Homemade Fruity Granola

Once I finally made my own homemade granola and saw how easy and delicious it was…I knew there was no going back. I’ve had ideas in my head for all different kinds of mix ins and variations of granola, just waiting to finish up each batch so I can make some more.

Can you be obsessed with granola? Maybe. If you can I’m well on the way there. I’ll just nibble on this stuff plain if I need a quick snack. It goes on yogurt at lunch time. I’ll eat it as cereal for breakfast. I haven’t put it on vanilla ice cream yet for dessert…but you can bet I’ve thought about it.

I went to a few different stores (Winco and Whole Foods) to find all of these dried fruits, but the beauty of granola is that you can use whatever fruit you have on hand! I like the cranberries and apricots because they are a little more tart, balancing out the sweetness of some of the other fruits.

I really want to find strawberries for another granola…does anyone know where to find dried strawberries?!

I’m thinking a tropical granola might be next, with some dried mango and coconut…the possibilities are endless for homemade granola and I’m loving it!

~Stephanie

Homemade Fruity Granola (adapted from Homemade Granola)

• 3 c oats
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 c maple syrup or honey
• 1/3 c coconut or vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1 c sliced almonds
• 1/2 c coconut flakes
• 1/3 c dried cranberries
• 1/3 c dried cherries
• 1/3 c dried blueberries
• 1/3 c dried apricots, sliced

1. Combine oats and cinnamon in large mixing bowl. Set aside.
2. In smaller bowl, mix syrup or honey, oil, and vanilla. Pour over oat mixture and stir until the oats are completely covered.
3. Spread the mixture evenly over a parchment lined baked sheet.
4. Bake at 325 for 10 minutes.
5. Remove from oven, stir, and add almonds and coconut. Return to oven and bake another 10 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and sprinkle dried fruits over mixture.
7. Once cooled, store in airtight container.