Ingredients
4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free option)
1 ½ cups raw nuts and/or seeds (e.g., pecans, pepitas, walnuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, sunflower seeds)
1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt (reduce to ¾ teaspoon if using table salt)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional; alternatives include ground ginger or pumpkin spice)
½ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
½ cup maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅔ cup dried fruit, chopped if large (e.g., dried cranberries, tart dried cherries, raisins, chopped apricots)
½ cup chocolate chips (added after cooling)
coconut flakes (added halfway through baking for toasting)
Instructions
1-Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2-In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts/seeds, salt, and cinnamon; mix well.
3-Add oil, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract; stir until everything is lightly coated.
4-Spread mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
5-Bake for 21 to 24 minutes, stirring halfway through. For chunky granola, press granola down with a spatula after stirring before returning to the oven.
6-Remove from oven when lightly golden, then let cool completely for at least 45 minutes, undisturbed.
7-After cooling, mix in dried fruit and optional chocolate chips. Break into pieces by hand for big clumps or stir for smaller pieces.
8-Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let frozen dried fruit warm to room temperature before serving.
Last Step:
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🌱 Use certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version.
🍴 To achieve chunky granola: crowd oats slightly on pan, use parchment paper, press down halfway through baking, avoid overbaking, and cool completely before breaking.
🥥 Add coconut flakes halfway through baking for toasted coconut flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 21 to 24 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free option
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup