Fruity Granola Recipes

HEALTHY GRANOLA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts and/or seeds, salt and cinnamon. Stir to blend.
• Pour in the oil, maple syrup and/or honey and vanilla. Mix well, until every oat and nut is lightly coated. Pour the granola onto your prepared pan and use a large spoon to spread it in an even layer.
• Bake until lightly golden, about 21 to 24 minutes, stirring halfway (for extra-clumpy granola, press the stirred granola down with your spatula to create a more even layer). The granola will further crisp up as it cools.
• Let the granola cool completely, undisturbed (at least 45 minutes). Top with the dried fruit (and optional chocolate chips, if using). Break the granola into pieces with your hands if you want to retain big chunks, or stir it around with a spoon if you don't want extra-clumpy granola.
• Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks, or in a sealed freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. The dried fruit can freeze solid, so let it warm to room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

EASY FRUIT AND NUT GRANOLA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Combine the oats and nuts in a large bowl. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the sugar, oil, vanilla, salt and 1/4 cup water. Pour the liquid mixture over the oat mixture and stir until combined. Pour onto two baking sheets and spread evenly. Bake until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Pour the cooked oat mixture into a bowl and stir in the raisins and cherries. Let cool. The granola will keep in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to 3 weeks.

FRUIT AND NUT GRANOLA (CHRISSIE'S GRANOLA)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
• Pour the oats into a large bowl. Add almonds, cinnamon, cocoa powder, salt, brown sugar, and dried fruit into the oats respectively, stirring each into the mixture before adding the next.
• Mix maple syrup and vanilla extract together in a small bowl. With a rubber spatula, add the maple syrup-vanilla mixture to your dry ingredients. Fold the two together until mixed and all dry ingredients are well coated.
• Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes, stir, and continue baking until golden brown, about 25 minutes more. Set aside to cool slightly, about 20 minutes.
• Gently fold chocolate chips into the granola mixture, allowing the chocolate to coat the granola as it melts slightly. Cool completely before storing.