Cherry Breakfast Bars Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a wholesome yet irresistibly delicious morning treat, this Cherry Breakfast Bars Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Imagine a buttery oat crust, perfectly crumbly and studded with crunchy almonds, layered with the sweet-tart burst of Northwest cherries, kissed by a hint of maple syrup and lemon. These bars are not only a delicious way to start the day but also pack texture, flavor, and natural goodness into every bite. Whether you’re meal prepping or simply craving something homemade, these bars strike the perfect balance between nourishing ingredients and indulgent taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the secret to how easily you can whip up this Cherry Breakfast Bars Recipe. Each component plays a special role, whether it’s adding hearty texture, a touch of sweetness, or that fresh, vibrant cherry flavor that makes these bars truly sing.

• Rolled oats: Provide a wholesome, chewy base full of fiber and heart-healthy carbs.
• Flour: Helps bind the crust and topping for that perfect crumbly texture.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses richness that complements the oats beautifully.
• Chopped almonds: Bring crunch and a nutty depth that contrasts the soft filling.
• Baking soda and salt: Essential leavening and seasoning to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
• Coconut oil, melted: Offers a natural fat that binds everything together with a hint of tropical aroma.
• Northwest sweet cherries, pitted and chopped: The star ingredient delivering juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the cherry’s sweetness with gentle acidity.
• Maple syrup: A touch of natural sweetness that harmonizes the filling.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry filling perfectly to keep it luscious but not runny.

How to Make Cherry Breakfast Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Topping

Start by mixing the rolled oats, flour, light brown sugar, chopped almonds, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Then pour in the melted coconut oil and stir until the mixture is crumbly and sticks together when pressed. This crumbly yet sturdy base and topping will create the perfect balance of chewiness and crunch in your bars.

Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling

In a separate bowl, toss the chopped cherries with lemon juice, maple syrup, and cornstarch. This mixture ensures the cherries burst with natural sweetness and thickens up during baking so the filling stays beautifully gooey without becoming watery.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased baking pan to form the crust. Spoon the cherry filling evenly on top, then sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the cherries as a topping to add that irresistible crunch.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the cherry filling bubbles up enticingly. Let the bars cool completely to set the filling before slicing into squares.

How to Serve Cherry Breakfast Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped almonds or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top to add an elegant finish that also enhances the almonds’ texture and the bars’ visual appeal. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey complements the tart cherries beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a cup of rich coffee or freshly brewed tea for a simple, satisfying breakfast. Pairing with a glass of cold milk or a smoothie loaded with greens can create a well-rounded morning meal that’s both energizing and delicious.

Creative Ways to Present

For an on-the-go breakfast, cut the bars into individual portions and wrap them in parchment paper tied with a rustic twine bow—perfect for gifting or quick grab-and-go mornings. You can also layer crumbled bars in a parfait glass with yogurt and fresh berries for a beautiful twist on breakfast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store your Cherry Breakfast Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and maintains the perfect chewy and crumbly texture you love.

Freezing

If you want to make these bars well in advance, freeze them in individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 2 months and thaw quickly for a convenient breakfast anytime.

Reheating

Warm the bars briefly in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a low oven to revive their chewy texture and bring out the full aroma of the cherries and coconut. Just enough heat to make them feel freshly baked and comforting again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work well too—just make sure to thaw and drain them to prevent excess moisture, which could make the bars soggy.

Are these bars gluten-free?

They can be made gluten-free if you swap regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use certified gluten-free oats. This keeps all the deliciousness without gluten concerns.

How long do these bars last?

Stored properly, these bars last about 3 days at room temperature and up to a week in the refrigerator, making them great for meal prep.

Can I substitute the coconut oil?

Yes, melted butter or a neutral oil like vegetable oil can replace coconut oil, but coconut oil adds a subtle flavor that pairs beautifully with the cherries and almonds.

What if I don’t have almonds?

No problem! You can swap almonds for walnuts, pecans, or even pumpkin seeds to keep the nutty crunch with a different twist.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about starting your day with a homemade treat that feels nourishing and decadent all at once. This Cherry Breakfast Bars Recipe is a heartfelt way to bring a burst of summertime cherries into every morning, wrapped up in a wholesome oat crust that’s simply irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how quickly these bars become a beloved staple in your kitchen—it’s that kind of recipe you keep coming back to.

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