Chunky Vanilla Granola with Dried Cherries and Almonds
Learn the magic ratio to the best chunky granola everytime with this homemade granola recipe. Vanilla and cinnamon almond granola kissed with dried cherries is crisped up to perfection and the best bud to yogurt.**please note...baking temperature recently updated from 300° to 325° - October 27. 2024
Servings 8
Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned, rolled oats not instant
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup; slivered almonds or sliced
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon or more to taste. I've gone as high as 1 T.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt to start
- ½ cup real maple syrup
- ½ cup coconut oil melted
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup coconut sweetened or unsweetened as desired
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°.
- Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Combine all the dried ingredients (except the coconut) together in a large bowl. Toss well to incorporate the cinnamon throughout.3 cups old-fashioned, rolled oats, 1 cup dried cherries, 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, ½ cup; slivered almonds, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Mix wet ingredients in a measuring cup and pour over the dry ingredients.½ cup real maple syrup, ½ cup coconut oil, 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- Toss well making sure to get all the way to the bottom of the bowl. Spread granola onto prepared baking sheet.
- Bake until golden in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes and once the timer goes off, sprinkle the coconut over the granola. Bake for 5 minutes more.½ cup coconut
- DO NOT STIR DURING BAKING. This is how you get the chunks.
- Cool completely before breaking up into chunks.
- Store in a well-sealed contatiner for up to 2 weeks.
Video
Notes
Tips for big granola "chunks"
- Don't stir while baking.
- Use parchment paper to line your sheet pan.
- After spreading out your oatmeal mixture on the pan, use your hands to create little mounds of granola. These will become the big clusters.
- Packing the granola together into a tight slab also works well that you’ll then break up after baking
- Use the ratio as a guide for adding or substituting your favorite ingredients.
- Store in airtight container
- Can be made ahead for up to 2 weeks.
