Healthier Cherry Ripe Bars
Its very easy to love Cherry Ripe Bars. Cherries, coconut and chocolate, what could be better? Well Cherry Ripe bars actually, they could be better for you…… But we all know that ain’t going to happen so take these for a spin instead. I am going to experiment with fresh cherries when they are in season but for now, dried cherries is where it’s at, you could absolutely substitute the cherries for cranberries if you fancy too. Equally as fabulous outcome I would imagine. Quick question before I go, would it be wrong to eat this whole batch in one day? Asking for a friend. Obviously. 🙂 These copycat Cherry Ripe Bars are as good as the original. They are no bake, and so easy to make with just a food processor. They are packed full of flavor, and make the perfect healthy snack! Most pre-portioned snacks at the grocery store are so expensive and often way overpriced. They often have sugar or other unhealthy ingredients in them too, which makes them less attractive to have in you healthy eating regime.But by making your own, you control the cost and quality of the ingredients and can make sure they are clean eating snacks. These bars have simple and clean ingredients anyways so its pretty easy to replicate them at home.With just cashews and coconut as the base for the bars they boast no added sugar but still have 100% of the flavor, offering something both kiddos and adults will love and make the perfect healthy homemade snack. They are a great snack to keep on hand for an any time, after school, after work and are a great energy bar recipe for fitness enthusiasts, runners, cyclists, hikers, and other busy athletes.The protein in the cashews makes them satisfying enough to grab along with a piece of fruit when you are pressed for time and need a quick breakfast, while the 3 different types of coconut adds a sweetness that won’t spike your blood sugar and leave you ravenous in hours.I cut mine in bars You could make squares or balls or really any shape you could think of. I store them in the fridge, they will keep at least a week if you can get them to last that long! They freeze well too, so feel free to double the batch!No doubt about it, these copycat Cherry Ripe Bars are as good as the original. Once all the ingredients are blended, all you have to do is chill them and dunk in melted chocolate for a fruity and more wholesome take on the classic coconut chocolate bar.I love a good no-bake recipe when you want to prepare some snacks for the week ahead or make a dessert to impress without all the fuss.These little bars tick all the boxes, especially as they are nostalgic and familiar to most of us. I’ve kept all the good parts about the much-loved chocolate bar and made a healthier, lighter and fruitier alternative for when you want something chocolatey and good-for-you.
Servings 12
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried cherries
- 1 cup cashews, soaked 3+ hours and drained
- 1 13.5 oz can coconut cream, full fat (solid part only) *see note below
- 1 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/2 cup protein or collagen optional
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Note: Place the can of coconut cream or milk in the fridge or freezer for at least 1-2 hours before making these bars to allow coconut cream to separate.Line an 8 x 8” baking pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting. Or use a silicone baking pan, silicon muffin cups or bar moulds.Open chilled can and scoop out the cream that has separated and set hard on the top. Save the remaining coconut water to use in a smoothie, drink, or discard.Place cashews into a food processer and process until broken down and crumbly. Add coconut cream, coconut, protein powder if using, coconut oil, honey, lemon juice, zest and vanilla and continue to process until mixture is sticky and well combined. Lastly add cherries and pulse a few times to break them up but still keep some chunks. Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture variance and different sized “bits” in your cherry bars.Press the base mixture into the bottom of your pan or dish evenly. Refrigerate while you prepare the chocolate coating.
Chocolate Coating
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave at 50% power with 30 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.Remove the bars and after checking they are firm and set, remove from pan using the parchment paper handles and cut into 10-12 bars or more smaller squares or pop out of molds.Skewer each bar or use 2 forks to hold each bar and dip into the melted chocolate. Or you can drizzle the chocolate over each bar using a spoon and allow the excess to drip off. Transfer to a parchment lined tray and sprinkle with extra coconut. Dip twice for extra coating.Put the bars into the freezer for at least 4 hours.Once chocolate is set and crisp, enjoy your homemade Cherry Ripe bars.Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or the freezer for up to 3 months. If frozen, allow to defrost before eating.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
