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- 2 ripe bananas, mashed - 1 cup pitted cherries, chopped (fresh or frozen) - 1 ½ cups rolled oats - ½ cup almond butter (or any nut butter of choice) - ¼ cup honey or maple syrup - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract - ¼ teaspoon salt - ½ cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts) - ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional) These simple ingredients create a tasty and nutritious snack. Ripe bananas add sweetness and moisture. Cherries bring a burst of flavor, and oats give a great chewy texture. Almond butter serves as a creamy binder. Honey or maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness. The vanilla extract enhances the overall taste. Salt balances the flavors. Nuts add crunch, while chocolate chips provide a fun twist. This mix makes for a well-rounded snack with many benefits. Use fresh or frozen cherries based on what you have. If you want a nut-free option, choose sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter. You can find the full recipe above for all the steps to make these bars. - Preheat the oven and prepare your baking pan: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging out for easy lifting later. - Combine wet ingredients in a mixing bowl: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Add almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy. - Mix in the oats and fold in fruits and nuts: Stir in the rolled oats until they blend well. Gently fold in the chopped cherries, nuts, and chocolate chips if you want a sweet touch. - Pour mixture into the baking pan: Transfer the granola mix into the prepared pan. Press it down firmly with your hands or a spatula. Make sure it spreads evenly across the pan. - Bake until golden brown: Place the pan in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges turn golden. - Cool the granola bars and slice: Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper to lift them out. Cut into squares or rectangles. - Presentation tips for serving: Wrap each bar in parchment paper and tie with a string for a cute look. You can also place them on a wooden board for a charming snack display. To get the best granola bars, keep a close eye on baking time and temperature. I recommend preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bars for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for the edges to turn golden brown. This color means they are ready. Texture is key for granola bars. To ensure they don’t crumble, press the mixture firmly into the baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands. The more you press, the better they hold together. Let them cool completely before cutting. This step helps them set properly. If you need a nut butter alternative, try sunflower seed butter or tahini. These options work well and keep the bars nut-free. For sweeteners, maple syrup and agave nectar are great substitutes for honey. Each will add a unique taste to your bars. Want to kick up the flavor? Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. A dash of these can enhance the sweetness. You can also mix in vanilla or almond extract for a richer taste. For extra texture, try adding seeds like chia or pumpkin seeds. These add crunch and nutrition to your granola bars. {{image_2}} You can play with flavors in your Cherry Banana Granola Bars. One fun idea is to add nuts. Chopped almonds or walnuts give a nice crunch. They also add healthy fats. If you want a tropical twist, try adding coconut and pineapple. The coconut adds sweetness, while the pineapple gives a bright flavor. If you need gluten-free options, use certified gluten-free oats. They work just as well in this recipe. For those who want a vegan option, swap honey for maple syrup. This makes the bars sweet without using animal products. You can make your bars even better. Adding protein powder boosts nutrition. This works well for an after-workout snack. You can also experiment with different fruits. Try using dried cranberries or apricots. They add unique flavors and textures. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas on how to customize your bars! Store your Cherry Banana Granola Bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can keep them at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, put them in the fridge. The cool air helps them stay fresh for about two weeks. Homemade granola bars can last a week at room temperature. In the fridge, they may last up to two weeks. Watch for signs of spoilage like mold or an off smell. If they feel hard or dry, it's time to toss them. To freeze your granola bars, cut them into squares first. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. You can also microwave them for about 10 seconds for a quick warm-up. For the full recipe, check out the Cherry Banana Granola Bars section above. To make Cherry Banana Granola Bars, start by mashing ripe bananas. Mix them with almond butter, honey, vanilla, and salt. Then, add rolled oats and stir until combined. Fold in chopped cherries, nuts, and chocolate chips. Pour the mixture into a baking pan, press it down, and bake for 20-25 minutes. Let them cool, then cut into bars. You can find the Full Recipe above. Yes, you can use many other fruits. Consider using blueberries, dried apricots, or cranberries. You might even try apples or peaches for a different taste. Just remember to adjust the amount based on the fruit you choose. Yes, these granola bars are healthy! They contain whole grains from oats and healthy fats from nuts. Bananas and cherries add vitamins and fiber. Each bar is packed with energy and nutrients, making them a great snack for any time of day. If your bars are too dry, consider adding a bit more nut butter or honey. You can also mix in some extra mashed bananas or a splash of water. This will help to add moisture and improve the texture of your granola bars. These granola bars are simple and fun to make. You learned the ingredients, steps, and tips for perfecting them. You can try many flavors and ingredient swaps for a personal touch. Remember to store them correctly for freshness. Enjoy your tasty, healthy snack anytime! It’s a quick recipe that brings joy and nutrition together. Happy baking!

Cherry Banana Granola Bars

Satisfy your snack cravings with these delicious Cherry Banana Granola Bars! Made with ripe bananas, juicy cherries, and wholesome oats, these bars are perfect for a quick energy boost. Easy to make and perfectly sweetened, they’re a nutritious treat for kids and adults alike. Click through to explore the full recipe, plus tips for a charming presentation that will impress anyone! Enjoy a delightful snack today!
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Ingredients
  

2 ripe bananas, mashed

1 cup pitted cherries, chopped (fresh or frozen)

1 ½ cups rolled oats

½ cup almond butter (or any nut butter of choice)

¼ cup honey or maple syrup

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)

¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

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

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until smooth and well combined.

      Stir in the rolled oats and ensure they are evenly mixed with the wet ingredients.

        Fold in the chopped cherries, nuts, and chocolate chips (if using) until well distributed throughout the mixture.

          Pour the granola mixture into the prepared baking pan and press it down firmly into an even layer with the back of a spatula or your hands.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown.

              Allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and cut into squares or rectangles.

                Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for longer freshness.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

                    - Presentation Tips: Wrap each granola bar individually in parchment paper and tie them with a string for a rustic touch, or serve them on a wooden board for a delightful snack display.