Cherry Toffee Granola

Sweet, salty, and deliciously crunchy, this homemade granola is a flavorful family favorite!

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I've mentioned before that we camp quite a bit throughout the year and one of our favorite snacks is homemade granola. It’s an easy, lightweight, convenient snack that's perfect whether we’re hiking the trails or sitting around a campfire. The versatility of homemade granola is perfect for kids (and picky adults) because it can be customized to your favorite bits and pieces.

And if you’re looking for a convenient way to find organic, non-GMO bits and pieces, check out Country Life Natural Foods. Their high-quality products are purchased from farmers and their mission is to offer simple and affordable options that take the guesswork out of eating healthily. I love that they sell in bulk, as well as smaller quantities directly to my door because this Momma is busy!

You can try out Country Life Natural Foods and save even more by using my discount code:

AZALEAHOMESTEAD

If you like this recipe, check out our other favorite snacks:

• Chocolatey Fruit and Nut Granola

• Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce

• Raspberry Lemon Muffins

What You’ll Need to Make Cherry Toffee Granola

Old Fashioned Rolled Oats

You want the real stuff here, nothing that's instant or “quick cooking”. Just good, whole rolled oats that are full of protein and soluble fiber. The fiber in oats, known as beta-glucan, has been found to lower blood glucose and cholesterol, which can reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Soluble fiber can also promote healthy gut bacteria. (1) If you're allergic or have a sensitivity to gluten, be sure to check the packaging for the “Certified Gluten Free” label since some brands may have a risk of cross-contamination. The CGF label should ensure that the oats were packaged in a gluten-free environment.

Walnuts

Walnuts are considered by scientists to be a superfood because they offer a high amount of unsaturated Omega-3 fatty acids. Plant-sterols and vitamins found in walnuts have been found to help suppress hunger which could aid in weight loss. (2) The high levels of the amino acid, arginine, has also been found to assist the liver in detoxifying ammonia.(3)

Dried Cherries

Scientific research has found that dried cherries can aid in inflammation due to arthritis and gout. Dried cherries are also high in fiber and can aid in intestinal conditions. (4)

Toffee Bits

Toffee bits can have a rich, indulgent taste with a deep, caramelized sweetness and a buttery richness that pairs well with the tartness of the dried cherries.

Honey

When it comes to sweeteners, raw honey tops the list with the most nutrients and vitamins. Unlike refined sugar, honey’s proportion of fructose to glucose has a lower glycemic index, meaning that it can help avoid the spike and subsequent crash in blood sugar. (5)

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is high in antioxidants and can help to lower blood pressure. Virgin coconut oil is rich in phenolic compounds which can aid in inflammation. (6)

Ingredients

• 2 cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats

• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts

• 1/3 cup dried tart cherries

• 1/3 cup toffee bits

• 2/3 cup honey

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 Tablespoon coconut oil, melted
  

Directions

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F and prepare a 9x13 sheet pan with parchment paper.

In a small microwavable bowl, heat coconut oil until melted, approximately 30 seconds.

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well until the dry ingredients are coated well with the honey.

Evenly distribute mixture onto prepared sheet pan.

Bake for about 20 minutes or until oats are slightly crisp.

Remove sheet pan from oven and place on a wire cooling rack and allow mixture to cool completely before breaking into clusters.

How to Store Cherry Toffee Granola

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

If you enjoyed this Cherry Toffee Granola recipe, let us know by clicking that heart icon at the bottom right of the page. Or leave us a comment down below. We love hearing from you!

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Sources:

1. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/start-your- day-with-healthy- oatmeal#:~:text=Oats%20contain%20a%20type%20of,gut%20bacteria%20and%20intestinal %20health

2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/health-benefits-of-walnuts-2018081314526

3. https://www.fishertitus.org/healthy-living/healthy-living-blog/2018/what-foods-cleanse-your-liver/#:~:text=It%20also%20assists%20the%20liver,the%20liver%20in%20detoxifying%20ammonia

4. https://sunrisefresh.com/blogs/blog/are-dried-cherries-good-for-you#:~:text=Dried%20cherries%20could%20possibly%20be,for%20an%20efficient%20food%20source

5. https://bestbees.com/2023/01/16/benefits-of-honey/

6. https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/popular- ingredients/coconut-health-benefits