Sorry I was away last week! With all the baby planning, finishing up of a few freelance projects and trying to get as much time in with the husband before the new addition arrives, I just haven’t had as much time as I would like.
Not to mention that it’s been like 115 degrees here the past few days and I barely have enough energy to leave the house. I’ve been sitting inside in the perfect 72 degrees AC and eating as much watermelon as I can!
I have a few go-to breakfasts, but lately I haven’t even been wanting to turn the stove on to make my morning eggs. So, it’s been all about the granola and yogurt. Making the granola does take the use of the oven, but once this big batch is all baked up, you just need to throw a handful into some yogurt or milk in the morning and you are good to go. I even caught my husband snacking on it as a post dinner treat!
I’m pretty sure it’s a fact that most people prefer their granola to be super clustery and this granola definitely delivers on that front! The secret is to not stir the granola at all while it’s baking, let it cool on the counter for a bit after it’s baked and then you will be able to break it apart with your hands into whatever size clusters you like. In my opinion, the bigger the better!
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Clustery Granola with Almonds & Dried Apricots
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8-10 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups old fashioned oats, gluten free certified if necessasry
- 1 1/2 cups slivered almonds
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons hemp hearts
- 2 tablespoons ground flax
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 1/2 cups chopped dried apricots (you could also a different dried fruit if you like, dried blueberries would work really well)
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. To a large mixing bowl add the oats, almonds, coconut sugar, hemp hearts, flax, cinnamon and salt. Mix and set aside.
- Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add the coconut oil and maple syrup. Stir together and cook until just heated, 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until all ingredients are equal combined. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and dump the granola mixture on. Use your hands to press out granola in an even layer.
- Bake granola for 40-50 minutes, until edges are just starting to brown. DO NOT STIR GRANOLA AT ALL WHILE BAKING! This will make it so the granola bakes together and creates lots of delicious chunks!
- Once granola is finished baking, remove the pan from the oven and let cool for about 20 minutes. once cooled, use your hands to break the granola up into whatever size chunks you desire. Lastly, add the dried apricot and store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Breakfast, Gluten Free, Vegan
Yum! I LOVE homemade granola, and I’ve also been all about both fresh & dried apricots lately. I actually just posted a granola recipe last week too š
Hope that enjoy your time with your hubby before the little one arrives!!
I love big clusters of granola, it’s the best! This looks so perfect and I love the dried apricots in there too!
So much YES to not stirring the granola and for using coconut oil! That’s how you get those wicked-good clusters every time. š I reaaaaally just want my own huge personal bowl of this gorgeous granola right about now!
Clustery granola is the best, especially for after-dinner snacking. š I love the flax, hemp, and dried apricots in your version Izzy.
You had me at clustery granola. I feel the same way, the bigger the better!! š
I love addition the hemp hearts and apricots. Sounds like a delicious combo that I would happily eat for breakfast and dessert.
I’m glad you got some much needed time off, Izzy, and hope you got a lot done! I love “clustery” granola, and apricots are one of my favorite dried fruits to add. This looks like the perfect breakfast!
This is gorgeous!I have granola on the mind now- gotta make some this week š
Definitely a big fan of granola clusters!! I haven’t made granola in far too long … I must change that! This looks wonderful Izzy! Hope you guys are enjoying your time before the babe arrives soon!!