Indulge in the ultimate guilt-free treat with these incredibly rich, ooey-gooey Paleo Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cherry Cookie Bars. Bursting with warm, juicy cherries and decadent dairy-free chocolate chips, these grain-free cookie bars are a perfect harmony of sweet and tart, designed for everyone, especially those with dietary sensitivities. Get ready to experience a dessert that redefines healthy indulgence!

Paleo Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cherry Cookie Bars: Your Ultimate Guide to a Healthy & Delicious Treat

As cherry season graces us with its vibrant bounty, there’s no better way to celebrate than by baking up a batch of these exquisite Paleo Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cherry Cookie Bars. This recipe captures the essence of summer with its delightful blend of sweet chocolate and tart cherries, all wrapped in a soft, chewy, grain-free cookie dough. Whether you follow a paleo, gluten-free, or grain-free diet, or simply appreciate wholesome ingredients, these bars are sure to become a cherished favorite.

These aren’t just any cookie bars; they are an experience. Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth bar, where every bite reveals pockets of warm, yielding cherries perfectly complemented by luscious, dairy-free chocolate. The texture is irresistibly ooey-gooey, a testament to thoughtful ingredient choices that prioritize both flavor and health. If the combination of chocolate and cherries makes your heart sing, prepare to fall head over heels for this recipe.

Why Cherries? The Health Benefits and Seasonal Joy

Cherry season is a truly magical time, and I confess, I tend to eat my weight in these ruby-red gems! And why not? Cherries are not just incredibly delicious; they’re also nutritional powerhouses, packed with a spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and potent antioxidants. From boosting your immune system to aiding in muscle recovery and promoting better sleep, the health benefits of cherries are extensive. They are a fantastic source of Vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, making them a smart and delicious addition to your diet. Incorporating them into baked goods like these cookie bars allows you to enjoy their goodness in a truly indulgent way.

Beyond their nutritional profile, baking with cherries brings a unique sweetness and a delicate tartness that elevates any dessert. Their vibrant color and juicy texture make them a natural fit for rich chocolate, creating a classic flavor pairing that never disappoints. When the craving hit for both a comforting cookie bar and the fresh taste of cherries, I knew it was time to create a recipe that perfectly married these two loves, resulting in a treat that’s both satisfying and surprisingly wholesome.

Essential Ingredients for Paleo Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cherry Cookie Bars

Crafting a truly delicious paleo and gluten-free dessert starts with selecting the right ingredients. This recipe utilizes a blend of grain-free flours and natural sweeteners to achieve that perfect cookie bar texture without relying on traditional grains or refined sugars. Most of these staples are likely already in the pantry of any dedicated grain-free baker, making this recipe not only delightful but also convenient. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Almond Flour: The foundation of our grain-free dough, almond flour provides a tender crumb and a rich, slightly nutty flavor. It’s high in protein and healthy fats, contributing to the bar’s satisfying texture.
• Tapioca Flour: This starchy flour helps bind the ingredients, creating a chewy texture that mimics traditional cookie bars while keeping the recipe grain-free. It also adds a subtle crispness to the edges.
• Coconut Flour: Known for its high absorbency and fiber content, coconut flour helps create a soft, cake-like interior. It’s used in smaller quantities due to its potent properties.
• Baking Soda: Our leavening agent, ensuring these bars rise beautifully and achieve that desired airy-yet-dense consistency.
• Salt: A touch of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the delicious flavors in the bars.
• Melted Coconut Oil: This healthy fat contributes to the moistness and richness of the cookie bars. Make sure to measure it in its melted state for accuracy.
• Coconut Sugar: A natural, unrefined sweetener that offers a caramel-like flavor similar to brown sugar but with a lower glycemic index.
• Egg and Egg Yolk: Eggs act as binders and add richness, while the extra yolk contributes to the ultimate chewy and fudgy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A staple in baking, vanilla extract rounds out the flavors and adds a comforting aroma.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips: Essential for the “chocolate chip” component! Opt for your favorite brand of high-quality dairy-free chocolate chips or chunks to ensure a rich, chocolatey experience.
• Fresh Cherries: The star of the show! Fresh, ripe cherries are key for their vibrant flavor and juicy bursts. Using seasonal cherries will yield the best results.

Having these grain-free baking essentials on hand makes whipping up wholesome and delicious treats like these cookie bars a breeze!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Paleo GF Chocolate Chip Cherry Cookie Bars

Creating these delicious cookie bars is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps to bring this delightful treat to life in your kitchen:

1. Prepare Your Cherries: Begin by washing and pitting your fresh cherries. Once pitted, slice them in half. For a 9×9 inch pan, approximately 18 halved cherries (about 1 cup) work perfectly to ensure a good cherry-to-cookie ratio in every bite.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, tapioca flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt. Ensure they are thoroughly combined to prevent pockets of unmixed ingredients. Set this bowl aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate, equally large bowl, combine the melted coconut oil and coconut sugar. Whisk them vigorously until well blended. It’s crucial to measure the coconut oil after it has been melted for accurate proportions.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: To the coconut oil and sugar mixture, add the large egg and the additional egg yolk. Whisk until the mixture is light and creamy. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix with a fork or spatula until a cohesive cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher bars.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in your dairy-free chocolate chips. For an exciting textural variety, I highly recommend using a mix of mini chocolate chips and larger chocolate chunks. This ensures that every bite offers a different level of chocolatey goodness.
7. Assemble the Layers: Press about half of the chocolate chip cookie dough evenly into your prepared 9×9 inch baking pan, lined with parchment paper. Use your hands or a rubber spatula to create a smooth, consistent base layer.
8. Add Cherries: Arrange your halved cherries uniformly over the first layer of cookie dough. I find that placing them in neat rows creates an appealing visual and ensures even distribution.
9. Top with Remaining Dough: Carefully cover the cherries with the remaining cookie dough. You’ll likely need to use your hands to gently press and spread the dough over the cherries, ensuring they are fully enclosed.
10. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the pan to a preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing. This cooling time is essential for the bars to set properly and prevent crumbling. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the entire batch out of the pan and cut into 16 perfect squares. While waiting an hour is ideal for clean cuts, if you simply can’t resist, you can cut them after about 15 minutes for a warm, extra-gooey experience!
12. Storage: Store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If they last that long!

That’s all it takes! In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of irresistibly delicious Paleo Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cherry Cookie Bars ready to enjoy.

Tips for the Perfect Paleo & Gluten-Free Cookie Bars

• Accurate Measuring: Especially with grain-free flours like coconut flour, precise measurements are key. Too much coconut flour can result in dry, crumbly bars.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: While coconut oil is melted, ensure your egg is at room temperature. This helps all ingredients emulsify smoothly, leading to a better dough consistency.
• Don’t Overbake: For that signature “ooey-gooey” texture, avoid overbaking. The edges should be lightly golden, and a toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not entirely clean, indicating a soft center.
• Chill for Clean Slices: Although tempting to cut warm, chilling the bars significantly improves their structure and makes for much cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing slices.
• Quality Chocolate: The type of chocolate chips you use makes a big difference. Invest in good quality dairy-free chocolate that melts beautifully.

Variations to Explore

While this recipe is perfect as is, feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking:

• Mixed Berries: Substitute cherries with an equal amount of your favorite berries, like raspberries or blueberries, for a different fruity twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
• Citrus Zest: A touch of orange or lemon zest in the dough can brighten the cherry flavor beautifully.
• Spiced Bars: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic depth.

Serving Suggestions

These Paleo Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cherry Cookie Bars are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them:

• Warm: Fresh out of the oven, perhaps with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream.
• Room Temperature: Perfect for a lunchbox treat, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert with your coffee or tea.
• Chilled: Some people prefer their cookie bars slightly chilled for a firmer, chewier bite, especially during warmer months.

Other Delightful Cherry Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you find yourself with an abundance of cherries or simply can’t get enough of their delicious flavor, here are a few other fantastic cherry recipes to explore, from both my kitchen and fellow talented bakers:

• This Easy Homemade Cherry Sauce by Eat at Our Table. With just four simple ingredients, you can create the most luscious and versatile cherry sauce, perfect for topping desserts, pancakes, or even savory dishes.
• These Gluten-free Cherry Cheesecake Bars from Eat at Our Table look and sound absolutely divine. The classic pairing of creamy cheesecake with the bright tang of cherries is a combination I simply adore.
• My very own Gluten-Free Apple Cherry Crisp (Vegan)! This comforting dessert features warm baked apples and cherries beneath a delectable almond flour streusel topping, making it a perfect cozy treat.
• And if you’re a true fan of the chocolate and cherry duo, you must try my Paleo Chocolate Cherry Muffins (GF). These moist chocolate muffins are generously studded with warm, baked cherries, offering a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.

Paleo Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cherry Cookie Bars

By:
Dominique

Servings:
12 bars

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
30 mins

Total Time:
50 mins

Ooey-gooey grain-free chocolate chip cookie bars bursting with warm cherries.

Ingredients

• 1 ¼
  cups
  almond flour
• 2/3
  cup
  tapioca flour
• 1/3
  cup
  coconut flour
• 1
  tsp
  baking soda
• 1/2
  tsp
  salt
• 3/4
  cup
  melted coconut oil
  (make sure to measure it in its melted state)
• 1
  cup
  coconut sugar
• 1
  large egg plus 1 large egg yolk
• 2
  tsps
  vanilla extract
• 1
  cup
  dairy-free chocolate chips
  (I used ½ cup mini chocolate chips and ½ cup chocolate chunks)
• 1
  cup
  fresh cherries
  (I used 18 total, pitted and halved)
• optional: sea salt to sprinkle on top

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C). Line a 9 x 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, tapioca flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix thoroughly with a fork or whisk until well blended. Set aside.
3. In another large bowl, whisk the melted coconut oil and coconut sugar together until smooth. Then, add the large egg and egg yolk, whisking until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Pour the dry ingredients mixture into the wet ingredients bowl. Mix with a fork or rubber spatula until a soft, cohesive cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the dairy-free chocolate chips. For varied texture, a mix of mini chocolate chips and chocolate chunks works wonderfully.
5. Transfer approximately half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Using your hands or a rubber spatula, evenly press and smooth the dough into a uniform layer at the bottom of the pan.
6. Take your pitted and halved cherries and arrange them neatly over the pressed cookie dough layer. You can place them in lines or a pattern of your choice.
7. Cover the cherries with the remaining half of the cookie dough. Gently press the dough down with your hands to evenly cover all the cherries and create a smooth top layer.
8. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the bars comes out with moist crumbs (indicating a perfectly soft center).
9. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely for about an hour. Cooling fully is crucial for the bars to set and make clean cuts.
10. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of cookie bars out of the pan. Cut into 12-16 squares.
11. Chef’s Note: If immediate gratification calls, you can cut the bars after cooling for just 15-20 minutes and enjoy them warm and wonderfully gooey!
12. Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They rarely last that long!

Nutrition

Calories:
512
kcal


Carbohydrates:
52
g


Protein:
8
g


Fat:
35
g


Saturated Fat:
18
g


Polyunsaturated Fat:
0.3
g


Monounsaturated Fat:
1
g


Trans Fat:
0.002
g


Cholesterol:
14
mg


Sodium:
250
mg


Potassium:
34
mg


Fiber:
6
g


Sugar:
25
g


Vitamin A:
27
IU


Vitamin C:
1
mg


Calcium:
81
mg


Iron:
3
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course:
Dessert

Cuisine:
American