Cranberry-Walnut Energy Granola
This delightful Cranberry-Walnut Energy Granola is a heartwarming recipe inspired by family traditions and crafted for wholesome living. Combining the nutty crunch of walnuts with the tangy sweetness of dried cranberries, this granola provides a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. Rich in healthy fats, fiber, and natural sugars, it makes for an energizing breakfast or snack that will keep you fueled throughout the day. The addition of sesame seeds and a hint of orange zest elevates this granola to a gourmet level, making your kitchen smell divine as it bakes. Perfect for a quick breakfast on the go, a topping for yogurt, or simply enjoyed by the handful, this granola is as versatile as it is delicious. Just remember, for the best texture and flavor, add the dried fruits after baking to preserve their chewy goodness.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooking spray or butter
To grease pan (Grease the baking pan)
Rolled oats
4 cups (Uncooked)
Walnuts
1 cup (Coarsely chopped)
Sesame seeds
1/2 cup (Raw)
Orange zest
2 teaspoons (Finely grated)
Evaporated cane juice crystals
1/4 cup (Granulated)
Sea salt
2 teaspoons (Unprocessed)
Honey or Maple syrup
2/3 cup (Liquid)
Expeller-pressed oil
1/2 cup (Oil)
Dried cranberries
1/2 cup (Chopped if large)
Dried blueberries
1/2 cup (Optional, chopped if large)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a shallow 14x11-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, coarsely chopped walnuts, sesame seeds, finely grated orange zest, evaporated cane juice crystals, and sea salt. Stir until all dry ingredients are well mixed.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup) and expeller-pressed oil until well combined. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredient mix.
4
Using a spatula, thoroughly mix the wet and dry ingredients together until the oats are evenly coated. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure that it bakes evenly and turns golden brown.
6
Once golden and fragrant, remove the granola from the oven and mix in the dried cranberries and blueberries (if using). Allow the mixture to cool in the pan, which will help it cluster together.
7
Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container for storage or enjoy immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry-Walnut Energy Granola?
It is a wholesome, heartwarming granola blend featuring rolled oats, walnuts, sesame seeds, and dried cranberries, designed for a nutritious breakfast or snack.
What are the primary health benefits of this granola?
This recipe is rich in healthy fats from walnuts and sesame seeds, high in fiber from oats, and provides natural energy from honey and dried fruits.
Is this granola recipe vegan?
Yes, it can be made vegan by choosing maple syrup instead of honey and using oil rather than butter to grease the pan.
Is the Cranberry-Walnut Energy Granola gluten-free?
It is gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
How should I store the finished granola?
Once completely cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container to maintain its crunch and freshness.
What temperature should I bake the granola at?
The granola should be baked at 325°F (160°C) for approximately 30 minutes.
Why should I add dried fruit after baking?
Adding dried cranberries and blueberries after baking ensures they remain chewy and prevents them from becoming hard or burnt in the oven.
Can I substitute the walnuts with other nuts?
Absolutely. You can use almonds, pecans, or cashews as a direct substitute for the walnuts.
What role does orange zest play in this recipe?
Finely grated orange zest adds a bright, citrusy aroma and a gourmet flavor profile to the granola.
How often should I stir the granola while it is in the oven?
It is recommended to stir the granola every 10 minutes to ensure even browning and to prevent the edges from burning.
How do I get the granola to form clusters?
Allow the granola to cool completely in the baking pan before moving it; this helps the ingredients bind together into clusters.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
The recipe suggests expeller-pressed oil, but any neutral-flavored liquid oil will work well.
Can I use sugar instead of evaporated cane juice crystals?
Yes, you can substitute regular granulated sugar or brown sugar for the cane juice crystals.
What are some serving suggestions for this granola?
It is excellent as a topping for yogurt, served with milk like cereal, or enjoyed on its own as a quick snack.
Can I use steel-cut oats for this recipe?
Rolled oats are preferred for this recipe to achieve the right texture; steel-cut oats will be too hard and dense.
Are the sesame seeds necessary?
While optional, the sesame seeds add a unique nutty flavor and extra nutritional value like calcium.
Can I freeze homemade granola?
Yes, you can freeze this granola in an airtight, freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
What kind of salt should I use?
The recipe calls for sea salt, which helps enhance the sweetness and the natural flavors of the nuts.
What size baking pan is needed?
A shallow 14x11-inch baking pan is recommended for spreading the granola out evenly.
How many ingredients are in this granola?
There are 11 ingredients, including the optional dried blueberries and the grease for the pan.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup is a perfect 1:1 substitute for honey in this recipe.
Is the granola kid-friendly?
Yes, the combination of sweet fruit and crunchy oats makes it a healthy and appealing snack for children.
Can I add different dried fruits?
Yes, feel free to add dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots after the baking process.
Why do I need to grease the pan?
Greasing the pan prevents the honey or maple syrup from sticking to the surface, making cleanup easier.
Does this granola contain cholesterol?
If made with oil and maple syrup, this granola is naturally cholesterol-free.
How do I know when the granola is done?
The granola is done when it appears golden brown and smells fragrant, typically after 30 minutes of baking.
What are evaporated cane juice crystals?
They are a less-processed version of sugar that retains some of the natural molasses flavor.
Is this recipe easy to double?
Yes, you can double the recipe, just be sure to use two baking pans so the granola bakes evenly.
What texture should the granola have?
It should be crunchy and crispy once cooled, with chewy bits of dried fruit throughout.
Can I omit the salt?
You can, but the salt is highly recommended to balance the sweetness of the syrup and dried fruits.