Welcome to the world of Ooey Gooey Oatmeal Cherry Chocolate Chip Bars, where indulgence meets nostalgia in a single, delectable bite.
This delicious recipe combines wholesome oats, dark sweet cherries, and the undeniable allure of chocolate chips. Satisfy your sweet tooth as you enjoy a hearty breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time18 minutesmins
Total Time28 minutesmins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: brunch recipe, budget recipe, grab and go recipe, healthy recipe, snack bars
Servings: 8servings
Calories: 296kcal
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spray a 9 x 9 rectangular baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Pro Tip. For easy removal, line with parchment paper. That way, when the bars are cool, you can lift them out of the pan and cut uniform bars for serving.
In a medium bowl, combine the dark sweet cherries, apple sauce, egg, chocolate chips, oats, and honey. Stir to combine all the ingredients. The mixture should be crumbly, but evenly coated with the honey and egg.
1 Cup Dark Sweet Cherries, ½ Cup Apple Sauce, 1 Large Egg, 1 Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, 2 Cups Quick Oats, ½ Cup Honey
Transfer into the baking pan and bake for 18 to 20 minutes.
Yes, this recipe works really well with just about any add-ins you throw in there. Frozen fruit like blueberries, cherries, or cranberries work great. There’s no need to thaw the fruit in advance. It is easier to incorporate in the oatmeal mixture if they are chopped first.
How to Store Ooey Gooey Cherry Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars
Here are a few options for Storing your Ooey Gooey Oatmeal Cherry Chocolate Chip Bars to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Unrefrigerated (Room Temperature)
You can store the bars at room temperature for 2 to 3 days in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.However, keep in mind that room temperature storage may cause the bars to become slightly less moist over time.
Refrigerated
If you want to extend the shelf life of your bars, you can store them in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.When stored in the refrigerator, these bars can stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days.
Freezing
To prolong the shelf life even further, you can freeze the bars. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, and then place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe resealable bag.When stored in the freezer, these bars can remain good for up to 2 to 3 months.When you're ready to enjoy a frozen bar, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also warm it briefly in the microwave if you prefer it slightly warmed.