This post was sponsored by Honey Bunches of Oats Chocolate as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.

Sometimes we all just need a little chocolate in our lives, and in my opinion not much goes better with chocolate other than cherries. You really can't go wrong with the combination. Of course, coming off of an extremely busy weekend, I wanted to be sure to do something simple with few ingredients and lots of flavor.

What can I say? I needed something to curb my sweet cravings.

I've seen it done before where Honey Bunches of Oats have been used as a quick fix 'crisp' style topping for desserts, so I decided to take that idea and run with it. But, I didn't want anything plain-jane so I had to put my own chocolate lover's better-for-you spin on it.

I managed to get my hands on some of the new Honey Bunches of Oats Chocolate, and seriously had a bowl of it almost right away. And let me just tell you, each bite delivers the perfect combination of crispy flakes, crunchy bunches and now REAL cocoa too! What's better is that Honey Bunches of Oats Chocolate is a delicious option for those avoiding gluten, and I know there's a lot of you out there these days. Yep! That's right this cereal is gluten free to boot.

Did I mention that Honey Bunches of Oats Chocolate also leaves you with chocolate milk at the end of the bowl? Um, yes please!

Of course, you know... I can't just eat one of my favorite cereals, I also have to do something fun and creative with it too. So, that's where this idea for a super easy chocolate cherry crisp spawned from. How's that for thinking outside the breakfast bowl?

I knew that the big flavor and the same great texture of the Honey Bunches of Oats Chocolate would be the perfect pre-made 'crumble' for the top of my dessert. Easy-peasy.

I didn't want to just use pie filling here either. Why? I thought it would make the crisp a bit too wet, and I also wanted to keep this dessert on the lighter side; which is why I opted for the pitted cherries packed in water for a substitute.

The Honey Bunches of Oats Chocolate as the perfect way to make this little dessert both easy and delicious! The cereal stays light and crisp along with those decadent bites of chocolate crunch. Mmm!

For more chocolate inspiration, check out Honey Bunches of Oats on Facebook or Twitter!

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Skinny 5 Ingredient Chocolate Cherry Crisp
TheSkinnyFork.com

The Skinny:
Servings: 6 • Size: About 1 1/2 Cup • Calories: 110.4 • Fat: 0.9 g • Carb: 24.2 g • Fiber: 2.6 g • Protein: 1.1 g • Sugar: 6.2 g • Sodium: 66.7 mg

Ingredients:
1 (14.5 Oz. Can) Cherries (Packed in Water), Drained
1 (20 Oz. Can) Light Cherry Pie Filling
1/2 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
1/4 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon
2 C. Honey Bunches of Oats Chocolate

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Combine the 14.5 Oz. Can Cherries, 20 Oz. Can Light Cherry Pie Filling, 1/2 Tsp. Vanilla Extract, and 1/4 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon; spread out evenly among the bottom of an 8x8" or 9x9" baking dish.

Get your cereal ready! - Kidding! It's already ready!

As a side note, be sure that your canned cherry pie filing is gluten free. Most of them are, but not all!

Top the cherry mixture with 2 C. Honey Bunches of Oats Chocolate.

Place the dish into the oven to bake for about 20-35 minutes or until the cherry mixture is bubbling at the sides of the dish.

Carefully remove from the oven and divide evenly among bowls.

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: While Honey Bunches of Oats Chocolate complies with FDA Gluten Free labeling requirements, it is not manufactured in a dedicated facility. All ingredients, ingredient suppliers and production lines are thoroughly tested at multiple levels of production and evaluated to assure there is no risk of cross-contact contamination. As gluten intolerances and sensitivities vary from person to person, we encourage you to use your best discretion when choosing foods safe for you. Honey Bunches of Oats Chocolate aims to provide a delicious cereal for all members of the family to enjoy, including those with gluten sensitivities or allergies. Enjoy!