Chewy No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Oat Squares
We’ve taken the tree out to the curb and I’ve been slowly putting away decorations, leaving the wintry snowflakes and bristle brush trees out for awhile. Oliver has been reluctant to let go of the holiday (who can blame him?!), so we’ve been continuing to talk about the Christmas lights in the neighborhood and reading our favorite holiday stories. His reindeer and yeti pajamas are still in heavy rotation. As is, sadly, the habit of having dessert after dinner each night which we never used to do but which somehow crept in during all of the treat frenzy this season.
We’ve been having a lot of pears and bananas in the morning lately, and a few days ago Oliver asked when we can eat a plum again. I told him plums were a summertime fruit, and he continued asking about apricots and peaches. I forget what a peach looks like on the inside, he told me. What color is it?! As we watched the fog slowly burn off the neighbor’s porch and talked about how many layers he wanted to wear that day, I started longing for those warmer days strolling the farmers market with him, too. Eating apricots and mini donuts instead of a proper lunch. Bringing home pints and pints of berries and often more peaches than we knew what we’d do with.
The coming and going of seasons and holidays is a tough one for small people to get their minds around — so much excitement and chatter around Christmas and then, just like that, it’s over. Much like a summer plum or peach — one day, you just simply can’t get one anymore. Of course as adults we know that’s what makes the short holidays and fleeting summer months so beloved, but that perspective takes some time. So we’ve just been letting some things linger, warming up with cups of cocoa (and marshmallows which Oliver strangely and most unfortunately insists on eating with his hands) and keeping the holiday cookie tin on the counter. Except now I’ve replaced the cookies with these healthy-ish treats for snacking and dessert. So far no one’s complaining the cookies are gone.
I like these little squares because they’re soft and chewy. You can add anything you like to these. Oliver’s allergic to cashews and pistachios, so we stay away from those but any nuts, seeds or dried fruit you like is fair game. I like to cut these small to nestle easily into lunch boxes and, because they’re on the soft/chewy side, they stay together much more easily this way.
Happy New Year, friends! Thank you so much for continuing to read, comment, reach out and show up. What a fortunate thing to have such a gracious, smart, loyal community. xox
Chewy No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Oat Squares
- Yield: 20 squares
- Prep time: 20 mins
- Inactive time: 1 hr
- Total time: 1 hr 20 mins
These bars are soft and chewy and super adaptable. If you’ve got nut allergies in your house, use sunflower seed butter here and swap in seeds for the nuts. Allergies or not, keep the proportions the same and use any nuts, seeds or dried fruit you like! I love the chocolate chunks, but you could certainly omit them to make these a bit more virtuous.
Ingredients
Instructions
Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Toss oats, almonds, puffed cereal, cherries, and pepitas together in a bowl (hold off on the chocolate chips for now).
In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the almond butter and honey until combined. Remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract, salt and cinnamon.
Drizzle mixture over the dry ingredient and stir with a rubber spatula until everything is even coated (you can even get your bare hands in there at this point – it’s messy but quicker).
If mixture is relatively cool to the touch, fold in chocolate chips. Scrape mixture into the prepared pan and, using the back of a spatula, press evenly into a nice compact layer.
Refrigerate for at least one hour before slicing. Slice into 20 small squares (or larger squares or bars). Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 1 week.
Welcome to A Sweet Spoonful, my blog devoted to seasonal cooking, whole grain baking, and casual gatherings in our Pacific Northwest home. My name is Megan Gordon and I'm so glad you're here.
Megan's book! Buy now
- Canada:
- Amazon
Health Comfort Food
Thai Carrot, Coconut and Cauliflower Soup
People describe raising young kids as a particular season in life. I hadn’t heard this until we had a baby, but it brought me a lot of comfort when I’d start to let my mind wander, late at night between feedings, to fears that we’d never travel internationally again or…
Cheesy Quinoa Cauliflower Bake
I just finished washing out Oliver’s lunchbox and laying it out to dry for the weekend. My favorite time of day is (finally) here: the quiet of the evening when I can actually talk to Sam about our day or sit and reflect on my own thoughts after the inevitable…
Stuffed Shells with Fennel and Radicchio
I’d heard from many friends that buying a house wasn’t for the faint of heart. But I always shrugged it off, figuring I probably kept better files or was more organized and, really, how hard could it be? Well, I’ve started (and stopped) writing this post…
Smoky Butternut Squash and Three Bean Chili
If your house is anything like ours, last week wasn’t our most inspired in terms of cooking. We’re all suffering from the post-election blues — the sole upside being Oliver’s decision to sleep-in until 7 am for the first time in many, many months; I think he’s trying…
Spiced Steel Cut Oats Porridge with Cranberry-Ginger Sauce
Porridge is not the sexiest of breakfasts, it’s true. It doesn’t have a stylish name like strata or shakshuka, and it doesn’t have perfectly domed tops like your favorite fruity muffin. It doesn’t crumble into delightful bits like a good scone nor does it fall into buttery…
Lydia
Coincidentally, my Oliver was allergic to cashews and pistachios as well. (As I’m sure you know, if you’re allergic to one, you’re allergic to the other.) But he grew out of it! The allergist said it’s rare. I hope your boy grows out of it too!
I was actually just looking for a recipe to use up the last of my rice crisp cereal, so I think this is it!
Suzanne Toaspern-Holm
Hi Megan, This recipe looks like one to try. Great to take on hikes I would think. Really enjoyed your post about Oliver & the holidays. Just said good-bye to Ali & April & families, after almost two weeks of visiting. Sure can relate to how kids talk about holidays, foods in season etc. April's littlest, Eleanor asked her many times, "Where did Halloween go?" I'm sure she will have similiar questions about Christmas. Best wishes to you as you look forward to your post-Christmas gift. Love, Suzanne
Sarah
Cannot wait to make these!
megang
That's awesome to hear, Lydia! We're hoping O grows out of it, too. I Hope you like the recipe :)
megang
Hi, Suzanne! Always nice to see your name here :) Yes, the bars are great although they're pretty soft and hold up best refrigerated so I'm not sure it'd be my #1 pick for hiking unless you kind of don't mind if they stay firmly together. They definitely taste great ;) Thank you for the nice wishes - we're counting down the days over here :)
Lucille
I think I can include this chocolate cherry oat square in my diet plan. I need to mold it as per my calories and the new recipe will be ready, ta-da....
megang
Awesome!
Corrie
This is the most convenient recipe of chewy chocolate cherry oat squares as it does not need to be baked. One thing I really like about this recipe is to use honey instead of sugar which actually enhances the taste. I also used some maple syrup which was equally good. I want to ask if these can be frozen?
megang
Hi, Corrie. So glad you liked the recipe! I love these, too. You know, I haven't tried freezing them but I have a feeling they'd be just fine. Will you let us know if you try it? Thanks so much and have a great week!
Jamie Scarlett
Oh my goodness these bars look incredible, I have been looking for a healthy snack for lunch box's. I think this recipe has just ticked my box. Healthy and yummy thrown into one basket. Perfect, Thanks for sharing and looking forward to giving these a go on the weekend ready for Monday morning.
megang
Yay, Jamie! So glad these got on your radar. They're delicious, and I really hope you like them. Have a great rest of the week!