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    Eat Fresh Glow » Recipes » Appetizers and Snacks

    Almond Cherry Pepita Granola Bars

    Published: Apr 3, 2022 · Modified: Jan 22, 2023 by Jacqui Wilson · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe
    closeup of an almond cherry pepita granola bar.
    closeup of an almond cherry pepita granola bar.

    Healthy homemade almond cherry pepita granola bars are our new go-to breakfast nut bar recipe. Crunchy nuts and seeds combined with sticky honey makes the perfect easy chewy fruit-and-nut snack.

    closeup of almond cherry pepita granola bar with scattered almonds

    Why you'll love these healthy snacks

    • Healthy snack - these homemade granola bars are crunchy, chewy, nutty, sweet, gluten free, and chocolatey. They're a naturally sweetened snacks that also double as a breakfast bar.
    • Wholesome ingredients - made with almonds, pepitas, coconut and cacao, these breakfast bars and energy bites are loaded with protein, dietary fiber, healthy fats and antioxidants. An energizing way to start your day!
    • Quick and easy - only 10 minutes to make these no bake bars before popping in the fridge to firm up. They'll be too soft to slice at room temperature.

    For more gluten free granola bars, try my other granola bar recipes, and healthy bars and snacks like Energy Snack Seed Bars with Tahini, No Bake Black Bean Chocolate Fudge Brownies, Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars, or Carrot Cake Oatmeal Nut Breakfast Bars.

    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love these healthy snacks
    • Key ingredients and substitutions
    • Step-by-step how to make almond pepita breakfast bars
    • Expert tips and variations
    • FAQs
    • More recipes to try
    • Recipe

    Key ingredients and substitutions

    Labelled ingredients for almond cherry pepita granola bars.
    • Almonds: add crunch and protein to the healthy granola bars. You can substitute other nuts like walnuts or pecan though they won't be as crunchy. Use chopped or sliced almonds. Don't substitute the almonds with a cup of almond butter, almond flour or peanut butter. Homemade almond butter granola bars are for another day.
    • Pepitas: also adds crunch and can be substituted for pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds or sesame seeds. 
    • Crispy rice cereal: gives a little lightness to the snack bars. Feel free to swap with puffed quinoa or puffed amaranth in this recipe.
    • Dried cherries: gives the squares some chewy sweetness. You could also use other dried fruits like raisins, chopped medjool dates, dried blueberries or dried cranberries to make a cranberry almond bar. dark chocolate chips will also work.
    • Unsweetened shredded coconut: adds fiber and texture. Substitute with coconut flakes, toasted coconut, old-fashioned oats or quick oats. This healthy treat will still be a nutritious delicious snack.
    • Raw cacao powder: is loaded with antioxidants and chocolatey goodness.
    • Coconut nectar: works really well to bind the ingredients. It's also low on the glycemic index scale so won't spike your blood sugar. You could substitute with agave nectar, but not brown sugar. No need for ground flax seeds to make flax eggs for binding.
    • Honey: adds sweetness and can be swapped with nut butter or seed butter, like creamy almond butter.

    See recipe card for all ingredients and quantities.

    Step-by-step how to make almond pepita breakfast bars

    1. Prepare pan: Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan with two criss-cross pieces of parchment paper, covering the bottom and sides of the prepared pan with each sheet of parchment paper.
    2. Dry ingredients: in a large bowl, combine almonds, pepitas, crispy rice, dried cherries, coconut, cacao and sea salt. Set aside.
    3. Wet ingredients: in a small pot on medium heat, add coconut nectar and honey. Heat until well combined and small bubbles begin to hit the surface, stirring often. Remove from heat just before boiling. Add vanilla.
    process shot
    process shot
    1. Combine: Pour the coconut and honey mixture over the dry ingredients and stir with a sturdy wooden spoon until well combined.
    2. Set: Press mixture into prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly to compact all ingredients in an even layer. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to 1 hour until firm. 
    3. Slice: Taking the overhanging edges of the parchment paper overhang, remove the firm granola bar mixture from the pan. With a sharp knife, cut into squares or bars.
    45 degree view of almond cherry pepita granola bars on wood board

    Expert tips and variations

    • Cut in bars or squares and wrap individually or stack in an airtight container separated by parchment or wax paper.
    • Use a thick natural sweetener like coconut syrup, brown rice syrup or honey to hold the bars together. A thin sweetener like pure maple syrup may not keep the bars from falling apart.
    • Use different nuts or seeds like walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds or hemp seeds to change up the flavor. Make sure to keep your ratios the same as the recipe when swapping ingredients.
    • For best results, press some extra dried cherries on top of the bars before refrigerating for extra sweetness. Or, add some protein powder to the mixture for an extra protein boost.
    • Store: these healthy homemade almond cherry pepita granola bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 7-10 days. Wrap them individually for a satisfying on-the-go snack, or stack them separated by parchment or wax paper.
    • Freeze: these healthy snacks can be frozen, individually wrapped or stacked in an airtight container, for up to 2 months.

    FAQs

    What are snack bars?

    Snack bars are convenient, healthy snacks. Homemade granola bars should be high in protein, fiber, healthy fats and antioxidants, and made with natural sweeteners. A healthy granola bar recipe should be easy to make, convenient to grab-and-go, and can be substituted as a breakfast bar when you're short on time and need some energy to start your day.

    Can you substitute maple syrup for honey in granola bars?

    Maple syrup can be substituted for honey in granola bars but the bars may fall apart. A thick natural sweetener like coconut nectar, honey or brown rice syrup works better to bind the ingredients together for a firm and tasty hand-held snack.

    Why do homemade granola bars fall apart?

    Granola bars can fall apart when ingredients are not measured properly. Too many dry ingredients or too little natural sweetener or nut butter can make the difference when mixing ingredients for firm healthy granola bars. Chopping nuts rather than leaving them whole will bind better together, as will a thicker natural sweetener like coconut nectar, honey or brown rice syrup.

    overhead view of almond cherry pepita granola bars on wood board and counter

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    Did you make this recipe? Leave a review and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below!

    Recipe

    almond cherry pepita granola bar closeup with scattered almonds.

    Almond Cherry Pepita Granola Bars

    5 from 2 votes
    These healthy homemade almond cherry pepita granola bars are our new go-to breakfast nut bar recipe. Crunchy nuts and seeds combined with sticky honey makes the perfect easy chewy fruit-and-nut snack.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time2 hrs
    Rest Time20 mins
    Total Time2 hrs 30 mins
    Servings: 25 squares
    Calories: 75kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 large mixing bowl or medium bowl with wooden spoon
    • 1 8-inch pan or baking dish square
    • 1 small pot

    Ingredients

    Dry ingredients:

    • 1 cup (160 grams) whole almonds, roughly chopped
    • 1 cup (146 grams) pepitas
    • ⅔ cup (28 grams) crispy rice cereal (gluten free)
    • ⅓ cup (60 grams) dried cherries, roughly chopped
    • ¼ cup (22 grams) unsweetened shredded coconut
    • ¼ cup (25 grams) raw cacao powder
    • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

    Wet ingredients:

    • ⅓ cup (110 grams) coconut nectar
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

    Instructions

    • Prepare pan: Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan with two criss-cross pieces of parchment paper, covering the bottom and sides of the pan.
    • Dry ingredients: in a large bowl, combine almonds, pepitas, crispy rice, dried cherries, coconut, cacao and sea salt. Set aside.
    • Wet ingredients: in a small pot on medium heat, add coconut nectar and honey. Heat until well combined and small bubbles begin to hit the surface, stirring often. Remove from heat just before boiling. Add vanilla.
    • Combine: Pour the coconut and honey mixture over the dry ingredients and stir with a sturdy spoon until well combined.
    • Set: Press into prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly to compact all ingredients. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to 1 hour until firm. 
    • Slice: Taking the overhanging edges of the parchment paper, remove the firm granola bar mixture from the pan. With a sharp knife, cut into squares or bars.

    Notes

    Store: these healthy homemade almond cherry pepita granola bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 7-10 days. Wrap them individually for a satisfying on-the-go snack or stack them separated by parchment or wax paper.
    Freeze: these healthy snacks can be frozen, individually wrapped or stacked in an airtight container, for up to 2 months.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 25bars | Calories: 75kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.002g | Sodium: 29mg | Potassium: 82mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg
    nutritional values are estimates only
    Author: Jacqui Wilson
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Keyword: almond, breakfast bars, cherry, gluten free, healthy snacks, homemade granola bars, natural sweetener, pepitas

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Diana C

      January 22, 2023 at 3:13 pm

      These bars are a winner! So easy to make and the perfect afternoon snack.

      Reply

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    WELCOME !

    I'm so happy you're here! My name is Jacqui - I'm a recipe developer, registered holistic nutritionist and culinary nutrition expert. I love all things healthy, and my goal is to inspire you to lead a healthy life through wholesome food that leaves you nourished, satisfied and energized! You'll find simple, easy-to-make naturally gluten-free, refined sugar-free and mostly dairy-free recipes your family will love!

    Learn more about me →

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