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For a tasty batch of Cranberry Orange Granola, you need the following ingredients: - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats - 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, and walnuts), roughly chopped - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - Zest of 1 large orange - Juice of 1 large orange - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup dried cranberries Each ingredient brings its own flavor and nutrition to the mix. - Rolled oats: They provide fiber. This helps you feel full longer and aids digestion. - Mixed nuts: These are packed with healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. They support heart health. - Shredded coconut: It adds texture and healthy fats. It helps keep your skin healthy. - Honey or maple syrup: These natural sweeteners give energy. They are better than refined sugars. - Coconut oil: This oil is good for cooking and adds flavor. It may boost metabolism. - Orange zest and juice: These provide vitamin C. They help your immune system. - Vanilla extract: It adds a lovely aroma and flavor without extra sugar. - Ground cinnamon: This spice helps regulate blood sugar and adds warmth. - Salt: It enhances flavors and balances sweetness. - Dried cranberries: They are full of antioxidants and add a sweet-tart taste. You can easily adjust this recipe for allergies or diets: - For gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats. - For nut-free: Swap mixed nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. - For vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey. - For low-sugar: Reduce or omit the sweetener, and add more fruit. These options allow everyone to enjoy this delicious snack. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). This helps the granola bake evenly. While the oven heats up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and helps the granola not stick. Now, take a large mixing bowl. In it, combine 2 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup of mixed nuts, and 1/2 cup of shredded coconut. I like to use almonds, pecans, and walnuts for great taste. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the bowl. Mix everything well. This step is important to make sure all the dry ingredients mix evenly. In another bowl, you will mix the wet ingredients. Whisk together 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup, 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, the zest of 1 large orange, the juice of that orange, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure this mixture is fully blended. Next, pour this wet mix over the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is evenly coated. Spread the mixture on the baking sheet. Bake it in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. Remember to stir it halfway through for even baking. Look for a golden color and a nice smell. When the granola is done, take it out of the oven. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before adding 1 cup of dried cranberries. Stir well to mix the cranberries in. After that, allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. It will become crunchy as it cools. Once cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for your next tasty snack! To get the best texture, bake the granola evenly. Start by spreading it in a thin layer on your baking sheet. Stir it halfway through baking for even browning. If you want it chunkier, let it cool before breaking it apart. Granola becomes crunchy as it cools, so don’t rush this step. Citrus adds a bright taste to your granola. Use fresh orange zest and juice for the best flavor. The zest gives a strong aroma and a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness. Try to use organic oranges when possible, as they have more flavor and fewer chemicals. Cranberry Orange Granola works well with many foods. Serve it with yogurt for a tasty breakfast or snack. You can also sprinkle it over oatmeal or smoothie bowls. If you want a sweet treat, mix it with dark chocolate chips. For a crunchy topping, add it to salads or desserts. Pro Tips Use Fresh Orange Juice: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice instead of bottled juice. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to mix and match different types of nuts to suit your taste preferences. Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the granola while baking to avoid burning; every oven is different. Storage Tips: Store granola in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunchiness. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your granola. Here are some fun add-in ideas: - Swap dried cranberries for raisins or chopped apricots. - Try adding pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch. - Mix in chocolate chips for a sweet twist. - Sprinkle in chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra nutrition. These simple swaps can give your granola a new taste! Making your granola vegan or gluten-free is easy. To make it vegan, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats. Both options keep the flavor while meeting dietary needs. You can mix in seasonal ingredients for fresh flavors. In the fall, add chopped apples or pears. In the winter, try walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch. In the summer, mix in fresh berries for a vibrant taste. Using seasonal ingredients can make your granola even better! To keep your cranberry orange granola fresh, store it in an airtight container. Glass jars work great. You can also use plastic containers or zip-top bags. Make sure you seal them tightly to keep out air and moisture. Keep your granola in a cool, dry place. A pantry shelf is perfect. Avoid direct sunlight, which can spoil the flavors. Homemade granola can last up to two weeks if stored properly. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. Granola can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Check your granola for any off smells or changes in texture. If it smells rancid, it’s time to toss it. Granola should be crunchy, not soggy. If you notice any mold or unusual clumps, throw it away. Fresh ingredients like nuts and coconut can go bad faster, so keep an eye on them. Yes, you can use fresh cranberries. However, fresh cranberries are tart. They may need extra sweetener. You can add a bit more honey or maple syrup. This will help balance the flavor. Dried cranberries add a nice chewiness. They also give a sweeter taste to your granola. Cranberry Orange Granola is nutritious. Each serving has healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins. Here’s a rough breakdown: - Calories: About 200-250 - Protein: 4-6 grams - Fat: 10-12 grams - Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams - Fiber: 3-5 grams This granola provides energy and helps keep you full. To make this nut-free, simply omit the mixed nuts. You can replace them with seeds. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work well. They add crunch and nutrition without nuts. Adjust the amount of oats if needed to keep the texture right. Yes, you can double the recipe. Just make sure you have a larger bowl. You may also need two baking sheets. Spread the granola evenly on the sheets. Bake in batches if your oven is small. This way, you’ll get the same great taste! Cranberry orange granola is not only easy to make but also healthy. You learned about key ingredients, their health benefits, and great substitutions. The step-by-step guide helps you bake a perfect batch. Use my tips for the best texture and flavor. Explore variations to match your taste. Remember to store it well to keep it fresh. With the advice in this post, enjoy a fun and tasty snack that fits your diet. Try making your own delicious granola today!

Cranberry Orange Granola

A delicious and healthy granola made with oats, nuts, coconut, and a citrus twist.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, and walnuts), roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 large zest of orange
  • 1 large juice of orange
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup dried cranberries

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until fully blended.
  • Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients, then stir until all the dry ingredients are uniformly coated.
  • Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until golden and fragrant.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before adding the dried cranberries. Stir well to combine.
  • Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. It will become crunchy as it cools.
  • Once cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container for storage.

Notes

Serve in clear glass jars or bowls, layering with yogurt and fresh fruit for a beautiful breakfast parfait.
Keyword breakfast, granola, healthy, snack