We know this chocolate cherry almond granola bar probably looks familiar–Kind Bar, anyone?–but the inspiration is actually the infant/toddler toy company Lovevery, which includes a granola bar recipe with its measurement set for three-year-olds. The recipe in question is perfectly fine, more process (i.e., empowering your child to contribute to making stuff) than product; it’s also rather plain and crumbly, the result of using an overwhelming amount of peanut butter and no baking. We wanted to make something delicious, while retaining the ability to have our child participate in making it, hence: chocolate, fruit, nuts = no-bake chocolate granola bars for kids. Best of both worlds–mostly as in, you’ll want to eat it, too.
Ingredients Overview
These chocolate granola bars for kids are chewy, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet — thanks to a mix of cocoa, maple syrup, and dried cherries. Almond butter binds everything together, while oats, almonds, and chia seeds add crunch and lasting energy. They’re nutrient-dense enough for toddlers yet flavorful enough that adults will want a stash for themselves.
Steps Summary
- Prep: Line your pan with parchment paper and chop the almonds.
- Mix: Combine dry ingredients (oats, chia, cocoa, cherries, almonds), then stir in wet ingredients (almond butter, maple syrup, oil, vanilla).
- Form: Spread the mixture evenly into the pan, pressing down firmly to compact.
- Freeze: Chill for at least two hours to set, then cut into rectangles or squares.
- Serve or Adapt: Enjoy as is, crumble into yogurt, or bake for 30 minutes at 350°F for a crisp, store-bought texture.
FAQ
Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter?
Yes. Peanut butter works just as well — just know it gives a stronger flavor and slightly denser texture.
Do these bars need to stay refrigerated?
If you skip baking, yes. Keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage. Baked bars can be stored at room temperature.
What can I substitute for cherries?
Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even small bits of freeze-dried strawberries all work well.
How can I make these less sweet?
Use unsweetened cocoa powder and reduce maple syrup to 2 tablespoons — the cherries will still provide natural sweetness.
Recipe Links
What to Serve With Chocolate Granola Bars For Kids
- Afternoon Smoothie — If serving the granola bars as a snack, this smoothie will help power your child to dinner.
- Breakfast Souffle — If serving the granola bars as breakfast, this individual-sized pancake makes for a great one-two punch
More Toddler-Friendly Recipes Like This
- Chocolate Quinoa Crisps — Crunchy, cocoa-rich bites that hit the same chocolate note in a lighter form.
- No-Bake Chocolate Protein Cookie — Similar ingredients and process, but bite-sized and freezer-friendly.
No-Bake Healthy Chocolate Granola Bars For Kids
Description
These chocolate cherry almond granola bars strike the balance between wholesome and indulgent, with oats, nuts, and cocoa in every bite. They’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and sturdy enough for toddler snack boxes or on-the-go breakfasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
Prep and Assemble
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Line an 8x8 (or equivalent) pan or container with parchment paper.
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Chop the almonds into smaller pieces.
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Add the chopped almonds, oats, chia seeds, cocoa powder, and cherries to a large bowl; sift to blend.
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Add the almond butter, maple syrup, oil, and vanilla extract to the bowl; with a spatula mash and stir until combined. (Pro tip: dampen a hand/wash towel and form into a ring, then place bowl on top–this wll l keep the bowl from sliding while your child is stirring.)
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Pour the mixture into your pan, then spread out to cover. Press down all over the pan to flatten and adhere.
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Place in freezer for two hours (at least) to maintain shape.
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Cut into strips or squares. (Pro tip: to avoid crumbly bars, we like to cut and then return to freezer for another 30-60 minutes.)
Serve
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If your child doesn’t like the texture and/or you’re looking for another way to use up, do this: smash up a piece or two into a bowl, then top with yogurt. Voila: breakfast.
Adapt
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You can swap out fruits here–dried dates or cranberries work fine–or switch up the nut butter you use. For a crisper texture more like store-bought granola bars, cook in the pan for 30 minutes at 350; allow to cool, then refrigerate for an hour to settle.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
Serving Size 1 bar
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 250kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Potassium 250mg8%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 12g
- Protein 7g15%
- Iron 1.2 mg
- Vitamin E 2.5 mg
- Copper 0.25 mg
- Manganese 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Obvious hack: use a chocolate-flavored nut or seed butter and skip having to use the powder altogether.
