Fresh Cherry Granola Balls
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 24 granola balls 1x
Description
Fresh cherries add a fruity tartness to this moist and chewy granola that’s shaped into balls for a twist on the usual bars.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (480 ml) rolled oats
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) dry shredded coconut
- 2 tbsp fine brown sugar (add more if you like yours sweeter)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) raisins
- 2 cups (480 ml) fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp water
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Pre heat the oven to 350F. Butter a baking dish and keep aside.
- Mix the oats, coconut and almonds and toast in the oven for 10 minutes, till lightly brown.
- Heat the butter, sugar, honey and maple syrup in a pot, till the butter melts and the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Add to the oats mixture, along with the raisins, fresh cherries, water and salt. Mix well and smash some of the cherries a bit. Transfer to the baking dish and press down using your hands so the mixture is loosely packed in the dish. (use a plastic packet on your hands while pressing so the mixture doesn’t stick).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, till the edges are beginning to brown. The centre should still feel soft and moist. Remove from the oven and once at room temperature, scoop out and shape into rounds. The moist cherries and maple syrup help hold them together. Refrigerate to store.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 granola balls
- Calories: 190
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the granola balls from falling apart?
The instructions note that the moist cherries and maple syrup are what hold the balls together — smash some of the cherries while mixing to release their juices and boost binding. The mixture also needs to cool fully to room temperature after the 20–25 minute bake before you scoop and shape it.
Why use a plastic bag on your hands when pressing the mixture into the dish?
The recipe specifically recommends placing a plastic bag over your hands while pressing the mixture into the baking dish to prevent the sticky honey and maple syrup from adhering to your skin and pulling the granola apart as you work.
How should I store these granola balls?
Refrigerate them to store — the fresh cherries and syrup make these moist and perishable, unlike dried-fruit granola bars that can sit at room temperature. The recipe makes 24 granola balls with a serving size of 2. 
