It’s about that time…it’s too hot to turn on the oven, so let’s make our chewy, nutritious bars in the slow cooker!
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!
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.
But that doesn’t mean I will stop making my weekly bars for me (and my kids I guess).
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! 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?
Slow Cooker Cherry Vanilla Almond Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups gluten free oats
- 1/2 cup ground flax seed
- 1/2 teaspoon gluten free baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup coconut oil room temperature
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/3 cup tart dried cherries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, mix together oats, flax, baking powder and salt until well combined.
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In a small bowl, beat the eggs and add coconut oil and vanilla.
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Add the egg mixture to the oat mixture until thoroughly combined.
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Add cherries and almonds and stir to combine.
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Place parchment paper inside slow cooker.
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Spread mixture on top until evenly spread.
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Cook on low for 2 hours 50 minutes until the middle is completely set.
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Allow to cool before slicing.
I hope you enjoy these! Trust me, they won’t last long.
What a cool idea! And I did not know that about cherries. Weather is gross here too (Dallas-ish).
Ugh, good thing we have AC Shelley 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
I love using slow cookers in the summer, too – keeps the heat out of the kitchen! I’d love to try making these bars in them, what a fun and different idea. Plus, they sound so good!
I’ve been looking for slow cooker recipes for this summer! Yep I love mine in the summer because it doesn’t heat up the house! These would be great for breakfast!
Mmm, these look so good! Love using my slow cooker during the hot summer months! These definitely wouldn’t last long around my house! lol
No spring is right! We went from 84 degrees to 48 degrees within 8 hours. What is that?! And that was last week. Just… what the heck. Reverting back to winter!
Anyway, these bars look fantastic!
I love everything about these bars!!
Im all about slow cookers in the summer! WAY too hot to have a hot oven on! I pinned these bars for later! They look delicious!
It was supposed to be 81°F today. It ended up being 101° I really can’t, in this heat. But I’d gladly make these!
UGH! It’s too hot too soon!
I’m always amazed when I see baked stuff like this come out of a slow cooker. Must try!
Thanks Gina!
Brilliant! I never would have thought to make something like this in a slow cooker and can’t wait to try it. Love the combination of coconut oil, cherries and almonds!
Thank you Kimberly!
your pictures are amazing. I cannot believe these cherry vanilla almond bars were made in a slow cooker. What a great idea. I never see cherries used much in recipes like these so I can’t wait to try this.
Aw thank you Helene! I hope you love them as much as we do!
I love using my slow cooker in the summer! Definitely will be trying these!
I hope you like them Jessica!
I love everything with cherries !! These bars look so good!!! Perfect post 🙂
Thanks Helen!
How many almonds? 1/4 WHAT!?
OOOPS! I just fixed it Judy! It should say 1/4 cup. Thank you 🙂
This sounds amazing!
Thank you SO much!!
I love my slow cooker and would love to use it to make these!
I hope you like them!
I love how you can make these in the slow cooker, without heating up the kitchen! Perfect recipe to make over the summer!
Thanks Michelle!
I love cherries! This looks delicious!
I’m so impressed! Slow cooker for granola bars! And they stick together! Min always wind up granola. but I love granola so that’s ok. These look so handy for grab and go snacks. I’ll try this recipe out!
I lobe granola too Diane 🙂 I hope you like these!
never would have thought you could have made these in a slow cooker. AWESOME
Dear Lauren, the temps have finally cooled for now but later this week we’re expecting another spike. In times like that, these recipes are gold. What a great treat to have on hand. xo, Catherine