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Here are the ingredients you'll need to make Chocolate Cherry Granola. Each one adds flavor and crunch: - 3 cups rolled oats - 1 cup chopped almonds - 1/2 cup sunflower seeds - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup melted coconut oil - 1 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips Each ingredient plays a vital role. Rolled oats form the base, giving a hearty texture. Chopped almonds add crunch and healthy fats. Sunflower seeds provide extra protein and a delightful bite. The cocoa powder infuses rich chocolate flavor, making this treat special. Pure maple syrup acts as a natural sweetener, while melted coconut oil helps bind the mix. Dried cherries add a tart sweetness, balancing the chocolate. Vanilla extract enhances all these flavors, making it more aromatic. Finally, sea salt brings out the sweetness and richness. This blend of ingredients creates a delicious, crunchy snack. You can enjoy it on its own or as a topping for yogurt or milk. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking. - Step 2: Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a big mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of chopped almonds, 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Stir them well to mix everything evenly. - Step 3: Whisk together wet ingredients. In another bowl, whisk 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and blended, so it’s ready to combine with the dry mix. - Step 4: Combine wet and dry mixtures. Pour the wet mix over the dry ingredients. Gently stir until all the oats and nuts are coated in that delicious chocolatey mixture. - Step 5: Bake the granola mixture. Spread the granola out evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Stir halfway through for even cooking. It’s done when it smells great and looks slightly crispy. - Step 6: Cool granola and add mix-ins. After baking, take the sheet out and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This helps it clump together nicely. - Step 7: Store properly in an airtight container. Once cool, toss in 1 cup of chopped dried cherries and 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips. Mix gently. Let it cool completely before moving it to an airtight container. This keeps your granola fresh and crunchy. - To bake this granola evenly, spread it out well. This keeps it crispy. - Stir the granola halfway through cooking, so it browns evenly. Cooling is key for clumps. After baking, let it sit for 10 minutes. This helps the clusters form. You can serve this granola in many ways. It’s great with yogurt or milk. Just add a scoop on top for crunch. For a lovely gift, use a clear glass jar. It looks pretty and shows off the colors. You could also tie a ribbon around it for extra flair. Pro Tips Storage Solution: Store your granola in an airtight container to maintain its crunchiness and freshness for longer. Mix and Match: Feel free to substitute the dried cherries with other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a different flavor profile. Chocolate Variations: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, like milk chocolate or white chocolate, to customize the sweetness of your granola. Serving Suggestions: Enjoy your granola as a topping for smoothie bowls or oatmeal, or simply eat it as a healthy snack on its own. {{image_4}} You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your taste. Here are some ideas: - Nut and seed variations: If you don’t have almonds, walnuts or pecans work great. You can swap sunflower seeds for pumpkin seeds for a new twist. Both options add a crunchy texture. - Alternative sweeteners: Maple syrup is sweet, but honey or agave syrup are good substitutes. Each sweetener gives a unique flavor that can change your granola's taste. Adding different flavors can make your granola even more fun! - Suggested spices and extracts: Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. A touch of almond extract can give a nice, nutty kick. These spices can elevate the overall taste. - Additional fruits or nuts: Consider adding dried apricots or cranberries for a fruity burst. You can also mix in walnuts or cashews for added crunch. These additions make your snack more exciting and colorful. Oats are a great choice for breakfast or snacks. They provide fiber that helps digestion. Fiber keeps you full longer, which can help with weight management. Oats also support heart health by lowering cholesterol levels. Almonds are packed with nutrients. They contain healthy fats that are good for your heart. Eating almonds can help boost your brain health too. They provide protein, which is important for muscle repair and growth. Dark chocolate adds a touch of indulgence. It contains antioxidants that can improve heart health. Eating dark chocolate in moderation may lift your mood as well. Cherries are rich in vitamins and minerals. They help reduce inflammation and provide vitamin C, which supports your immune system. Each serving of Chocolate Cherry Granola has about 250 calories. This is a good balance for a snack. The protein content is around 7 grams per serving. This helps build and repair tissues. You’ll find about 35 grams of carbohydrates in each serving. Carbs give you energy for your busy day. The fat content is around 10 grams, mostly from healthy sources like almonds and coconut oil. This mix of nutrients makes Chocolate Cherry Granola a delicious and healthy choice! Store Chocolate Cherry Granola in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and crunchy. A glass jar works well for storage. You can also use a sealed bag. Keep it in a cool, dry place to avoid moisture. Yes, this granola can be gluten-free. Use gluten-free rolled oats if needed. Always check labels, as some oats may contain gluten. This makes it safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Absolutely! You can skip the nuts or swap them out. Try using seeds like pumpkin or more sunflower seeds instead. This keeps the crunch while making it nut-free. Chocolate Cherry Granola lasts about two weeks. If stored well in an airtight container, it stays fresh longer. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it before enjoying! This blog post covered how to make delicious Chocolate Cherry Granola. You learned the needed ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. We also discussed ingredient variations and the health benefits of your ingredients. Granola is a great snack or breakfast choice. It’s easy to customize for your taste. Making it at home means fresh flavors and less sugar. Enjoy your granola, share it, and feel good about what you eat!

Chocolate Cherry Granola Delight

A delicious and healthy granola packed with chocolate and cherries.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup chopped almonds
  • 0.5 cup sunflower seeds
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.5 cup pure maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.5 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, sunflower seeds, cocoa powder, and sea salt. Stir them together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  • Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Mix gently but thoroughly until all the oats and nuts are evenly coated with the chocolatey goodness.
  • Spread the granola mixture out evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there are no clumps. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure it bakes evenly. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s fragrant and starts to take on a slightly crispy texture.
  • Once baked, take the granola out of the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This cooling period will help it clump together beautifully!
  • After it has cooled, gently toss in the chopped dried cherries and dark chocolate chips until they are well incorporated.
  • Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring it to an airtight container. This will ensure it stays fresh and crunchy.

Notes

For an enticing display, serve the granola in a clear glass jar. It makes for a beautiful gift and is perfect as a topping for yogurt or simply enjoyed with a splash of milk!
Keyword cherry, chocolate, granola, healthy snack