Name: Maple Almond Cranberry Granola Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2½ cups Old fashioned rolled oats; 1 cup whole almonds; ⅔ cup dried cranberries; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ⅛ tsp salt; ½ cup pure maple syrup; ¼ cup coconut oil; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Indulge in a delightful blend of flavors with this maple almond cranberry granola recipe. Perfect as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or simply enjoyed on its own, this granola offers a satisfying crunch and a hint of sweetness that will elevate your breakfast or snack time.

Photos of Maple Almond Cranberry Granola Recipe

When preparing this recipe, you might find that coconut oil and pure maple syrup aren't staples in every pantry. These ingredients can be found in most supermarkets, usually in the baking or natural foods sections. Ensure you pick pure maple syrup, as it provides a richer flavor compared to pancake syrup.

Ingredients for Maple Almond Cranberry Granola Recipe

old fashioned rolled oats: A hearty and nutritious base for the granola.

whole almonds: Add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.

dried cranberries: Provide a sweet and tangy contrast to the other ingredients.

ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and spice into the granola.

salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the mix.

pure maple syrup: Offers natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

coconut oil: Helps bind the ingredients and adds a subtle tropical note.

pure vanilla extract: Complements the sweetness and adds aromatic richness.

One reader, Aili Doran says:

This maple almond cranberry granola recipe is fantastic! The blend of sweet maple syrup, crunchy almonds, and tart cranberries is perfect. It's easy to make and tastes amazing over oatmeal. Highly recommend!

Aili Doran

Techniques Required for Making Granola

How to preheat the oven: Set the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to reach the desired temperature before baking. How to line a baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to cover the baking sheet, ensuring an even surface for baking. How to toss ingredients: Combine the oats, almonds, cranberries, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl and mix them thoroughly. How to stir ingredients: Add the maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until all oats are moistened. How to spread mixture on a baking sheet: Evenly distribute the granola mixture on the prepared baking sheet. How to bake granola: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking. How to cool granola: Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing.

How To Make Maple Almond Cranberry Granola

Start your day right with a bowl of this crisp and fruity cranberry granola, that’s loaded with tart cranberries, crunchy almonds, and filling rolled oats.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 45 minutes

Cool Time: 35 minutes

Total: 1 hour 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2½cupsold fashioned rolled oats
1cupwhole almonds
⅔cupdried cranberries
½tspground cinnamon
⅛tspsalt,(about a pinch)
½cuppure maple syrup
¼cupcoconut oil,melted
1tsppure vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Toss the oats, almonds, cranberries, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Add the maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract and stir to combine. Make sure all of the oats are moistened.
Spread onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Allow the granola to cool completely.
Serve over oatmeal, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 678.36kcal
Fat: 35.22g
Saturated Fat: 13.72g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 13.10g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.94g
Carbohydrates: 85.22g
Fiber: 10.49g
Sugar: 39.34g
Protein: 14.45g
Sodium: 79.99mg
Calcium: 165.27mg
Potassium: 535.57mg
Iron: 3.83mg
Vitamin A: 0.05µg
Vitamin C: 0.05mg

Key Technique for Achieving Perfect Granola Clusters

To enhance the flavor of your almonds, consider toasting them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the granola mixture. This will bring out their natural oils and add a deeper, nuttier taste to your final product.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Maple Almond Cranberry Granola

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients like oats, almonds, and cranberries before starting. This will streamline the process.

Melt coconut oil: Melt the coconut oil in the microwave for easier mixing with maple syrup and vanilla extract.

Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for quick cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and store extra granola in an airtight container for future use.

Stir efficiently: Stir the granola every 10 minutes while baking to ensure even cooking and save time on checking.

Substitute Ingredients For Maple Almond Cranberry Granola Recipe

old fashioned rolled oats - Substitute with quick oats: Quick oats can be used as they have a similar texture, though they may cook faster and result in a slightly different texture.
whole almonds - Substitute with pecans: Pecans offer a similar crunch and nutty flavor, making them a good alternative to almonds.
dried cranberries - Substitute with dried cherries: Dried cherries provide a similar tartness and chewy texture, making them a suitable replacement for dried cranberries.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice contains cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a warm, complex flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar flavor profile.
pure maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey offers a similar sweetness and viscosity, though it will impart a slightly different flavor.
coconut oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier fat alternative, though it may slightly alter the flavor profile.
pure vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

Best Way to Present Maple Almond Cranberry Granola

Serve in elegant glass jars: Present the granola in small, clear glass jars to showcase the beautiful layers of oats, almonds, and cranberries. This adds a touch of sophistication and allows the vibrant colors to shine through.
Garnish with fresh fruit: Add a few slices of fresh strawberries or blueberries on top of the granola for a pop of color and freshness. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of flavor.
Drizzle with extra maple syrup: Just before serving, lightly drizzle some additional pure maple syrup over the granola. This adds a glossy finish and an extra layer of sweetness that complements the dish.
Add a dollop of Greek yogurt: Serve the granola with a small dollop of Greek yogurt on the side. The creamy texture of the yogurt pairs perfectly with the crunchy granola, creating a delightful contrast.
Use a decorative plate: Choose a high-quality, decorative plate to serve the granola. The plate should complement the colors of the dish and add an element of elegance to the presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Place a few edible flowers, such as violets or pansies, around the granola. This adds a whimsical and gourmet touch, making the dish look like a work of art.
Serve with a side of warm milk: Offer a small pitcher of warm almond milk or coconut milk on the side. This allows guests to pour it over the granola if they prefer, adding a comforting and luxurious element to the experience.

Essential Tools for Making Granola at Home

Oven: Used to bake the granola at a consistent temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Baking sheet: A flat sheet used to spread the granola mixture evenly for baking.
Parchment paper: Lining the baking sheet with this prevents the granola from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Silicone baking mat: An alternative to parchment paper, providing a non-stick surface for baking.
Large mixing bowl: Used to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the oats, almonds, cranberries, maple syrup, and coconut oil.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring smaller quantities like cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the granola mixture to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Spatula: Useful for spreading the granola mixture evenly on the baking sheet.
Cooling rack: Allows the granola to cool completely and become crispy after baking.

Storing and Freezing Homemade Granola

Allow the granola to cool completely before storing. This will help maintain its crunchiness and prevent it from becoming soggy.
Store the cooled granola in an airtight container or resealable bag. This will keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors or moisture from the air.
When stored properly in an airtight container, the granola can last for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
If you want to extend the shelf life of your granola, you can store it in the refrigerator. Place the airtight container or resealable bag in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 1 month.
For long-term storage, you can freeze the granola. Transfer the cooled granola to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container with the date and contents.
When stored in the freezer, the granola can last for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply remove the desired amount from the freezer and let it come to room temperature before serving. You can also reheat the granola in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore its crunchiness.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid freezing and thawing the granola multiple times. Portion it out into smaller containers or bags before freezing, so you can easily remove the amount you need without having to thaw the entire batch.

Interesting Fact About Granola

A random fact about this granola recipe is that maple syrup not only adds sweetness but also provides antioxidants and minerals like zinc and manganese, making it a healthier alternative to refined sugar.

Is Making Granola at Home Cost-Effective?

The maple almond cranberry granola recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With basic pantry staples like old fashioned rolled oats, whole almonds, and dried cranberries, the overall cost remains low. The use of pure maple syrup and coconut oil adds a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $10-$12 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is This Granola Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The maple almond cranberry granola recipe is a relatively healthy option for a breakfast or snack. It contains several nutritious ingredients, such as:

Oats, which are rich in fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates
Almonds, a good source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E
Dried cranberries, which provide antioxidants and a natural sweetness

The use of maple syrup and coconut oil as sweeteners and binding agents is preferable to refined sugar and unhealthy oils. However, it's important to note that this recipe is still relatively high in calories and sugar due to the maple syrup and dried cranberries.

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of maple syrup to lower the overall sugar content. You can replace some of the sweetness with unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas.
Increase the variety of nuts and seeds used, such as walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds, to boost the nutrient profile and provide a wider range of healthy fats and proteins.
Add some unsweetened shredded coconut for extra flavor and healthy fats.
Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to enhance the flavor without adding extra calories.
Serve the granola with fresh fruits like berries or sliced apples to increase the fiber content and provide additional vitamins and minerals.

Editor's Opinion on This Granola Recipe

This maple almond cranberry granola recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of sweet maple syrup, crunchy almonds, and tart cranberries creates a balanced and satisfying snack. The use of coconut oil adds a subtle richness, while the cinnamon provides a warm, aromatic note. Baking at a low temperature ensures even toasting without burning. This granola is versatile, perfect for topping yogurt, mixing into oatmeal, or enjoying on its own. Overall, it's a wholesome and delicious option for a homemade granola.

Enhance Your Maple Almond Cranberry Granola Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: Imagine a velvety soup that perfectly complements the crunchy texture of your granola. The sweetness of the butternut squash pairs wonderfully with the maple syrup and dried cranberries in your granola, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Grilled Chicken Salad: Grilled Chicken Salad: A fresh salad with juicy grilled chicken, crisp greens, and a light vinaigrette dressing. The savory notes of the chicken and the crunch of the almonds in your granola make for a delightful contrast, adding both texture and flavor to your meal.

Berry Parfait: Berry Parfait: Layers of Greek yogurt, mixed berries, and a drizzle of honey. Top it off with a generous sprinkle of your maple almond cranberry granola for an extra crunch and a burst of sweetness. This parfait is a perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and crunchy elements.

Sweet Potato Hash: Sweet Potato Hash: A savory hash made with diced sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and onions. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes complements the maple syrup in your granola, while the almonds add a satisfying crunch to this hearty side dish.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins: Apple Cinnamon Muffins: Warm, spiced muffins filled with chunks of apple and a hint of cinnamon. Crumble some of your granola on top before baking for an extra layer of texture and flavor. These muffins are a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with your granola.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love This Granola

Honey Nut Granola: Honey Nut Granola is a delightful mix of rolled oats, honey, and mixed nuts. Perfect for a crunchy, sweet breakfast or snack.

Coconut Cashew Granola: Coconut Cashew Granola combines the tropical flavors of coconut flakes and cashews with a hint of maple syrup for a deliciously exotic treat.

Pumpkin Spice Granola: Pumpkin Spice Granola brings the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg together for a seasonal favorite.

Chocolate Cherry Granola: Chocolate Cherry Granola is a decadent blend of dark chocolate chips and dried cherries mixed with rolled oats for a rich and satisfying snack.

Peanut Butter Banana Granola: Peanut Butter Banana Granola combines creamy peanut butter and banana chips with rolled oats for a protein-packed, flavorful treat.

Why trust this Maple Almond Cranberry Granola Recipe:

This maple almond cranberry granola recipe is a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients, perfect for a nutritious start to your day. The old fashioned rolled oats provide a hearty base, while whole almonds add a satisfying crunch. Dried cranberries offer a touch of sweetness and tartness, balanced by the warm flavor of ground cinnamon. The pure maple syrup and coconut oil ensure a natural sweetness and healthy fats. With simple, real ingredients, this recipe is both delicious and trustworthy.

Share your thoughts on this delicious Maple Almond Cranberry Granola Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section and let us know if you have any tips or variations to make it even better!

FAQ:

Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned rolled oats?

I wouldn't recommend it. Quick oats have a different texture and can make the granola less crunchy. Stick with old fashioned rolled oats for the best results.

Can I substitute the coconut oil with another type of oil?

Absolutely! You can use melted butter, olive oil, or any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil. Just keep in mind that it might slightly change the flavor.

How do I store the granola and how long will it last?

Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for about 2 weeks. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I add other ingredients like seeds or different nuts?

Definitely! Feel free to customize your granola by adding things like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or different types of nuts. Just make sure to keep the total amount of dry ingredients roughly the same.

Why do I need to stir the granola every 10 minutes while baking?

Stirring the granola every 10 minutes helps it bake evenly and prevents it from burning. It also ensures that all the pieces get nice and crispy.