Berry-flavored breakfast grains used to be relegated to sugar- and artificial ingredient-packed cereals designed for kids. These days, you can find a wide array of healthier berry-themed cereals geared towards adults.
And why not? Shouldn’t adults be allowed to partake in the enjoyment of berry cereals without resorting to the atrocities posing as healthy breakfasts?
The answer is a resounding “Yes!”
With this recipe, you can indulge your berry cereal-fanatical inner child by making an easy homemade granola.
Rolled oats and puffed brown rice cereal are tossed with a puree of both strawberries and raspberries, which lends a light pink hue to the baked granola.
A conservative amount of pure maple syrup lightly sweetens the granola, and a hint of almond extract acts as a nice complement.
The oats are tossed with sliced almonds and chewy unsweetened dark cherries both for additional flavor and texture.
This encompasses everything I love about healthy granola: wholesome ingredients, fresh flavor, crisp oats clusters, crunchy nuts, chewy dried fruit, and decent nutritional stats.
I don’t often eat a full bowl of granola – opting instead to sprinkle it over yogurt or combine it with other cereals – but this particular version is so light and tasty that I just couldn’t help myself!
And neither will you ;).
| Name | Berry Cherry Almond Granola |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Fusion |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 8 |
| Yield | 4 cups |
Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 cup dried mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, cranberries)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and sliced almonds. Stir them together until well mixed.
3. Create the Sweet Syrup
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir the mixture until it’s well combined and the coconut oil is completely melted.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the sweet syrup mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Stir everything together until the oats and almonds are evenly coated.
5. Bake to Perfection
Spread the granola mixture evenly onto your prepared baking sheet. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the granola turns golden brown, stirring once halfway through to ensure even cooking.
6. Add Dried Fruits
Remove the granola from the oven and immediately sprinkle the dried cherries and mixed berries over the top. Gently press them into the granola while it’s still warm.
7. Cool and Store
Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will become crisp. Once cooled, break it into clusters and store it in an airtight container.
Serving
Serve this delicious Berry Cherry Almond Granola with your choice of yogurt, milk, or as a topping for smoothie bowls. You can also enjoy it as a healthy snack on its own.
Homemade Berry Cherry Almond Granola is a delightful and nutritious way to start your day. With the goodness of oats, almonds, and a burst of dried fruits, it’s a breakfast option that’s high in fiber and essential nutrients. Plus, making it at home allows you to customize the ingredients to your liking and avoid unnecessary additives. So, give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious rewards of a homemade breakfast delight!
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 220 calories
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 105mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 33g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 5g
