Once you know how to make your own granola, buying the over-priced, highly sugared store stuff feels like a total waste. The best thing about granola? You can alter and adapt it to whatever your preferences are. Below is the recipe for the Cranberry Vanilla Coconut Granola, but be sure to check out the Basic Granola base also included so that you can create any granola combo you’d like!
Ingredients:
2 C. Old-Fashioned Oats, use gluten-free if needed
1/3 C. Coconut Oil
1/3 C. Almond Butter, creamy
1/3 C. Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
¼ C. Natural Dried Cranberries
1 tbsp. Ground Flaxseed
1 tbsp. Honey
2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350. In a large glass mixing bowl, melt the coconut oil and almond butter for 15 seconds. Watch to not make super hot, just melty. If your coconut oil is already in liquid form, this step isn’t necessary. Stir and combine. While warm, add vanilla extract and honey and stir. Now add in the rest of the ingredients. I think it’s best to get your hands in there and really mix it all up, but a spatula works too. If you need a little more coconut oil, add another tbsp. Don’t worry about melting it, your hands will do the trick when working it in.
Place the mixture on a large parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. You can give it a good shake halfway through, but it’s isn’t do-or-die. As always, watch the sucker, since everyone’s oven is different. Once toasted and fragrant, remove and carefully stir it up a bit on the pan. Allow to cool and then store in a large glass jar or container. Done!
Basic Granola Base:
2 C. Old-Fashioned Oats
1/3 C. Coconut Oil
1/3 C. Almond Butter
1 tbsp. Ground Flaxseed
1 tbsp. Honey or Maple Syrup
1-2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
This is also a great base recipe for any granola combo. You can add cinnamon, sliced almonds, chopped dates, WHATEVER your little granola-loving heart desires. You can also alter the ratios – nothing is set in stone. It’s granola and really is about the easiest dang thing you can make. I do recommend keeping the ground flaxseed in there though. It adds healthy fats and fiber AND helps give those granola clusters we all love.
A favorite combo I love – dried cherries and mini chocolate chips. Um, YUM. What are your favorite granola combos?
