Gluten Free Dried Tart Cherry Oat Bars Recipe You’ll Love

These gluten free dried tart cherry oat bars are a perfect balance of chewy oats, tangy cherries, and subtle sweetness, making them an ideal snack or breakfast on the go. They combine wholesome gluten free oats with dried tart cherries for a naturally flavorful treat that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

• 2 cups gluten free rolled oats
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup dried tart cherries, chopped if large
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten free rolled oats, almond flour, ground flaxseed, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until evenly mixed.
3. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the mixture should be thick and sticky.
5. Fold in the dried tart cherries and chopped nuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press down firmly into an even layer using a spatula or your hands.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This helps the bars firm up for clean slicing.
9. Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into 12 equal bars or squares.
10. Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to 10 days.

Tips

• Substitutions: Use sunflower seed flour instead of almond flour for a nut-free version. Swap coconut oil with melted butter or neutral oil if preferred.
• Sweetener options: Honey can replace maple syrup, but the flavor will be slightly different. Adjust quantity to taste since honey is sweeter.
• Don’t overbake: Bars will firm up as they cool. Overbaking can dry them out, so check at 22 minutes and adjust as needed.
• Chopping cherries: If your dried tart cherries are large, chop them for better distribution and easier chewing.

Serving Suggestions

These oat bars are delightfully versatile. Enjoy them as a quick breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea, or pack them as an energizing snack for work, school, or hiking. They pair well with yogurt or a smear of nut butter for added protein. For a wholesome dessert, serve warmed with a drizzle of honey or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Variations

You can easily customize these bars to suit your taste or dietary needs. Try adding shredded coconut or cacao nibs for texture and flavor contrast. Swap dried tart cherries with dried cranberries, blueberries, or raisins. For extra protein, stir in a scoop of your favorite gluten free protein powder or add chia seeds. If you prefer a softer bar, reduce the oats slightly and increase almond flour or add a mashed banana for moisture.

Storage and Reheating

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap bars individually in parchment or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature. Reheat bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in a low oven (300°F / 150°C) for 5-7 minutes to refresh the texture and soften slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, set for 5 minutes) to make the bars vegan. They may be slightly less chewy but still hold together well.

Are these bars suitable for people with nut allergies?

To make this recipe nut-free, substitute almond flour with oat flour or sunflower seed flour and omit the nuts. Make sure your oats are certified gluten free and processed in a nut-free facility to avoid cross-contamination.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

It’s best to use gluten free rolled oats for texture and structure. Quick oats tend to be finer and may result in a softer, less chewy bar. If using quick oats, reduce baking time slightly and expect a different texture.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges should turn golden brown and the center should set but remain slightly soft. Insert a toothpick into the middle; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Bars firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking.

Can I add other dried fruits or seeds?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in dried blueberries, cranberries, chopped dates, or apricots. Seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds add nice crunch and nutrition. Just keep the total add-ins to about 1 to 1 1/2 cups to maintain the right texture.

Is it possible to make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars are great for meal prep. After cooling completely, store them in an airtight container or individually wrap for convenient grab-and-go snacks throughout the week. They also freeze well for longer storage.

With their wholesome ingredients and adaptable nature, these gluten free dried tart cherry oat bars offer a delicious, nourishing option that fits seamlessly into busy lifestyles. Whether for breakfast, snack time, or a light dessert, they deliver flavor and nutrition in every bite.

Related

• Fixing Runny Creamy Antipasto Salad Dressing: 7 Reliable Tips
• Creamy Antipasto Salad Dressing with Greek Yogurt: Top 6 Recipes
• Creamy Antipasto Dressing vs Vinaigrette: What’s Best for Your Salad?