Crunchy and Delicious Granola Recipe
Looking for a healthy and delicious breakfast option? This Crunchy Delicious Granola Recipe is the perfect choice! With a tweak to reduce the sugar and using seeds instead of nuts, this granola is not only allergen-friendly but also incredibly tasty. Feel free to change the dried fruit to suit your preferences, such as blueberries, cherries, cranberries, or apricots.
Yield
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Servings: 10
Yield: 5 cups
Ingredients
3 cups thick-cut oats
½ cup hulled sunflower seeds
⅓ cup hulled pumpkin seeds
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 tablespoons flax seeds
1 tablespoon wheat germ
1 cup chopped dried cherries
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
⅔ cup unsweetened applesauce
⅓ cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crunchy Delicious Granola
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) to prepare for the baking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thick-cut oats, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds, and wheat germ. Stir to blend the ingredients well.
- Add the chopped dried cherries to the seed and oat mixture, ensuring the fruit is evenly distributed throughout.
- Sprinkle in the salt and ground cinnamon over the dry ingredients and toss lightly with a spatula or spoon to incorporate these flavors.
- In a separate bowl or a medium saucepan, mix the unsweetened applesauce, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Heat gently if necessary to blend.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until every oat and seed is coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, flattening it out with the back of a spoon or spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even toasting.
- After baking, allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. It will crisp up as it cools.
- Once cooled, break into clusters and store in an airtight container.
- Enjoy your homemade granola with yogurt, milk, or as a topping for desserts!
Optional Healthier Cooking Method
For a healthier alternative, consider using a dehydrator instead of baking. This method retains more nutrients and enhances the natural flavors without using excess heat. Similarly, reducing the amount of pure maple syrup used can further lower sugar content, making the granola even healthier.
Why You’ll Love This Crunchy Delicious Granola Recipe
This granola is perfect for breakfast or as a satisfying snack. Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients like oats, seeds, and dried fruit. Additionally, this recipe is highly adaptable—experiment with different dried fruits or add spices like nutmeg or ginger to tailor it to your taste.
Try this Crunchy Delicious Granola Recipe today, and indulge in a delightful, homemade breakfast treat that you can easily customize. Enjoy the satisfaction of making your own granola while reaping the health benefits of this wholesome creation!
