Cherry Almond Cacao Granola
Cherry Almond Cacao Granola serves: 8 (3/4 cup or 180 ml per serving)
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Rest Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (160 g) dry gluten-free rolled oats
- 1 cup (124 g) chopped walnuts
- 3/4 cup (120 g) dried cherries
- 3/4 cup (69 g) sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup (40 g) hemp seeds
- 2 Tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 cup (60 g) cacao nibs
Instructions:
- Read through recipe and put all ingredients in your work area before starting your prep.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine oats, walnuts, cherries, almonds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, cinnamon and salt. Gently stir in maple syrup, oil, vanilla and almond extracts until dry ingredients are completely and evenly coated.
- Spread granola mixture evenly over the surface of the prepared baking sheet and bake for 26–28 min, stirring halfway, until golden. Remove from oven and let cool for several min before gently stirring in cacao nibs. Let cool completely before storing or serving. Granola will crisp up upon cooling.
- To serve, place about 3/4 cup (180 ml) granola in a bowl and top with your favorite nondairy milk and fresh fruit.
Notes:
Storage tip: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 weeks, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Other recipe notes: Dried cranberries or raisins may be substituted for dried cherries. Try to find dried cherries that are either unsweetened or naturally sweetened with fruit juice (some are sweetened with cane sugar and have added oils).
Make it nut-free: Substitute raw, shelled pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds for walnuts and almonds (note that this may affect final quantity and cooking times).
Nutrition Information Per Serving:
468 calories, 30.4 g total fat, 5.9 g saturated fat, 11.8 g polyunsaturated fat, 11.3 g monounsaturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 154 mg sodium, 476 mg potassium, 41.2 g total carbohydrates, 7.6 g fiber, 18 g sugar, 10.6 g protein, 10% calcium, 26% iron
