Introduction

These Dark Chocolate Cherry Coconut Oat Bars are a deliciously chewy treat combining rich chocolate, tart cherries, and tropical coconut. Perfect for a quick snack or a healthy dessert, they bring together natural sweetness and satisfying texture in every bite.

Dark Chocolate Cherry Coconut Oat Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 cups oats
1 cup dark chocolate, chopped or chips
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/3 cup honey

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine oats, dark chocolate, dried cherries, and shredded coconut.
Step 2: Stir in honey until the mixture is evenly coated and sticky.
Step 3: Press the mixture firmly into a greased or parchment-lined 8×8 inch baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
Step 4: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bars are set and lightly golden around the edges.
Step 5: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

Swap dried cherries for dried cranberries or raisins for a different fruit flavor.
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly option.
For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts.
Press the mixture firmly into the pan to help the bars hold their shape better after baking.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave for a soft texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, quick oats can be used but the texture will be softer and less chewy compared to rolled oats.

Do I have to bake these bars?

Baking helps the bars set and hold their shape, but you can press and chill them overnight for no-bake bars with a softer texture.

Dark Chocolate Cherry Coconut Oat Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 93 reviews

Delight in these wholesome Dark Chocolate Cherry Coconut Oat Bars, a perfect blend of chewy oats, rich dark chocolate, tart dried cherries, and sweet coconut, all naturally sweetened with honey. Ideal for a nutritious snack or a healthy dessert, these bars are easy to prepare and bake to perfection for a satisfying treat.

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
3/4 cup dried cherries, chopped if large
3/4 cup shredded sweetened or unsweetened coconut

Wet Ingredients

1/3 cup honey

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the bars evenly.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, dark chocolate pieces, dried cherries, and shredded coconut. Mix thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour honey over the dry mixture and stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated and begin to clump together.
Press into Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly. Transfer the mixture into the pan and press it firmly and evenly to compact the bars and ensure they hold together once baked.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes or until the edges turn golden and the bars feel set to the touch.
Cool and Cut: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Then, lift out using parchment paper and cut into squares or bars as desired.

Notes

Use rolled oats for the best texture; quick oats can make the bars mushy.
Adjust honey based on preferred sweetness; maple syrup can be used as an alternative.
For a nut-free version, ensure the dark chocolate contains no nuts and avoid adding nuts to the recipe.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Customize by adding nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.

Keywords: dark chocolate cherry bars, oat bars, healthy snack, homemade granola bars, coconut oat bars, honey sweetened bars