Granola is a versatile and delicious addition to your breakfast or snack routine. This recipe for Almond and Dried Cherry Granola not only provides a satisfying crunch but also offers a delightful blend of flavors, thanks to the addition of tart cherries and slivered almonds. What’s more, we use agave nectar as a natural sweetener, making this granola suitable for vegans. Get ready to enjoy a wholesome and delightful treat!
SERVES 24
INGREDIENTS:
- 5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- ½ cup agave nectar
- ½ cup canola oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup dried tart cherries
- ½ cup unsweetened flaked coconut
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
INSTRUCTIONS:
- To kickstart the granola-making process, take a 4-quart slow cooker and begin by placing in it the old-fashioned rolled oats and slivered almonds. These will form the hearty base of your granola.
- Drizzle the mixture with agave nectar, canola oil, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together to ensure that the syrupy sweetness is evenly distributed throughout the oats and almonds.
- Now, it’s time to start the slow cooking process. Set your slow cooker to high heat and leave it uncovered. Let the mixture cook for approximately 1 ½ hours, stirring every 15–20 minutes. This will ensure that the granola cooks evenly and achieves that perfect crunch.
- As the granola begins to take shape, it’s time to add some delightful extras. Toss in the dried tart cherries, unsweetened flaked coconut, and sunflower seeds. These ingredients will contribute layers of flavor and texture to your granola.
- After adding the extras, reduce the heat on your slow cooker to low. Allow the granola to continue cooking for an additional 4 hours, still leaving the slow cooker uncovered. Remember to stir every 20 minutes to maintain an even and crispy texture.
- Once your Almond and Dried Cherry Granola is ready, let it cool completely. It’s important to ensure that it cools fully before storing it to maintain its delightful crunch.
- Transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container. This will keep your granola fresh and delicious for up to 1 month.
This Almond and Dried Cherry Granola recipe offers a delightful combination of sweet, nutty, and tart flavors, all in one crunchy bite. The use of agave nectar as a sweetener makes it a vegan-friendly treat. Enjoy it with yogurt, milk, or as a topping for your favorite desserts, and savor the wholesome goodness in every spoonful.
With this homemade Almond and Dried Cherry Granola, you can start your day on a delicious and wholesome note. Whether you enjoy it with your morning yogurt, a splash of milk, or as a snack on its own, the combination of crunchy almonds, tart cherries, and the natural sweetness of agave nectar will surely satisfy your taste buds. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly! Prepare a batch and store it for a month to have a convenient and tasty breakfast option always at hand.
