness with their tartness but also add a chewy contrast that complements the rich chocolate chips.

Using high-quality dark chocolate chips is essential for achieving a decadent taste. Look for chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa content, as it contributes a more complex flavor and additional antioxidants compared to milk chocolate. If you're looking to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar-free dark chocolate option. Additionally, if you want to introduce protein and healthy fats, you could swap out a portion of the almond flour for a nut butter like almond or peanut butter.

Baking and Texture Tips

When combining the ingredients, ensure that the coconut oil is completely melted but not too hot, as this could cause the chocolate chips to melt prematurely. Mixing until just combined helps maintain a good texture; avoid overmixing, which can make the bars dense. Once spread into the baking pan, use a flat spatula or the back of a measuring cup to press the mixture down firmly and evenly to prevent the bars from crumbling later.

Watch the baking time closely; if left too long in the oven, the bars can become hard and dry. You’ll know they're done when the edges pull away slightly from the sides of the pan and the center feels firm when pressed. Allowing them to cool to room temperature on a wire rack is crucial for achieving the perfect chewy texture.

Ingredients

For the Snack Bars

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1 cup dried cherries
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients well before baking.

Instructions

Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine oats, almond flour, cocoa powder, honey (or maple syrup), salt, melted coconut oil, and vanilla. Stir in chocolate chips and dried cherries until evenly mixed.

Bake

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan and press firmly. Bake for 25 minutes until firm to the touch.

Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Lift the parchment paper to remove and let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into bars.

Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Pro Tips

For added crunch, feel free to mix in some nuts or seeds with the chocolate chips and cherries.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, making them great for meal prep or on-the-go snacks. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Slice the bars and wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They will keep well for up to three months, and you can grab one as needed. Simply let it thaw at room temperature for a quick snack.

If you want to keep them fresh longer without freezing, you can also refrigerate the bars for up to two weeks. Alternatively, if you find them too crumbly after refrigerating, warming them slightly in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) can help. This not only restores some moisture but also gives them a comforting, soft texture.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to experiment with add-ins to suit your taste or dietary needs. For an extra crunch, consider incorporating chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even some seeds like chia or flaxseeds for a nutritional boost. If you’re not a fan of cherries, dried cranberries or apricots can also be delightful and provide a different twist on flavor.

For a more indulgent flavor, you could drizzle the cooled bars with melted white chocolate or sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before slicing. This not only enhances the visual appeal but adds a sophisticated touch to the flavor profile.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried ones?

While fresh cherries can be used, they will add moisture to the bars and may affect their texture. Dried cherries are recommended for the best outcome.

→ How do I store the bars?

Store the snacks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I substitute the almond flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour or oat flour as a substitute for almond flour, but be aware that it may alter the texture slightly.

→ What can I use instead of honey?

Maple syrup is a great alternative to honey for making these bars vegan-friendly.