Recipes

Recipe: Chewy Chocolate Cherry Bars

These bars are a perfect healthy alternative when you're craving a chocolate fix

By Whole Foods /

Credit: Whole Foods

Got a sweet tooth for chocolate? These healthy chocolate cherry bars will satisfy it

Filling and satisfying, these bars are good food on the go. Keep them in your desk drawer as an alternative to the temptations of the snack machine

Many of the ingredients in these bars are available in the bulk department, making this recipe a smart budget choice as well.

Ingredients

  • 5 tablespoons canola oil or melted butter, more for the pan
  • ¾ cup honey
  • 2 teaspoons natural vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 4 ounces dark chocolate (at least 60% dark), chopped or broken into small pieces
  • 1/3 cup cacao nibs
  • 1 cup dried unsweetened Bing or sour cherries, roughly chopped
  • 1 ¼ cup rolled oats (not instant)
  • ¾ cup rolled wheat
  • 1/3 cup flax seeds
  • 4 teaspoons xanthan gum

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and position rack in middle of oven.
  2. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil and grease well.
  3. In a small bowl, combine oil or melted butter with honey, vanilla and nutmeg.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine chocolate pieces, cacao nibs, chopped cherries, oats, wheat, flax seeds and xanthan gum.
  5. Pour liquid ingredients over dry ingredients and stir to coat completely and combine well. Pour into prepared pan and press flat with a spatula.
  6. Bake until golden and firm, about 25 minutes.
  7. Place pan on a rack to cool completely. Using parchment paper or foil as an aid, lift bars out and place on countertop.
  8. Place a cutting board on top of bars and flip over, so foil or parchment is on top. Peel back parchment paper or foil and discard. Gently slice bars with a serrated knife.
  9. Store in airtight container for up two weeks or individually wrap and freeze.

Makes 20 bars.

Recipe courtesy of Whole Foods Market, Canada’s leading natural and organic retailer. B.C.’s Whole Foods Markets are committed to their communities, sourcing locally grown products whenever possible and raising money for local charities through a variety of in-store events and programs. Visit wholefoodsmarket.com for the latest featured products, recipes and events in your area.