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I'm Writing A Cookbook + Cherry Chocolate Granola Bars

These Cherry Chocolate Granola Bars are naturally sweetened and the perfect chewy afternoon snack.
Course Snack
Cuisine Vegetarian
Author Shelly Westerhausen

Ingredients

  • 2 cups quick oats
  • 1/2 cup chopped almonds
  • 1/4 cup dried cherries
  • 1 cup rice crispy cereal
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds + more for topping
  • 8 fresh dates , pitted
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1 Tablespoon butter or coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup peanut butter or almond butter
  • 4 oz . dark chocolate

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a bread pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, almonds, cherries, rice crispies, and pumpkin seeds.
  3. In a small saucepan, heat dates, maple syrup, butter, vanilla extract, and peanut butter over medium heat for three to five minute, or until the dates has softened.
  4. Use an immersion blender to blend the warm mixture into a thick paste (alternatively, use a food processor to blend into a paste).
  5. Add paste to oats mixture and mix until all the dry ingredients are coated.
  6. Transfer the mixture to prepared baking sheet and press the mixture down firmly to help hold shape.
  7. Bake for 25 – 30 minutes or until the edges begin to brown. Remove from heat and let cool completely before slicing into rectangles.
  8. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate. Drizzle chocolate over granola bars and let cool completely before slicing.
  9. If not serving right away, store in an airtight container for up to three days.