Cherry Almond Breakfast Bar

It’s a hectic weekday morning, the kind where hitting the snooze button felt like winning a mini-battle against the day. Breakfast was the last thing on my mind, but my stomach was starting to rumble its protest. That’s when I remembered the batch of Cherry Almond Breakfast Bars I had baked over the weekend. Grabbing one on my way out the door, I took a bite, and instantly, the day felt a little brighter. The chewy oats, the burst of sweet cherries, the satisfying crunch of almonds, and that subtle hint of almond extract – it was a symphony of textures and flavors that woke me up better than any alarm clock. Later that day, my kids devoured them after school, declaring them “way better than store-bought!” And honestly, I had to agree. These Cherry Almond Breakfast Bars are not just convenient; they are genuinely delicious, wholesome, and have become a staple in our home for busy mornings and afternoon snacks. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy to make, loved by the whole family, and perfect for grabbing on the go, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into making these delightful bars!

Ingredients

Here is a list of all the ingredients you’ll need to bake these scrumptious Cherry Almond Breakfast Bars. We’ve included measurements and a short description of each ingredient to guide you.

• 2 cups Rolled Oats: (About 180g) Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best chewy texture and hearty flavor. Quick oats can be used in a pinch but may result in a slightly softer bar.
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour: (About 120g) Provides structure to the bars. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, or a gluten-free blend if needed.
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the bars rise slightly and become light and airy. Ensure it’s fresh for optimal results.
• ½ teaspoon Baking Soda: Another leavening agent that reacts with the brown sugar and adds to the bars’ tender texture and rise.
• ½ teaspoon Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors in the bars. Table salt or sea salt works well.
• 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter, Melted: (About 226g) Adds richness, moisture, and a tender crumb. You can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, although it will slightly alter the flavor.
• 1 cup Packed Light Brown Sugar: (About 200g) Provides sweetness, moisture, and a caramel-like flavor. The molasses in brown sugar also contributes to the chewy texture.
• ½ cup Granulated Sugar: (About 100g) Adds sweetness and helps with browning the edges of the bars.
• 2 Large Eggs: (About 100g) Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture and structure to the bars. For a vegan option, you can use flax eggs (2 tablespoons flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the bars, adding a warm and comforting note. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
• 1 teaspoon Almond Extract: The star flavor! Almond extract complements the cherries and almonds beautifully, giving the bars their signature taste. A little goes a long way, so measure accurately.
• 1 cup Dried Cherries, Roughly Chopped: (About 150g) Provides a burst of sweetness and chewy texture. You can use sweet or tart dried cherries, depending on your preference. Fresh or frozen cherries can also be used, but make sure to pit and halve or quarter them, and you may need to adjust baking time slightly.
• 1 cup Sliced Almonds: (About 100g) Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the cherries and almond extract. You can use slivered or chopped almonds as well.
• Optional: ¼ cup Almond Flour: (About 30g) Enhances the almond flavor and adds a slightly denser texture. Not essential but a nice addition if you have it on hand.
• Optional: 2 tablespoons Milk or Almond Milk: If the batter seems too thick, a little milk can help loosen it up slightly. Use dairy or non-dairy milk based on your preference.

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to bake your own batch of delicious Cherry Almond Breakfast Bars. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, to easily lift the bars out after baking. This makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour (and almond flour if using), baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients, which is crucial for even rising and texture.
3. Melt Butter and Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, melt the unsalted butter. You can do this in the microwave in short intervals or in a saucepan over low heat. Once melted, whisk in the packed light brown sugar and granulated sugar until well combined and mostly smooth.
4. Incorporate Eggs and Extracts: Whisk the eggs one at a time into the melted butter and sugar mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract. The wet mixture should be well combined and slightly thickened.
5. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed with an electric mixer or by hand with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough bars. Mix until just incorporated, and a few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.
6. Fold in Cherries and Almonds: Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries and sliced almonds into the batter using a spatula. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter. Folding ensures that the cherries and almonds are incorporated without overmixing the batter.
7. Pour Batter into Prepared Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Ensure the batter is spread to all corners of the pan for even baking.
8. Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the edges are golden brown. Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes, as oven temperatures can vary. The bars should be set in the center and spring back lightly when touched.
9. Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and let the breakfast bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Cooling completely is important for the bars to set properly and to make them easier to cut neatly. If you used parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan using the overhang once cooled.
10. Cut and Serve: Once completely cooled, cut the breakfast bars into squares or rectangles. The size is up to you! They are now ready to serve and enjoy. Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a look at the approximate nutritional information per serving for these Cherry Almond Breakfast Bars. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary slightly based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Serving Size: 1 bar (assuming the recipe is cut into 16 bars)
• Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per serving. Provides a good energy boost for breakfast or a snack.
• Fat: 12-15 grams of fat per serving. Includes healthy fats from almonds and butter, contributing to satiety and flavor.
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams of carbohydrates per serving. A source of energy, primarily from oats, flour, and sugars. Consider adjusting sugar content if you prefer lower carb options.
• Protein: 4-5 grams of protein per serving. Protein from oats, almonds, and eggs helps with satiety and muscle building.
• Fiber: 2-3 grams of fiber per serving. Fiber from rolled oats and almonds aids in digestion and helps you feel fuller for longer.

These bars offer a balance of macronutrients, making them a more wholesome choice compared to many commercially produced breakfast bars which can be high in processed sugars and low in fiber.

Preparation Time

These Cherry Almond Breakfast Bars are wonderfully quick to prepare, making them ideal for busy mornings or weekend baking projects.

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes. This includes gathering ingredients, measuring, mixing the batter, and preparing the baking pan.
• Bake Time: 25-30 minutes. The time the bars spend in the oven baking to golden perfection.
• Cooling Time: 1-2 hours. Allowing the bars to cool completely is crucial for them to set properly and be easy to cut. Though it requires patience, it’s an essential step for the best texture.
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours (including cooling). While the total time includes cooling, the active hands-on time is minimal, making this a relatively quick recipe to prepare.

How to Serve

Cherry Almond Breakfast Bars are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

• On-the-Go Breakfast: Perfect for busy mornings! Simply grab a bar as you head out the door for a quick and satisfying breakfast.
• Mid-Morning Snack: Enjoy a bar with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious and energy-boosting mid-morning snack.
• Afternoon Treat: A healthier alternative to processed snacks, these bars are great for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Lunchbox Addition: Pack a breakfast bar in your or your kids’ lunchboxes for a tasty and wholesome treat.
• Dessert with a Twist: Serve warmed slightly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple yet satisfying dessert.
• Hiking or Outdoor Activity Fuel: These bars are portable and energy-dense, making them excellent for taking on hikes, picnics, or other outdoor adventures.
• Pair with Yogurt and Fruit: Crumble a breakfast bar over yogurt and fresh fruit for a more substantial and balanced breakfast or snack bowl.
• With a Glass of Milk: Enjoy the classic pairing of a baked treat with a cold glass of milk (dairy or non-dairy).

Additional Tips for Perfect Cherry Almond Breakfast Bars

Here are 8 helpful tips to ensure your Cherry Almond Breakfast Bars turn out perfectly every time:

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined, and then gently fold in the cherries and almonds. A few streaks of flour are okay.
2. Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon and level method to measure flour. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly from the bag can pack the flour and result in too much flour in the recipe, leading to dry bars.
3. Use Room Temperature Eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily into the batter, creating a smoother emulsion and better texture. If you forgot to take them out, you can quickly warm eggs by placing them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
4. Toast the Almonds (Optional): For an even more intense almond flavor, lightly toast the sliced almonds before adding them to the batter. Toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn them.
5. Customize with Different Dried Fruits and Nuts: Feel free to experiment with other dried fruits like cranberries, blueberries, or chopped apricots instead of cherries. You can also swap almonds for pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts for different flavor combinations.
6. Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra indulgent treat, add ½ cup of chocolate chips (semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate) to the batter along with the cherries and almonds. Chocolate and cherry almond is a classic combination!
7. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweet bars, you can reduce the granulated sugar by ¼ cup. You can also use unsweetened dried cherries to further reduce the overall sweetness.
8. Storage is Key: Store cooled breakfast bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQ Section: Your Questions Answered

Here are 8 frequently asked questions about making Cherry Almond Breakfast Bars, to help you bake with confidence:

Q1: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture will be slightly different. Quick oats will result in a softer, less chewy bar. Rolled oats are recommended for the best texture, but quick oats work in a pinch.

Q2: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the blend is designed for baking and contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for structure. Always double-check that all your ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy.

Q3: Can I use fresh or frozen cherries instead of dried cherries?
A: Yes, fresh or frozen cherries can be used. Pit and halve or quarter fresh cherries. If using frozen cherries, there’s no need to thaw them. However, using fresh or frozen cherries may add extra moisture to the bars, so you might need to bake them a little longer. Also, consider patting fresh/frozen cherries dry before adding them to the batter to minimize excess moisture.

Q4: Can I make these bars vegan?
A: Yes, you can easily make these bars vegan. Substitute the butter with melted coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Replace the eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes until thickened). Ensure all other ingredients, like sugar, are also vegan-friendly if necessary.

Q5: How do I prevent the bars from being dry?
A: To prevent dry bars, ensure you measure the flour correctly and don’t overbake them. Use the spoon and level method for flour, and check for doneness around 25 minutes of baking time. The bars should be moist and slightly springy when done. Storing them in an airtight container also helps retain moisture.

Q6: Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can reduce the granulated sugar by up to ¼ cup without significantly impacting the texture. However, reducing the sugar too much may affect the bars’ moisture and texture. Brown sugar contributes to moisture and chewiness, so reducing that is not recommended as much as granulated sugar.

Q7: My bars are crumbly, what did I do wrong?
A: Crumbly bars can be due to a few reasons. Overmixing the batter can sometimes lead to a crumbly texture. Also, using too much flour or not enough liquid can make them dry and crumbly. Ensure you are measuring ingredients accurately and mixing just until combined.

Q8: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes, you can easily double this recipe. Bake the doubled recipe in a larger baking pan, such as a 12×17 inch pan, and you may need to increase the baking time by a few minutes. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness with a toothpick.

We hope this comprehensive guide to Cherry Almond Breakfast Bars has inspired you to bake a batch of your own. Enjoy the delightful flavors and convenience of these homemade bars – they are a treat you can feel good about enjoying any time of day!

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