Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the most irresistible dessert bars you've ever encountered! These Cherry Chocolate Nut Bars are not just a treat; they're a culinary adventure that combines the rich, decadent flavor of dark chocolate with the sweet burst of cherries and the satisfying crunch of mixed nuts. Perfect for health-conscious foodies and dessert lovers alike, these bars are about to become your new obsession – a guilt-free indulgence that's as nutritious as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted cherries
- 1 cup mixed nuts
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a food processor, pulse the mixed nuts until they are finely chopped but not completely ground into a powder. Some texture should remain for crunch.
- Roughly chop the pitted cherries into smaller pieces to distribute evenly throughout the bars.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine honey, almond butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well integrated.
- Add the chopped nuts to the honey mixture, stirring until all nuts are thoroughly coated.
- Fold in the chopped cherries gently to prevent them from breaking down completely.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down firmly and evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Sprinkle dark chocolate chips evenly across the top of the mixture, gently pressing them into the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is set.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, then cut into 16 even squares.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Nut Chopping Technique: When processing nuts, pulse carefully to maintain a chunky texture. Over-processing can turn them into a powder, reducing the delightful crunch.
- Cherry Preparation: Pat cherries dry before chopping to prevent excess moisture from making the bars soggy.
- Even Distribution: When adding cherries and chocolate chips, distribute them evenly for a consistent flavor in every bite.
- Pressing Matters: When pressing the mixture into the pan, use firm, even pressure to ensure compact bars that hold together well.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to help them set and make clean, precise cuts.
- Storage Hack: For maximum freshness, store in an airtight container and separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Customization Option: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor dimension!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
