Chunky granola clusters of oats, mixed nuts and honey, baked golden for snacking, breakfast, or yogurt topping.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts), roughly chopped
03 - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
04 - 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional)
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
07 - 1/2 cup honey (substitute 1/2 cup maple syrup for a vegan option)
08 - 1/3 cup melted coconut oil (or 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter)
09 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Add-Ins (optional)
10 - 1/2 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates)
11 - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
# Directions:
01 - Set the oven to 325°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; reserve.
02 - In a large bowl, stir together the oats, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, sunflower seeds, cinnamon, and salt until evenly mixed.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk the honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla until smooth and homogeneous.
04 - Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and fold thoroughly with a spatula so every particle is evenly coated.
05 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared sheet, spread into an even layer and press firmly with the spatula to compact the mixture; this promotes large clusters.
06 - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden, rotating the tray once halfway through; avoid stirring to preserve cluster formation.
07 - Remove from the oven and cool completely on the baking sheet; the granola will set and crisp as it cools.
08 - Once cooled, break the slab into large clusters and stir in dried fruit or chocolate chips if using.
09 - Transfer to an airtight container and keep at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
