Are you tired of boring, bland breakfasts that leave you hungry and unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your morning routine with this mind-blowing Chunky Chewy Fruit Nut Granola that's about to become your new obsession! Imagine crispy, golden clusters packed with crunchy nuts, sweet dried fruits, and a perfect balance of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This isn't just a recipe – it's a breakfast game-changer that will have you looking forward to mornings like never before!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Breakfast
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup mixed nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
- 1 cup dried fruit (e.g., cranberries, apricots)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and mixed nuts. Roughly chop the nuts if they are whole to ensure even distribution and better texture.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together honey (or maple syrup), vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the oats and nuts, stirring thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix completely.
- Spread the mixture in an even, single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Press down gently with a spatula to create clusters and encourage chunky texture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even browning. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven when the granola is golden brown and fragrant. Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet without stirring, which helps form larger chunks.
- Once cooled, gently break into desired cluster sizes and mix in the dried fruit.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, enjoying as a breakfast or snack.
Tips
- The Secret to Chunky Clusters: The key to achieving those Instagram-worthy granola chunks is to press the mixture firmly on the baking sheet and avoid stirring too much while cooling. Let the granola set naturally for maximum chunk factor!
- Customize Your Creation: Feel free to experiment with different nuts and dried fruits. Swap almonds for pecans, or mix in some coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor.
- Watch the Oven Like a Hawk: Granola can go from perfectly golden to burnt in minutes. Keep a close eye on it and stir just once during baking to ensure even cooking.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet without stirring. This helps create those delightful clusters you're craving.
- Storage Hack: Store your granola in an airtight container to maintain its crunch. Pro tip: Add a small piece of bread to the container to absorb moisture and keep it crispy for up to two weeks!
- Versatility is Key: This granola isn't just for breakfast – sprinkle it over yogurt, use it as a topping for smoothie bowls, or enjoy it as a crunchy snack any time of day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
