I can’t tell you how long it’s been since I’ve made Cherry Pecan Granola. And I’m not sure why. Because we all love granola at my house. For some unknown reason I’ve been on a granola strike. And that ends. TODAY!
Not many weeks ago I was on a fun girls’ trip, staying in the mountains of North Carolina. One of my girlfriends made a ton of gourmet food ahead of time, toted it along. Bless her. One morning she pulled out a tupperware chock-full of homemade granola. And the memories flooded back from five years earlier when we (same girls) were on a different girls’ trip. Staying at the Terrace Inn in Petoskey, Michigan. And the elegant breakfast buffet we savored each morning. The amazing granola we fell in love with. The owner of the inn who told us about their local supplier Daily De-lish in Grand Rapids making the homemade granola. Did we ever enjoy it. Every morning, sprinkled on top of yogurt. Fresh fruit on the side. Coffee. Basking on the front veranda. Yup.
The veranda.
And then, drumroll please…the owner shared the recipe. Yup she did.
The Cherry Pecan Granola recipe I’m sharing with you today is similar to the granola we enjoyed at the Terrace Inn, but with a few healthy changes. Coconut oil replaces the vegetable oil. Honey replaces the sugar. Dried cherries are added in for a special treat. And boy is it ever delicious. All clean-eating ingredients, including sunflower seeds, almonds, pecans, rolled oats. And it’s gluten-free to boot. (Provided the oats are not processed in a facility with other products containing gluten.)
I decided to add dried cherries to this granola because first off, I love cherries. And while we girls were visiting Michigan, it was cherry season, a big deal around there. We also visited Cherry Republic, a beautiful retail store where everything is made from cherries: cider, wine, pie, jam, candy, salsa. You name it. If you’re a cherry lover, you’ll love this amazing store and you absolutely must visit. (There are four locations in Michigan.)
Mix all the ingredients except the dried fruit and spread on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Bake for thirty minutes, then press dried fruit (I used cherries) into the cooling granola.
Store granola in an airtight container. A mason jarful and a scoop make a great gift!
Serve alone as a snack. Or in a cereal bowl with milk. Or sprinkled atop a smoothie or greek yogurt.
Or my favorite. Add chocolate chunks and coconut flakes for a substantial and yummy trail mix.
Cherry Pecan Granola
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole almonds chopped
- 1 cup pecan halves chopped
- 3 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 cup dried cherries or dried currants, cranberries or raisins
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
- Line a large baking sheet (with sides) with parchment paper.
- Chop almonds and walnuts to the size you like, or process in a food processor.
- Place oats and nut mixture in a large mixing bowl.
- Stir in sunflower seeds, sea salt and cinnamon.
- Separately in a small mixing bowl, stir together honey, melted butter and coconut oil.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until combined.
- Spread onto prepared cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes, stirring every ten minutes.
- Remove from oven.
- Sprinkle dried fruit on top of hot granola.
- Press in with a wooden spoon.
- Allow to cool, undisturbed.
- (Granola crisps up after cooling.)
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Cherry Pecan Granola…it’s not just for breakfast anymore! 🙂
Another healthy breakfast option: Blueberry Coconut Almond Smoothie
Sarah says
You’ve just reminded me that it’s about time I make some more granola. I love having it around to sprinkle on top of yogurts/smoothies or to just grab by the handful and enjoy. I like the healthier alterations you made to it as well. Honey just goes so well in granola- it’s the perfect amount of sweetness
Melissa says
Granola is my favorite snack. How did you know that I love cherries and nuts too. Pinning this to make real SOON! Unless you want to send me some ; ) Yum!!
Aunt Pinkie says
Just got back from a wedding in Door County Wisconsin where cherries are a big thing so your posting this recipe is perfect ! How I love granola and this looks scrumptious! Yum!
Denise says
I can’t wait to make this. I’m all about clean, healthy eating. Doug is just coming on board but is afraid everything is going to taste like cardboard. Won’t he be surprised when I make this! Thanks for the great recipe!
Allie says
Ha ha. I just had this for breakfast on top of a little ramekin of Greek yogurt, and I promise this doesn’t taste remotely like cardboard. My Aunt Margie just made it yesterday with maple syrup instead of honey and she said it worked great. So that’s next on my list to try…
Linda Jenkins says
This sounds yummy and nutritious. This is definitely one I will print and place in the bag along with all the other delicious recipes you have provided. Can’t wait to try it!
Catherine says
Dear Allie, I love making my own granola. It’s such a healthy snack treat and perfect for busy mornings. This sounds wonderful with the dried cherries tossed in. I love the idea of giving it as a gift too. xo, Catherine
Aunt Margie says
I BOUGHT cherries in Door County to be ready-set-go (of course) for this new granola recipe. I might have to substitute maple syrup just for fun!
Allie says
Dear Auntie M – Maple syrup was totally on my radar too. But I’d changed so many other things, I was nervous to make one more. Can’t wait to hear how it goes with the maple syrup, bet it will be fabulous. XOXO
Cynthia/What A Girl Eats says
I love granola! I like the idea of homemade, so you know exactly what you’re getting! Yum!
Elena says
This looks wonderful! I love the addition of pecans into the granola.
Julia says
We make our own granola in my house and I love it! It is easy and you can control the ingredients yourself. Love the cherry + pecan combo!
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog says
I wish I had a handful of this granola right now, it’s full of all my favs!
Kristina says
this sounds so good – we have a cherry tree and I am still enjoying this summer’s harvest – we dried a lot, I will have to try this granola!
Allie says
Whaaat??? You have your own cherry tree??? Green with envy. ME. You must make some pretty amazing cherry dishes, Kristina….and I already know you make lovely raspberry breakfast custards….
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
We all love granola at my house too! This is one of our favorite snacks! This one looks wonderful with cherries and pecan. I wish I could have that jar full of deeeelicious granola right away. Making it soon! 🙂
Kristen @A Mind Full Mom says
Allie, girls weekends are AWESOME. Especially when you have great food. This granola sound like the perfect addition to my yogurt or to top my pancakes.
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says
First of all, I need to see this Cherry Republic. It sounds amazing. And second, I NEED recipes like this! My daughter just discovered parfaits and school starts soon. So breakfasts that are fast and delicious = necessary. This is perfect!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
I adore your healthy changes, Allie! I’ve never made granola ever – so I had no clue that the dried fruit was added in at the end – now I cannot wait to make this – I’ve been on a yogurt kick and this would be THE PURRRRFECT topping!
Marye says
Granola is amazing, I love to combine it with Greek yogurt. This sounds so good, I am just going to have to try it!
Megan Marlowe says
Allie, I love this! Cherry + Pecan = my favorite! This will be great for a healthy snack on the go! Pinning for later!
Susie Mandel says
I’m making sure I have the ingredients on my next shopping trip! And I’m also envious of the lady with the cherry tree! 🙂
Julie | Small Green Kitchen says
I love making homemade granola but I don’t do it that often. I’m not sure why as it’s so easy to make. I’ve gotta try it with dried cherries now. I love dried cherries. Great recipe, Allie!
Carina says
Sounds delicious! We have never made our own granola – sounds like it might be time to give it a try. Thanks for the recipe!
Jhoei says
Wow your photos are very attractive. The granola looks very delicious and full of flavor that I wanted some for myself right now. This is a must-try for me. Thanks for sharing!