Dessert

Dark Chocolate Cherry Coconut Almond Oat Bars Recipe

ByElara Stone January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

Introduction

These Dark Chocolate Cherry Coconut Almond Oat Bars are a delicious and wholesome treat perfect for snacking or dessert. Combining chewy oats, crunchy almonds, sweet cherries, and rich dark chocolate, they offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

The image shows several square dessert bars on a white marbled surface, each with three layers: the bottom layer is a light brown, textured oat or nut base; the middle layer is a smooth, dark chocolate coating; and the top is decorated with halved bright red cherries, scattered whole almonds, and large white coconut flakes. The dessert pieces are neatly cut, showing clean edges that highlight the distinct layers, with some salt flakes sprinkled on the chocolate surface for extra texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
3/4 cup raw almonds
1/2 cup coconut flakes
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup Sprouts Organic Almond Butter
1/3 cup honey*
6 ounces Sprouts 72% dark chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon coconut oil
Fresh red cherries, pitted and halved, for decorating
Flaked coconut, for decorating
Chopped raw almonds, for decorating
Flaky sea salt, for decorating

Instructions

Step 1: In a food processor, combine oats, almonds, coconut flakes, cinnamon, and salt. Pulse until the mixture becomes fine and almost flour-like. Add dried cherries, almond butter, and honey, then pulse again until the mixture forms a dough. If too dry, add a tablespoon or two of honey, almond butter, or more dried cherries. If too wet, add additional oats.
Step 2: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Press the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan in an even layer. Set aside.
Step 3: Place chopped dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted smoothly (about 1½ minutes). Stir in coconut oil until fully combined.
Step 4: Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the oat base. Decorate the top with halved fresh cherries, flaked coconut, chopped almonds, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Freeze for 20-30 minutes until the chocolate layer is set.
Step 5: Use a sharp knife to cut into 12 bars. For smaller, bite-sized snacks, cut into smaller pieces. Running the knife under hot water before cutting helps achieve clean slices.

Tips & Variations

Substitute almond butter with peanut or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor.
Add a handful of chia seeds or flaxseeds to the oat mixture for extra fiber and nutrition.
If you prefer a sweeter bar, drizzle a little extra honey over the top before chilling.
Use dark chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate for a quicker melt.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer for up to 3 weeks. Let frozen bars thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before serving. Reheating is not recommended as it may alter the texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a stack of five granola bars, each with two layers: a thick, crumbly golden brown base filled with visible oats and dark dried fruit bits, topped by a smooth, dark chocolate layer studded with bright red cherry pieces and small white almond slices. The bars are placed on a round white plate on a white marbled surface, scattered with extra cherries and nut pieces around. In the background, a white basket filled with fresh cherries adds a splash of red, softly blurred to keep focus on the bars. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other dried fruits instead of cherries?

Yes, dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots work well as alternatives and add a different flavor profile.

How can I make these bars nut-free?

Replace almond butter with sunflower seed butter and omit raw almonds, or substitute them with pumpkin seeds for crunch.

Elara Stone