Cherry Granola Recipe for a Healthy and Tasty Snack

Granola is one of those timeless breakfast staples that perfectly combines crunch, sweetness, and nutrition. When it’s homemade, you control every ingredient, ensuring a wholesome, delicious start to your day.

Today, we’re diving into a delightful cherry granola recipe that balances the tartness of dried cherries with the nutty goodness of oats and seeds. This recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, perfect for topping your yogurt, enjoying with milk, or simply snacking on the go.

Whether you’re a granola aficionado or new to making your own, this cherry granola will quickly become a favorite. It’s naturally sweetened with a touch of maple syrup and packed with wholesome ingredients that provide lasting energy.

Plus, you can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Ready to add a burst of fruity flavor and texture to your mornings?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cherry granola recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a crunchy, flavorful breakfast or snack that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Here’s why it stands out:

• Natural sweetness: Using dried cherries and maple syrup gives it a lovely fruity sweetness without refined sugars.
• Crunchy texture: A perfect mix of oats, nuts, and seeds creates a satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Versatility: Enjoy it with yogurt, milk, or even sprinkle over smoothie bowls for added texture.
• Customizable: Easy to swap ingredients to accommodate allergies or personal preferences.
• Make-ahead friendly: Stores well for several weeks, ideal for busy mornings or on-the-go snacking.

Ingredients

• 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned)
• 1 cup dried cherries, chopped if large
• 1/2 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt

Equipment

• Baking sheet (preferably rimmed)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Oven

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
2. Combine the dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add rolled oats, chopped almonds, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to distribute evenly.
3. Mix the wet ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Make sure the coconut oil is fully melted to blend smoothly.
4. Combine wet and dry mixtures. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mixture and stir thoroughly until all the oats and nuts are coated.
5. Spread the granola evenly on the baking sheet. Use your spatula to press it down slightly, ensuring it bakes evenly and forms nice clusters.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. This helps the granola brown evenly. Keep an eye on it toward the end to prevent burning, especially the edges.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. The granola will crisp up as it cools, so resist the urge to taste it right away!
8. Once cooled, stir in the dried cherries. Mix well to distribute the cherries evenly throughout the granola.
9. Store in an airtight container. Your cherry granola will stay fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature or longer if refrigerated.

Tips & Variations

“For extra crunch, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans. If you like a bit of spice, a pinch of nutmeg or ginger works beautifully with cherries.”

• Sweetener swaps: You can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave syrup if preferred.
• Nut-free option: Replace almonds with extra pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds to keep it allergy-friendly.
• Adding superfoods: Sprinkle in chia seeds or flaxseeds before baking to boost fiber and omega-3 content.
• Make it vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, but double-check labels of any store-bought dried cherries to avoid added non-vegan ingredients.
• Cluster formation: Press the granola firmly on the tray before baking and avoid stirring too much to encourage chunkier clusters.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This cherry granola is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

• Breakfast bowl: Serve it atop your favorite plant-based yogurt or traditional yogurt for a crunchy contrast.
• Milk and granola: Pour over cold or warm almond, oat, or dairy milk for a quick breakfast.
• Smoothie topper: Sprinkle some granola over smoothie bowls to add texture and flavor.
• Snack on its own: Pack it in a jar or bag for a wholesome, on-the-go snack.
• Baking addition: Use as a crunchy topping for muffins or baked fruits like baked apples or pears.

Conclusion

Making your own cherry granola at home is a rewarding and delicious experience. This recipe offers the perfect balance of chewy dried cherries, rich nuts, and crunchy oats, all brought together with natural sweetness and fragrant cinnamon.

It’s a wholesome choice that you can easily adapt to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, a snack, or as a topping, this granola will keep you energized and satisfied.

If you love exploring easy and nutritious recipes like this, be sure to check out some of our other favorites such as Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping for meals on the go, or try the Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for a tasty lunch option.

For a comforting and flavorful dish, don’t miss the Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide.

Enjoy your homemade cherry granola and happy cooking!

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