Almond Butter Granola
Craft your own batch of irresistibly crunchy Almond Butter Granola, a homemade delight that's far superior to store-bought varieties. This recipe combines hearty oats, toasted almonds, and sweet-tart cherries with a luscious almond butter and maple syrup coating, baking up to golden perfection. It's an ideal addition to your breakfast routine or a wholesome snack any time of day.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
40 to 45 minutes
Total Time
Approximately 1 hour, plus cooling time
Servings
Makes approximately 10-12 servings (about 600g or 21 ounces)
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Achieves an incredibly satisfying, deep golden crunch with every bite.
- Boasts a rich, nutty flavor profile perfectly complemented by sweet maple and tart cherries.
- Provides a wholesome and energizing start to your day or a perfect pick-me-up snack.
- Easy to customize with your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
- Significantly more flavorful and healthier than most store-bought alternatives.
Ingredients
- 270g (3 cups) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 90g (1 cup) sliced almonds
- 2.5ml (1/2 teaspoon) ground cinnamon
- 1.25ml (1/4 teaspoon) kosher salt
- 120g (1/2 cup) smooth almond butter
- 80ml (1/3 cup) maple syrup
- 60ml (1/4 cup) coconut oil, melted if solid
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
- 150g (1 cup) dried tart cherries
Instructions
- Position an oven rack in the center of your oven. Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends slightly over the edges for easy handling. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple; set it aside.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, sliced almonds, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Use a spoon or spatula to stir these dry ingredients thoroughly until they are evenly distributed. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the wet mixture.
- In a small saucepan, combine the smooth almond butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Place the saucepan over low to medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly with a whisk or spatula for approximately 2 minutes, or until all ingredients are fully melted, smooth, and well-blended into a uniform liquid. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Pour the warm almond butter mixture directly over the oat mixture in the large bowl. Using a sturdy spatula or your hands, thoroughly mix the ingredients until every oat and almond piece is completely coated with the sticky, flavorful liquid. Transfer the coated oat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out into a single, even layer. This ensures even baking and crispiness.
- Bake the granola in the preheated oven for a total of 40 to 45 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, around 20-22 minutes, gently stir the granola on the baking sheet to promote even browning and crisping. Continue baking until the granola turns a beautiful golden-brown color and feels dry and somewhat crisp. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely, undisturbed, on the baking sheet. This crucial cooling step is what helps the granola form desirable clusters. Once completely cool, transfer the granola to a clean, dry bowl, break it into clusters, and gently fold in the dried tart cherries.
- Once cooled, store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or freeze for longer storage. Enjoy it as a cereal, topping for yogurt, or a satisfying snack on its own.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spatula
- Rimmed baking sheet (approx. 30×40 cm / 12×16 inches)
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure the granola is spread in a truly even layer on the baking sheet for consistent crisping; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of toasting.
- Do not skip the full cooling process on the baking sheet. This is essential for the granola to firm up and form those delightful clusters.
- While baking, the granola might not feel fully crisp. It will harden significantly as it cools, so avoid overbaking to prevent burning.
- For extra-large clusters, press the granola down firmly with a spatula before baking and avoid stirring it too much during the baking process.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an even deeper, more complex flavor, lightly toast the sliced almonds in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them to the oat mixture. This brings out their natural oils and nuttiness.
- Consider adding a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or a tiny dash of almond extract (just 1/4 teaspoon) to the wet mixture for an elevated aroma and taste profile.
- Experiment with different nut butters like cashew butter or even a blend to discover unique flavor variations, always keeping an eye on consistency as they may vary in thickness.
Notes
- Storage: Store cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Ensure it's completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation.
- Variations: Feel free to swap dried cherries for other dried fruits like cranberries, blueberries, or chopped apricots. You can also add seeds like chia seeds or flax seeds (1-2 tablespoons) to the dry mixture for added nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make this granola gluten-free?
To ensure your granola is completely gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
What if my coconut oil is solid?
Coconut oil is solid at room temperature below 24°C (76°F). If it's solid, gently melt it in the saucepan with the almond butter and maple syrup, or microwave it briefly until liquid before adding to the pan.
Can I use different nuts or seeds?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the sliced almonds with pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds. For a mix of textures, you can use a combination. Just ensure the total quantity remains similar for best results.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Per serving (approx. 60g): Calories: ~270-300, Protein: ~6-8g, Fat: ~16-19g, Carbs: ~28-32g, Fiber: ~4-5g.
Allergy Information
Contains tree nuts (almonds, coconut). Produced in facilities that may also process peanuts and other tree nuts. Always check individual ingredient labels for specific allergen information.
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