Start your day right with my Cherry Coconut Breakfast Bars! These tasty treats pack a punch of flavor and nutrition. With simple ingredients like oats, cherries, and coconut, they’re easy to make and perfect for busy mornings. Plus, you can customize them to fit your diet. Ready to learn how to whip up this filling snack? Let’s dive into this yummy recipe and make breakfast exciting again!
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients for Cherry Coconut Breakfast Bars
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
– 1/2 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1/4 cup almond butter (or your favorite nut butter)
– 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
– 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
To create these delicious Cherry Coconut Breakfast Bars, you need a few key ingredients. Rolled oats form the base. They provide fiber and keep you full. The shredded coconut adds a sweet, chewy texture. Dried cherries bring a burst of flavor and natural sweetness. Honey or maple syrup acts as a binding agent too. Almond butter gives the bars creaminess and healthy fats.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want to switch things up, try these options:
– Instead of honey or maple syrup, use agave nectar or brown rice syrup.
– For nut allergies, sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter works well.
– You can replace dried cherries with cranberries, apricots, or raisins.
Nutritional Information
Each bar packs a nutritious punch:
– About 150 calories per serving
– Carbs: 20g, Fats: 7g, Proteins: 4g
– Ingredients like oats and nuts provide energy and support heart health.
Enjoy these bars as a tasty snack or a quick breakfast. They are filling and easy to make. You can find the full recipe earlier in this article if you want to make them today!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to getting the bars just right. Next, take an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Let the paper hang over the sides. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
– 1/2 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
– 1/4 cup chopped nuts (if using)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
Mix these ingredients well to ensure they blend together evenly. This will give your bars a great taste and texture.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together:
– 1/4 cup almond butter (or any nut butter you like)
– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth. This helps the flavors combine nicely.
Combining Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir it all together until everything is evenly coated. The mixture will be thick and sticky, so don’t worry if it feels tough to mix. Just use some elbow grease!
Baking the Bars
Next, transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press it down firmly. This helps create a solid base. Bake in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes. Look for golden edges and a set center to know they’re done.
Cooling and Cutting the Bars
Once you take them out of the oven, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely before cutting them into squares or bars.
For the complete Cherry Coconut Breakfast Bars recipe, check the [Full Recipe].
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To get the best texture, press the mixture tightly into the baking dish. This helps the bars hold together well. The key is to pack it down firmly. When they bake, this tight packing creates a chewy, dense bar. You want the edges to be golden brown. The center should feel set but not dry. Keep an eye on them while baking to avoid burning.
Serving Suggestions
These bars go great with yogurt or fresh fruit. Try serving them with a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side. You can also add some sliced bananas or berries for extra flavor. For gatherings, present the bars on a rustic wooden board. A sprinkle of shredded coconut or fresh cherries on top adds a nice touch. Wrap each bar in parchment paper for a neat and portable snack.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare these bars in advance for busy mornings. Make a batch and store them in the fridge. They stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you need a quick snack, just thaw them for a few minutes. Enjoy the convenience of having tasty bars ready to go!
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can mix up the flavor of your Cherry Coconut Breakfast Bars easily. Try adding different dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. These fruits add a nice twist and extra sweetness. You can also include chocolate chips for a rich treat. A hint of citrus zest, like lemon or orange, brightens the taste. These small changes can make your bars exciting and fun.
Dietary Modifications
If you want gluten-free bars, use certified gluten-free oats. They work just as well and keep the bars tasty. For a vegan option, swap honey with a plant-based sweetener like agave syrup. You can also use almond butter or peanut butter made from nuts. This way, you can enjoy the bars while sticking to your diet.
Energy Boosting Additions
Want an energy boost? You can add superfoods like chia seeds or flaxseeds. These tiny seeds pack a punch of nutrition. They help keep you full and give you lasting energy. If you need more protein, try adding protein powder to the mix. This addition makes the bars even more filling and satisfying.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Bars
To keep your Cherry Coconut Breakfast Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss. I recommend using glass or plastic containers with a tight seal. Keep the bars in a cool, dry place or in the fridge. If you store them in the fridge, they stay fresh longer and taste great.
Freezing Cherry Coconut Breakfast Bars
You can freeze these bars for later use. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, take a bar out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For best texture, avoid microwaving them. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, these bars stay fresh for about one week. Look for signs of spoilage like mold or an off smell. If they become hard or lose flavor, it’s best to toss them. When stored correctly, they remain tasty and nutritious for many days.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
You can use fresh cherries, but they change the texture. Fresh cherries add moisture, making the bars softer. You may need to bake them longer to set. I recommend chopping them small and removing the pits.
Are these bars suitable for kids?
Absolutely! These bars are great for kids. They are tasty and healthy. The mix of oats, cherries, and coconut provides energy. Plus, kids love the sweet flavor.
Can I modify the recipe to be nut-free?
Yes, you can make these bars nut-free. Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter. This keeps the bars creamy and tasty. You can also skip the nuts entirely if needed.
How do I make these breakfast bars gluten-free?
To make these bars gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats. Regular oats may contain gluten. Check the package to be sure. This way, everyone can enjoy them safely.
What’s the best way to cut the bars?
For even cutting, let the bars cool completely. Use a sharp knife for clean edges. Lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares or rectangles, as you like.
Cherry Coconut Breakfast Bars are a tasty and healthy option. We explored key ingredients, substitutions, and nutritional info. You learned how to mix, bake, and store these bars. Remember, you can adjust flavors and cater to diets. Whether for a busy morning or a snack, these bars are simple to make. Enjoy experimenting with different options and share them with friends. Get ready to savor every bite!
![- 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut - 1/2 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup almond butter (or your favorite nut butter) - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional) To create these delicious Cherry Coconut Breakfast Bars, you need a few key ingredients. Rolled oats form the base. They provide fiber and keep you full. The shredded coconut adds a sweet, chewy texture. Dried cherries bring a burst of flavor and natural sweetness. Honey or maple syrup acts as a binding agent too. Almond butter gives the bars creaminess and healthy fats. If you want to switch things up, try these options: - Instead of honey or maple syrup, use agave nectar or brown rice syrup. - For nut allergies, sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter works well. - You can replace dried cherries with cranberries, apricots, or raisins. Each bar packs a nutritious punch: - About 150 calories per serving - Carbs: 20g, Fats: 7g, Proteins: 4g - Ingredients like oats and nuts provide energy and support heart health. Enjoy these bars as a tasty snack or a quick breakfast. They are filling and easy to make. You can find the full recipe earlier in this article if you want to make them today! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to getting the bars just right. Next, take an 8x8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Let the paper hang over the sides. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. In a large mixing bowl, combine the following dry ingredients: - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut - 1/2 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (if using) - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt Mix these ingredients well to ensure they blend together evenly. This will give your bars a great taste and texture. In another bowl, whisk together: - 1/4 cup almond butter (or any nut butter you like) - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth. This helps the flavors combine nicely. Now, pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir it all together until everything is evenly coated. The mixture will be thick and sticky, so don’t worry if it feels tough to mix. Just use some elbow grease! Next, transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press it down firmly. This helps create a solid base. Bake in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes. Look for golden edges and a set center to know they’re done. Once you take them out of the oven, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely before cutting them into squares or bars. For the complete Cherry Coconut Breakfast Bars recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. To get the best texture, press the mixture tightly into the baking dish. This helps the bars hold together well. The key is to pack it down firmly. When they bake, this tight packing creates a chewy, dense bar. You want the edges to be golden brown. The center should feel set but not dry. Keep an eye on them while baking to avoid burning. These bars go great with yogurt or fresh fruit. Try serving them with a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side. You can also add some sliced bananas or berries for extra flavor. For gatherings, present the bars on a rustic wooden board. A sprinkle of shredded coconut or fresh cherries on top adds a nice touch. Wrap each bar in parchment paper for a neat and portable snack. You can prepare these bars in advance for busy mornings. Make a batch and store them in the fridge. They stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you need a quick snack, just thaw them for a few minutes. Enjoy the convenience of having tasty bars ready to go! {{image_4}} You can mix up the flavor of your Cherry Coconut Breakfast Bars easily. Try adding different dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. These fruits add a nice twist and extra sweetness. You can also include chocolate chips for a rich treat. A hint of citrus zest, like lemon or orange, brightens the taste. These small changes can make your bars exciting and fun. If you want gluten-free bars, use certified gluten-free oats. They work just as well and keep the bars tasty. For a vegan option, swap honey with a plant-based sweetener like agave syrup. You can also use almond butter or peanut butter made from nuts. This way, you can enjoy the bars while sticking to your diet. Want an energy boost? You can add superfoods like chia seeds or flaxseeds. These tiny seeds pack a punch of nutrition. They help keep you full and give you lasting energy. If you need more protein, try adding protein powder to the mix. This addition makes the bars even more filling and satisfying. To keep your Cherry Coconut Breakfast Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss. I recommend using glass or plastic containers with a tight seal. Keep the bars in a cool, dry place or in the fridge. If you store them in the fridge, they stay fresh longer and taste great. You can freeze these bars for later use. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, take a bar out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For best texture, avoid microwaving them. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating. In the fridge, these bars stay fresh for about one week. Look for signs of spoilage like mold or an off smell. If they become hard or lose flavor, it’s best to toss them. When stored correctly, they remain tasty and nutritious for many days. You can use fresh cherries, but they change the texture. Fresh cherries add moisture, making the bars softer. You may need to bake them longer to set. I recommend chopping them small and removing the pits. Absolutely! These bars are great for kids. They are tasty and healthy. The mix of oats, cherries, and coconut provides energy. Plus, kids love the sweet flavor. Yes, you can make these bars nut-free. Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter. This keeps the bars creamy and tasty. You can also skip the nuts entirely if needed. To make these bars gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats. Regular oats may contain gluten. Check the package to be sure. This way, everyone can enjoy them safely. For even cutting, let the bars cool completely. Use a sharp knife for clean edges. Lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares or rectangles, as you like. Cherry Coconut Breakfast Bars are a tasty and healthy option. We explored key ingredients, substitutions, and nutritional info. You learned how to mix, bake, and store these bars. Remember, you can adjust flavors and cater to diets. Whether for a busy morning or a snack, these bars are simple to make. Enjoy experimenting with different options and share them with friends. Get ready to savor every bite!](https://tastyhatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/7dff5243-fcde-44a3-94d7-12e7e9c4bf98-250x250.webp)