Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped dried cherries, chopped almonds, and rolled oats. Stir to mix well.
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the almond butter and honey (or maple syrup) until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon.
Pour the almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is well coated. If using flaxseeds, add them at this point and fold in.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press down firmly to create an even layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Once cooled, lift the energy bar mixture out using the parchment paper and cut into squares or bars.
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Notes
Serve the energy bars on a wooden board, drizzled with a little extra almond butter and accompanied by fresh cherries for a vibrant touch.