Homemade granola >>>>>
Healthy granola sweetened with dates and maple syrup
This may be a hot take: I don’t prefer massively chunky granola. Even though it seems to be a feature highlighted in many recipes, I actually prefer smaller clusters that fit on a spoon and comfortably in the mouth. Is that crazy?! What’s your stance — bite-sized clusters or big chunks?
This recipe is inspired by smashing two great recipes together. The combo of pistachio, pumpkin seeds, coconut chips and dried cherries is inspired by the Eleven Madison Park granola. The refined-sugar-free date and maple sauce is inspired by Oh She Glows cinnamon bun granola I discovered many years ago. I gave everything my own tweaks, and baked it using my method to create those bite-sized clusters I love!
Exhibit A👇
Exhibit B👇 I rest my case, your Honour.
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This is a summarized version of my blog post. View full version here.
Healthy Granola (sweetened with dates and maple syrup)
Prep Time: 15 Min | Cook Time: 55 Min | Total Time: 1 H & 10 M | Makes about 4.5 cups.
INGREDIENTS
Sauce ingredients:
½ C (90g) medjool dates (5 to 6 dates), pits removed, soaked 5 minutes in hot water
½ C (120ml) maple syrup
¼ C (60ml) avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil or melted coconut oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp cinnamon
¾ tsp kosher salt (increase to 1½ tsp if using Diamond Crystal kosher salt)
Dry ingredients:
2 C (200g) old fashioned rolled oats
1 C (130g) de-shelled unsalted pistachios (if salted, reduce salt in sauce above)
½ C (20g) unsweetened coconut chips (not shredded/dessicated coconut)
½ C (60g) dried cherries (can sub dried blueberries, currants or cranberries)
¼ C (45g) pumpkin seeds
¼ C (30g) black sesame seeds
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place dates in a small bowl and top with enough hot water to just cover. Soak 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, add all dry ingredients into a large bowl. Mix well and set aside.
In a small blender, add soaked dates and remaining sauce ingredients. Blend into a smooth, thick brown “sauce”. Pour over dry ingredients and stir well to thoroughly coat.
Spread mixture on parchment paper in one flat, even layer without any gaps and pat it down firmly with a spatula. Bake a total of 45 to 55 minutes, like this:
- Bake 30 minutes, rotating the tray once midway, without stirring.
- Take tray out and break up and stir into bite-sized clusters. Bake an additional 15-20 minutes until granola is caramelized and golden brown, and not tacky to touch. Keep an eye on it during the final stretch of baking to ensure granola caramelizes without burning. Granola will darken a touch more as it cools.
Remove from oven and allow to cool, 1-2 hours. Granola crisps up when fully cooled.
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Eat well and be well,
Sonia x