Spiced Almond Crunch Granola

Granola is one of my favorite store-bought items to make at home. It’s SO simple (and very fast!). Not to mention, when you’re able to control the ingredients, it becomes much more of a health food than the typical varieties that line your grocer’s shelves. In short: most granolas out there are not only full of both way too much sugar and inflammatory oils, but they’re usually lacking substance and nutrition. On the flip side, if you do find a great brand with straightforward ingredients (and there are some!), you’ll definitely be paying for it.

Learning to make granola at home requires one bowl, a blend of delicious (and versatile!) ingredients, and maybe 15 minutes of your time. This blend has quickly become one of my favorites ever. Its got oats of course, but is also full of nuts, spices, and chewy/sweet golden raisins. Pour some chilled almond (or any) milk into a bowl with a few scoops of this and its basically heaven.

INGREDIENTS:

DRY:
1.5 cups oats
1/2 cup coconut flakes
1/2 cup cashews
1/3 cup slivered almonds
1/3 cup pepitas
1 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground cardamom

WET:
3 tbsp melted coconut oil
3-4 tbsp maple
1/4 tsp vanilla

RECIPE:

Heat oven to 400. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Combine all dry ingredients into a large bowl. Combine all wet ingredients into a smaller bowl. Use the higher measurement of maple if you like things a little sweeter.

Pour the wet into the dry and mix well. Spread evenly onto the pan. Bake for 9-10 minutes, until starting to turn golden.

Set aside to cool completely before touching. After at least 20 minutes, you can break up the granola (clusters = best part!) and store in an airtight container for up to a month at room temp. If you live in a warmer climate, store in the fridge for an even longer shelf-life (and always-crunchy granola!).