Super Chunky Granola

Recipe From: Shae

There are a lot of great granola recipes out there, and there are a lot that I like, but this one is my favorite, and my family agrees. I always double this recipe for my family of 5.  Great as a snack all by itself, for parfaits with Greek yogurt and strawberries or with some milk and bananas. Here are some important tips to remember that minimalist baker gives on her site: 1.) Make sure your wet ingredients thoroughly coat your dry ingredients. 2.) Don’t stir your granola while it’s baking. 3) Let it cool completely, then break into clumps. 

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups (135 g) gluten-free rolled oats

1/2 cup (40 g) unsweetened coconut flake (large flakes are best)

1/2 cup (54 g) slivered raw almonds (or raw almonds, chopped)

1/2 cup (50 g) raw pecan halves

1 Tbsp (12 g) coconut sugar

1/4 tsp sea salt

3 Tbsp (45 ml) coconut oil

1/3 cup (80 ml) maple syrup

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

optional: 1/4 cup dried fruit (blueberry, strawberry, cranberry, etc.)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (162 C).

Add oats, coconut, almonds, pecans, coconut sugar, and salt to a large mixing bowl and stir to combine.

To a small saucepan, add coconut oil and maple syrup. Warm over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, whisking frequently until the two are totally combined and there is no visible separation. Add vanilla, whisk once more.

Immediately pour over the dry ingredients and stir to combine until all oats and nuts are thoroughly coated. Arrange on a large baking sheet and spread into an even layer.

Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from oven and turn the pan around so the other end goes into the oven first (so it bakes evenly).

To keep this granola chunky, don’t stir during baking, or right after. This will help it form together and create “chunks”, so handle as little as possible!

Bake 5-7 minutes more, watching carefully as to not let it burn. You'll know it's done when the granola is golden brown and very fragrant.

Let cool completely before enjoying. Add dried fruit to the pan while the granola is cooling (optional). Break into clumps.

Store in a sealed bag or container at room temperature for 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

This is delicious as is or with almond or coconut milk, flaxseed meal, hemp seeds, and banana!