Crispy Dark Chocolate Cherry & Almond Bars: The Ultimate No-Bake Indulgence

Welcome to a special edition of Foodie Friday, where we bring you delightful recipes that are both incredibly tasty and surprisingly simple to prepare! Today, we’re diving into a creation that has quickly become a household favorite: these irresistible Crispy Dark Chocolate Cherry & Almond Bars. Imagine the perfect harmony of rich, decadent dark chocolate, the delightful chewiness of dried cherries, the satisfying crunch of slivered almonds, and the subtle crisp of rice cereal, all elevated with a hint of coarse sea salt. This isn’t just a snack; it’s a moment of pure bliss, offering that much-needed afternoon pick-me-up or a guilt-free indulgence.

For those of you who know me, Sandra from A Dash of Sanity, you’re well aware of my profound love affair with chocolate. It’s my secret weapon, my comfort, and, dare I say, the very essence of my ‘dash of sanity’! Chocolate isn’t just a treat; it’s my fuel for the gym, my source of energy, and frankly, a key ingredient in maintaining my emotional equilibrium. (My husband would wholeheartedly agree!) There’s something inherently comforting and uplifting about a good piece of chocolate, and when it’s combined with wholesome ingredients, it transforms into an even more powerful pick-me-up.

My pursuit of simple, satisfying recipes is another cornerstone of my sanity. That’s why when I stumbled upon a recipe in one of my new favorite cookbooks, “Guilt-Free Girl Desserts,” I knew I had to make it immediately. With just a few minor adjustments to suit our family’s taste, these bars became an instant hit. I was genuinely surprised by how much my kids adored them, especially given their initial skepticism towards dried fruit and nuts. But the magic of chocolate prevailed, wrapping those nutritious elements in a sweet, crunchy embrace that even the pickiest eaters couldn’t resist.

These Crispy Dark Chocolate Cherry & Almond Bars are truly the perfect afternoon treat. Just one small bar is enough to curb those cravings and provide a sustained energy boost that I find even more effective than a handful of plain chocolate chips. Perhaps it’s the combination of the almonds’ healthy fats and the cherries’ natural sugars, or simply the synergistic blend of all the ingredients, but they truly hit different. I am absolutely head over heels in love with these bars! While the crispy rice cereal doesn’t contribute a strong flavor, it’s essential for that wonderfully satisfying crunch, making each bite an adventure in texture.

What makes these bars even more appealing is their incredible ease of preparation. They require no baking, minimal effort, and come together quickly, making them a fantastic go-to snack for meal prep or last-minute cravings. Whether you’re making them for yourself, your family, or to share with friends, these bars are a delightful addition to any snack repertoire. They embody the ideal balance of health and indulgence, proving that truly satisfying treats can also be simple and wholesome. Plus, making them at home means you control the quality of ingredients, ensuring a fresh and delicious result every time.

The journey to creating these bars was inspired by my desire for a homemade version of my favorite store-bought snack bars. While commercial options can be convenient, there’s an unparalleled satisfaction that comes from crafting your own treats. These bars offer all the flavor and texture of a premium bar, but with the added bonus of being made with love in your own kitchen. The dark chocolate provides a rich, antioxidant-packed base, while the dried cherries add a burst of tart sweetness and a dose of fiber. Slivery almonds contribute healthy fats and protein, making these bars surprisingly filling and nutritious. The coarse sea salt sprinkled on top is not merely for decoration; it enhances the chocolate’s depth and balances the sweetness, creating a complex flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.

Beyond their amazing taste, these bars are incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate for a sweeter profile or even a mix of dark and milk. You can swap out dried cherries for cranberries, blueberries, or even chopped dried apricots. Walnuts or pecans can replace almonds if you prefer. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing you to customize it to your heart’s desire. Just remember to use good quality ingredients, as they truly make a difference in the final product. High-quality dark chocolate will melt smoother and provide a richer flavor, while fresh nuts will deliver a superior crunch.

So, why wait? Gather your ingredients and prepare to transform simple components into an extraordinary treat. These Crispy Dark Chocolate Cherry & Almond Bars are not just food; they are an experience—a little bite of joy that will brighten your day and satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. They are perfect for packed lunches, post-workout snacks, or simply a delicious reward after a long day.

Enjoy every delightful bite!

XOXO San

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And while you’re here, be sure to check out some of my other favorite recipes perfect for any season. Each one is crafted with love and designed to bring joy to your kitchen:

• Baked Parmesan Chicken Sticks: A savory and satisfying appetizer or light meal.




• Tagalong Blondies: A delicious twist on a classic cookie, reimagined in a chewy blondie form.




• Baked Red Velvet Donut Holes: A decadent treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.

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Servings:

8
servings

Crispy Dark Chocolate Cherry & Almond Bars

By
Jamie Sherman

Crispy Dark Chocolate Cherry & Almond Bars offer the perfect blend of flavors and textures in every bite, making them an ideal pick-me-up. This simple, quick, and no-bake recipe combines rich dark chocolate, light crispy rice cereal, a touch of coarse sea salt, sweet dried cherries, and crunchy slivered almonds. The result is a homemade treat that rivals your favorite gourmet snack bars, delivering exceptional taste and satisfying crunch.

Prep:

20 minutes
mins

Cook:

1 hour
hr

Total:

1 hour
hr
20 minutes
mins

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Ingredients

• ⅔ cup dried cherries
• ⅔ cup slivered almonds
• 2 ¼ cups dark chocolate chips (good quality for best results)
• 1 ¼ cups crispy rice cereal
• Coarse Sea Salt, to taste (for sprinkling)

Instructions

• **Prepare your pan:** Lightly spray a 9×13 inch metal baking pan with cooking oil. Alternatively, for easier removal and cleaner cuts, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Set the prepared pan aside.
• **Combine dry ingredients (cherries & almonds):** In a small bowl, gently combine the dried cherries and slivered almonds. Mix them well to ensure an even distribution when adding to the chocolate. Set this mixture aside.
• **Set up a double boiler:** To melt the chocolate smoothly without burning, you can use a double boiler. If you don’t have one, create your own by getting a large saucepan and filling it with about 1/3 water. Place a heat-proof glass bowl (or a smaller metal bowl) on top of the saucepan. Ensure the bowl fits snugly and covers the entire top of the pan, so no steam or water gets into the chocolate. The bottom of the bowl should not touch the water.
• **Melt the chocolate:** Bring the water in the saucepan to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Add the dark chocolate chips into the glass bowl set over the simmering water. Stir the chocolate frequently with a spatula until it is completely melted and smooth. Once melted, carefully remove the bowl of chocolate from the heat (using oven mitts to protect your hands). Immediately stir in the crispy rice cereal until it is fully coated by the melted chocolate.
• **Assemble the bars:** Quickly pour the chocolate and rice cereal mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch pan. Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the mixture into a nice, smooth, and thin layer, ensuring it’s evenly distributed across the entire pan. Without delay, evenly sprinkle the reserved mixture of almonds and cherries over the warm chocolate layer. Using a clean spatula or your hands, gently press the almonds and cherries into the chocolate to ensure they adhere. Finally, sprinkle with coarse sea salt to taste – this touch perfectly complements the sweetness of the chocolate and cherries.
• **Chill and cut:** Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is completely set and firm. Once set, remove the chocolate from the pan (if you used parchment paper, simply lift it out). Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp, warm knife to cut it into desired bar or square pieces. Enjoy your delicious homemade bars!

Notes

• **Chocolate preference:** If you’re not a fan of dark chocolate, feel free to use milk chocolate chips or even a blend of dark and milk chocolate for a milder flavor. White chocolate could also be an adventurous alternative!
• **Fruit & nut variations:** Get creative with your add-ins! Substitute dried cherries with dried cranberries, blueberries, chopped apricots, or even a mix of dried berries. For nuts, walnuts, pecans, or chopped pistachios would also work wonderfully in place of slivered almonds.
• **Storage:** Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• **Clean cuts:** For perfectly clean cuts, run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each cut.

Nutrition

Calories:
369
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
40
g

,

Protein:
7
g

,

Fat:
20
g

,

Saturated Fat:
15
g

,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g

,

Monounsaturated Fat:
3
g

,

Trans Fat:
0.001
g

,

Cholesterol:
1
mg

,

Sodium:
56
mg

,

Potassium:
390
mg

,

Fiber:
4
g

,

Sugar:
23
g

,

Vitamin A:
364
IU

,

Vitamin C:
0.3
mg

,

Calcium:
187
mg

,

Iron:
1
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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