Homemade granola is such an easy staple to have on hand all of the time. It is perfect for snacking or as a quick and healthy breakfast on the go!
It can be really tempting to stop by a drive-through for a biscuit and coffee on a busy morning. Or, to even skip breakfast all together. But neither of those are very healthy nor budget friendly.
A quick and affordable option I love is homemade granola. It's absolutely delicious on its own. I mix just a handful of this chocolatey, fruity, goodness with yogurt. Trust me, it will keep you full until lunchtime without feeling weighed down. Make a big batch of it to start your week off right!
Store bought granola can be filled with extra sugar and unnecessary artificial ingredients. This homemade version keeps it nice and simple and completely customizable. This Chocolatey Fruit & Nut Granola has healthy ingredients you can pronounce and likely have on hand already!
For this recipe you will need:
Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
You want the real stuff here, nothing that is 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 been found to assist the liver in detoxifying ammonia.(3)
Raisins
Raisins contain magnesium and potassium, which can be good for nerve and muscle
functions, as well as heart health. (4)
Dried Cranberries
Fresh cranberries have been long known as a superfood, but dried cranberries offer healthy benefits as well. Full of antioxidants, Vitamin C, and potassium, dried cranberries have been found to aid in heart health. The dietary fibers found in dried cranberries can aid in intestinal conditions, such as constipation and indigestion. (5)
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.(6)
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. (7)
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. (8)
Dark Chocolate
Packed full of iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, and phosphorus, dark chocolate has been found to support immunity. Dark chocolate can even help to improve blood flow to your skin and help protect from sun damage, thanks to its antioxidants! (9)
Ready to make this delicious Chocolatey Fruit and Nut Granola? Let’s get started!
First, preheat your oven to 300 degrees F and prepare a 9x13 sheet pan with parchment paper.
Next, heat coconut oil until melted.
Combine all ingredients, except the dark chocolate, in a large bowl.
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 for about 5-10 minutes.
Add dark chocolate chips and allow mixture to cool completely before breaking into clusters.
Yield: Approximately 8 cups
Ingredients
4 ½ cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
1 cup Walnut halves or pieces
1/2 cup raisins
2/3 cup dried cranberries
2/3 cup dried cherries
3/4 cup raw honey
2 Tablespoons vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil, melted
1/2 cup dark chocolate mini chips
Directions
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
Line a 9x13 sheet pan with parchment paper.
In a small microwave safe bowl, add coconut oil and heat for approximately 20 seconds or until melted.
In a large bowl, combine melted coconut oil and ingredients, except the dark chocolate.
Spread mixture into an even layer on prepared parchment lined baking sheet.
Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until oats are golden and slightly crisp.
Remove from oven and place on cooling rack.
Cool mixture for approximately 5-10 minutes. Then add dark chocolate chips.
Allow mixture to cool completely.
Break apart the mixture into clusters and place into sealable container.
Did you enjoy this Chocolatey Fruit and Nut Granola recipe? Let us know in the comments below!
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