Homemade Cherry Almond Granola: Your Perfect Wholesome Breakfast & Snack
Discover the unparalleled joy of homemade granola! With its delightful blend of sweet-tart dried cherries, crunchy roasted almonds, and subtly sweet toasted coconut flakes, this Cherry Almond Granola is simply irresistible. It’s perfect for sprinkling over creamy Greek yogurt for a satisfying breakfast or enjoying straight from the jar as a wholesome afternoon snack.
A Culinary Journey: From Childhood Cookbooks to Signature Granola
My journey into the world of homemade granola began decades ago, sparked by a special Christmas gift: a shiny new Boys and Girls Cookbook. I was captivated by its pages, spending countless hours poring over recipes, eagerly jotting down notes in the margins about what caught my eye, and even meticulously planning elaborate menus on the inside back cover. I still recall one memorable “Sunday dinner” menu featuring “Fiesta Burgers,” a “Tossed Green Salad,” and a side of “Vegge (sic) Potatoes,” proudly marked as “my own invention!” Even then, the spirit of a budding hostess was undeniable.
This cherished cookbook remains on my shelf today, not just for the flood of nostalgic memories it brings, but because its simple, foundational granola recipe became the very inspiration for the Cherry Almond Granola I am thrilled to share with you. While my version has evolved significantly over the years, the core concept of wholesome, customizable goodness remains, making it a timeless staple in my kitchen.
Crafting the Perfect Granola: The Base and Its Benefits
To be frank, the original recipe from my childhood cookbook has undergone so many transformations that it’s almost a completely new creation, rather than just an adaptation. However, the essence of its delicious base — rolled oats, wheat germ, honey, and a touch of light brown sugar — continues to be the heart of my granola. This combination lays the groundwork for a truly satisfying and flavorful experience.
The Power of Wheat Germ
I am particularly fond of incorporating wheat germ into my granola. This often-overlooked ingredient is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Beyond its health benefits, wheat germ imparts a wonderful nutty, slightly toasty flavor that elevates the overall taste profile. It also plays a crucial role in helping the granola bind together, contributing to a pleasant, light texture without creating overly dense clusters.
Thoughtful Ingredient Choices for Health and Flavor
The original recipe suggested butter, but over time, I’ve opted for a more heart-healthy, neutral-flavored oil, such as grapeseed or canola. This choice allows the natural flavors of the oats, nuts, and fruits to shine through while providing a lighter, more wholesome base. Additionally, I’ve refined the mix-ins to create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. A touch of cinnamon and pure vanilla extract introduces a warm, inviting aroma and a depth of flavor that evokes cozy, autumnal feelings, making this granola perfect for any season.
Understanding Granola Texture: Sprinklers vs. Clusters
The world of granola often divides into two distinct camps: those who prefer a loose, cereal-like texture, and those who crave substantial, chewy clusters. While I appreciate both, I generally lean towards being a “granola sprinkler.” For me, large, unwieldy clumps don’t integrate as seamlessly with a bowl of creamy yogurt or when layered into a vibrant fruit parfait. This recipe is designed with that preference in mind.
While this Cherry Almond Granola does form some delightful small clusters as it cools, it is inherently a more loosely-textured variety. This makes it ideal for sprinkling, ensuring an even distribution of flavor and crunch in every bite. Of course, this doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed by the handful as a satisfying snack on its own! It’s simply not the kind of granola you’ll find yourself breaking into large, perfectly formed pieces to pop into your mouth.
Craving more homemade goodness? Don’t miss my Pumpkin Granola recipe, featuring the delightful flavors of maple, cranberries, and pecans!
The Unbeatable Advantages of Homemade Granola
One of the most compelling reasons to make granola at home, beyond the sheer satisfaction of creating something delicious, is the immense control it offers. You know exactly what ingredients go into your bowl, free from preservatives, excessive sugars, or artificial flavors often found in store-bought varieties. This transparency allows you to tailor the recipe precisely to your dietary needs and personal flavor preferences, whether you’re adjusting sweetness, fat content, or experimenting with different mix-ins.
Significant Cost Savings
Another monumental advantage is the cost efficiency. Ready-made granola, especially those marketed as “gourmet” with premium nuts and dried fruits, can be shockingly expensive. I distinctly remember my jaw dropping in a specialty market a few weeks ago when I spotted an 8-ounce bag priced at a steep $8! Homemade granola, by contrast, offers substantial savings, especially if you source ingredients wisely. Stores like Trader Joe’s (wink, wink!) often provide excellent prices on bulk oats, dried fruits, and nuts, making your homemade venture even more budget-friendly.
Simplicity and Seasonal Appeal
Beyond the economic benefits, making granola is surprisingly simple. It’s largely a “stir-and-bake” operation, requiring minimal fuss and effort. This makes it an ideal recipe to whip up as the lazy days of summer transition into the bustling schedules of fall, with school and work commitments picking up pace. Even if the temperatures are still soaring, like today’s 95 degrees in NJ, the warm aroma of baking granola is enough to transport me straight into the heart of autumn!
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Cherry Almond Granola
Yields approximately 6 cups of wholesome granola.
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup wheat germ
- ¼ cup firmly-packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup raw sunflower seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup light-flavored oil (such as canola or grapeseed)
- ½ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole raw almonds
- ½ cup unsweetened flaked coconut
- 1 cup dried cherries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F (150 C). Line a large half sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- In a generously sized bowl, combine the rolled oats, wheat germ, firmly-packed light brown sugar, raw sunflower seeds, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Stir these dry ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined. Set this mixture aside for a moment.
- In a separate small bowl or a liquid measuring cup, whisk together the light-flavored oil (such as canola or grapeseed), honey, and pure vanilla extract until you have a smooth, emulsified mixture. Pour this wet mixture over the dry oat ingredients in the large bowl and stir diligently until everything is evenly coated. Finally, fold in the whole raw almonds and unsweetened flaked coconut.
- Spread the granola mixture in a thin, even layer across the prepared sheet pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the granola turns a beautiful golden brown. To ensure even baking and toasting, make sure to flip the granola with a spatula after 20 minutes and rotate the sheet pan in the oven. It’s crucial to keep a very close eye on the granola, especially during the last 10 minutes of baking, as it can quickly go from perfectly toasted to unfortunately burned, particularly in the corners.
- Once removed from the oven, immediately fold the dried cherries into the warm granola directly on the sheet pan. The residual heat will help them soften slightly. Re-spread the granola into an even layer and allow it to cool completely to room temperature on the sheet pan. As it cools, it will crisp up. Once cooled, break up the granola into your desired pieces, leaving some small clumps if you prefer.
Notes
Feel free to customize this recipe by substituting different varieties of nuts and dried fruits to match your personal taste. If using larger dried fruits like apricots, remember to chop them into smaller, bite-sized pieces before adding them to the granola. For an extra special treat, consider adding 1/2 cup of chocolate chips once the granola has completely cooled.
Nutrition Estimate
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only. Individual results may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
Please note that our recipes have been developed using the US Customary measurement system and have not been specifically tested for high altitude/elevation cooking and baking adjustments. Results may vary if cooking at higher elevations.
Delicious Ideas for Serving Your Granola
While this Cherry Almond Granola shines brightest when sprinkled over a bowl of tangy Greek yogurt, its versatility extends far beyond. Try layering it with fresh berries and yogurt for a beautiful and nutritious parfait. It also makes a fantastic topping for smoothie bowls, adding a delightful crunch and extra nutrients. For a simple yet satisfying treat, enjoy it with your favorite milk, or simply grab a handful straight from the container for a quick energy boost during your busy day. The sweet-tart cherries, robust almonds, and exotic coconut create a flavor profile that complements a wide range of breakfast and snack options.
More Seasonal Recipes to Explore
As the seasons change and we embrace new flavors, consider trying these other delightful recipes perfect for transitional weather and beyond:
- Cider Doughnut Muffins: A taste of fall in every bite, reminiscent of classic apple cider donuts.
- Curried Cauliflower Soup: A warming and flavorful soup, perfect for cooler evenings.
- Warm Milk with Cardamom and Honey: A comforting and soothing drink, ideal for winding down.
- Hard Cider Braised Chicken: A hearty and savory dish that brings a sophisticated touch to dinner.
We hope you enjoy this Cherry Almond Granola and find new ways to incorporate homemade goodness into your daily routine. Happy baking!