Healthy Homemade Granola with Dried Cranberries 🥣🍇

This nutritious granola is the perfect blend of crunchy oats, nutty seeds, and sweet dried cranberries. It's not only delicious but also filled with wholesome ingredients that will keep you energized throughout the day! Enjoy it as a topping for yogurt, with milk, or on its own as a healthy snack. 🌟

Ingredients

For the granola

• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans, roughly chopped)
• 1/2 cup seeds (pumpkin seeds and/or sunflower seeds)
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the add-ins

• 1 cup dried cranberries
• Optional: 1/2 cup shredded coconut or dark chocolate chips for an extra treat! 🍫

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, chopped nuts, seeds, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until well blended.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.

🥄 Ensure that all the oats and nuts are thoroughly mixed with the wet ingredients to achieve that perfect crunch!

5. Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning.

6. Once golden and fragrant, remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. It will continue to harden as it cools.

7. Once cooled, mix in the dried cranberries (and any other add-ins you desire).

🧊 Storing the granola in an air-tight container will keep it fresh. It'll last for up to two weeks—but it probably won't last that long! 😉

Variations

• Nut-free: Substitute nuts with extra seeds or use puffed rice for a lighter crunch.
• Spicy: Add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a warm, spicy twist.
• Fruit-forward: Swap out dried cranberries for your favorite dried fruit, like apricots or blueberries, for a different flavor profile.
• No added sugar: Use unsweetened apple sauce in place of honey or syrup to naturally sweeten the granola.

Enjoy your homemade granola as a delightful, wholesome snack you can feel good about! 🌈✨