Slow Cooker Cherry Vanilla Almond Bars {Gluten-Free}

It's about that time...it's too hot to turn on the oven, so let's make our chewy, delicious and crazy nutritious bars in the slow cooker! You can make these delicious Slow Cooker Cherry Almond Bars on your meal prep day to have snacks for the week!

Does anybody else feel like there is no spring anymore?  We go straight from the cold weather into 90 degrees and humid.  

That's what it was like all weekend.  I know, summer is practically here but I would love a day that's about 68-70 degrees with a cool breeze every now and then.

Is that too much to ask?

Apparently it is.  It was 94 degrees this weekend and muggy.

So what does that mean?  It's too hot to put the oven on so bust out those slow cookers!

I think most people don't realize you can make snacks and desserts in the slow cooker. The texture is always perfect and it they always come out chewy and delicious.

And if you are like me you are always trying to find new snack recipes, especially ones that the kids will love!

It's funny because most people associate slow cookers with winter comfort food, but I love to use it all year long.  And let's face it, my summers consist of tons of baseball games each week so who has time to cook anyway?

With my kids home during the summer it's definitely a little more difficult to stay organized with my meal prep each week.  I basically just try to grill as much as I can and go with the flow.

I mean, I have my husband grill ( I don't even know how to turn it on) and then I make delicious salads and side dishes.

But that doesn't mean I will stop making my weekly bars for me (and my kids I guess).

Just keeping it really here, I would definitely double the recipe if you have a hungry husband and three kids like me. These definitely won't last long.

These bars are not only gluten free, but they are packed with fiber and tons of nutrition.

Let's talk about these dried tart cherries.  Besides being crazy delicious, they are such a powerhouse of nutrition and have so many health benefits.  

They help with recovery and help ease soreness so these are perfect post-workout.  They fight off inflammation and has shown to help prevent gout and arthritis.  

Lastly, these babies aid in better sleep quality! Holy cow I can always use some help with sleeping.

 No, you won't fall asleep instantly after eating them, but it is one of the few natural sources of melatonin, which is a hormone that lowers your body temperature and makes you sleepy.  Maybe have a bar with a nice cup of tea right before bed?  

Doesn't that sound delightful?

Why is it that when your kids finally sleep through the night there are other things that keep you awake? I just want to sleep!

Related Recipes

Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Bars made in the slow cooker from Lauren Kelly Nutrition

Slow Cooker Chocolate Chip Bars from The Stay At Home Chef

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars from Lauren Kelly Nutrition

Slow Cooker Chocolate Cookie Bars from 365 Days of Crock Pot

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Slow Cooker Cherry Vanilla Almond Bars

Slow Cooker Cherry Almond Vanilla Bars are packed with nutrition and delicious!

5 from 17 votes

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Course: Breakfast, brunch, meatless, Snack, treat, vegetarian

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours

Servings: 12 bars

Calories: 232kcal

Author: Lauren Kelly

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 ½ cups gluten free oats
• ▢ ½ cup ground flax seed
• ▢ ½ teaspoon gluten free baking powder
• ▢ ½ teaspoon salt
• ▢ ½ cup maple syrup
• ▢ ½ cup coconut oil room temperature
• ▢ 2 eggs
• ▢ 2 teaspoons vanilla
• ▢ ⅓ cup tart dried cherries
• ▢ ¼ cup sliced almonds

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, mix together oats, flax, baking powder and salt until well combined.
• In a small bowl, beat the eggs and add coconut oil and vanilla.
• Add the egg mixture to the oat mixture until thoroughly combined.
• Add cherries and almonds and stir to combine.
• Place parchment paper inside slow cooker.
• Spread mixture on top until evenly spread.
• Cook on low for 2 hours 50 minutes until the middle is completely set.
• Allow to cool before slicing.

Notes

To store in the refrigerator: Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

To store in the freezer: Place in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 111mg | Potassium: 166mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 159IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 1mg

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I hope you enjoy these! Trust me, they won't last long.

Promise me that you double the recipe. They also freeze really well if you are able to hide some from you family.