Good Morning!
I’ve officially been in Hawaii for a little over a week, and it’s been so nice getting to spend time out on the water and take a step back from the screen time. And to be honest, I’ve been struggling the past few weeks dealing with burnout as well as feeling uninspired. I’ve talked about this a bit, but social media and the blogging world have evolved so much in the past ten years that sometimes I feel a bit lost, and I forget to focus on what it is that I like to write about or what I like to share. I was looking through my posts and it had been over a month since I shared an actual recipe, and even my recap blogs weren’t very recap-like. It’s caused me to feel a bit disconnected, so I am going to work on creating a game plan to get back into the swing of things around here, and to go back to the roots of what I enjoy sharing. And that all starts with this homemade cranberry cinnamon granola recipe! I will be writing a separate post to talk more about the feelings of being burnt out and uninspired, but I just wanted to fill you all in a bit on where my head is at.
Homemade Cinnamon Cranberry Granola (vegan & gluten-free)I’m a granola lover. I hardly buy it because Kyle and I are capable of going through an entire bag in 48 hours. It’s seriously good in everything. I’ve put it on peanut butter toast, and smoothie bowls, eaten it with almond milk, and I’ve even had it served in my salads at a restaurant before. It’s crunchy, sweet, and just hits the spot!
Granola is also a great way to fuel your body before an active day. Since we’ve been out snorkeling, hiking, playing tennis, and paddleboarding, the granola has been a great energy source! I’ve made several batches and stored them in an extra-large mason jar for the week. I can’t wait to make this recipe as soon as I get home to keep in my own house.
One of the great things about this recipe is that you probably already have all the ingredients in your house. There are only seven ingredients and it takes less than 20-minutes to make.
Cinnamon Cranberry Granola (gluten-free & dairy-free)
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Coconut Oil Melted
- 1/4 Cup Maple Syrup
- 2 Cups Gluten-Free Oats
- 1/4 Tsp Sea Salt
- 1/4 Cup Dried Cranberries
- 1 Tbsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 Cup Coconut Flakes (i used unsweetened)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingrdients together until the oats are fully coated.
- Heat oven to 350-degrees, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the oat mixture onto the parchment paper evenly, and bake for ten minutes.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon to toss the granola and bake for an additoan six minutes.
- Let the oats rest for five minutes
You can change things up by adding your favorite dried fruits, extra spices, or honey instead of maple syrup. Play around with the recipe to make it your own! I am going to be making a white chocolate gingerbread granola as soon as I get home!
I recommend keeping it in a mason jar or container for storage! It’s easy for sprinkling onto meals (plus it looks cute!)
And since I’m in Hawaii, I had to have my first serving on top of my papaya boat. The papaya boat had coconut milk chia pudding and fresh bananas on the side. Let me know if you’d like my vanilla chia pudding recipe!
And to save yourself time, go ahead and double the recipe! I ended up making three batches.
I hope you all enjoy this recipe.
I’m telling you, it’s the best homemade granola I have ever had and it’s way better than the store-bought brands! Oh, and your house is going to smell like a Christmas bakery. I can’t wait to hear your feedback! 😊 I know you’re going to LOVE it!!!! If you do make it, make sure to tag me on Instagram so I can share it! ♥️
Questions for you!
- Do you ever make your own homemade granola?
- What fun flavor of granola should I make next?
- What do you eat your granola with?
Gabrielle says
I’ve never made my own granola but this seems too simple and delicious not to try. Thank you! I hope you enjoy your trip and get plenty of relaxation time!
Taralynn McNitt says
You must try! It’s so easy and a great way to save money! 😊
Melissa says
I love all of your posts, taralynn
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Melissa!
Shelby says
A while ago I started reading your blog posts from the very beginning on Simpy Taralynn and I have thoroughly enjoyed every single one! Although I’m sure you sometimes feel uninspired, I just want to let you know how much of an inspiration you have been, and continue to be for me. I recently went through a tough breakup and still struggle, but seeing how happy you and Kyle are gives me hope that one day, I will get to experience that joy and happiness too. I just wanted to let you know that your blogs post matter, even when it might not feel like it xxx
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Shelby!
Thank you for your sweet and encouraging words. I’m so sorry to hear what you are going through and I know how hard that can be. ♥️ If I never went through the heartbreaking breakups, I would have never found Kyle! Life always gets better.
xo xo xo xo
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Granola – my kryptonite food! Can’t wait to try this recipe, it looks really good, Taralynn! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Charmaine!
Dana says
I love to make granola! I’ve been lazy and have been buying it because I’ve been finding Purely Elizabeth on sale lately. The flavors depend on what I have on hand. Fruit, yogurt, and granola is one of my favorite breakfasts, I stay really full on it. I can’t wait for the white chocolate gingerbread recipe! That will be so fun for holiday breakfasts.
Taralynn McNitt says
Purely Elizabeth is one of my faves as well. The blueberry one 😋
Vanessa Naidoo says
Love the granola a recipe! I totally understand feeling conflicted and stressed about work and life’s purpose. I often meditate to clear my mind, balance my chakras and try to write down what do I want. It’s all about your life’s purpose/ dharma and doing the things that bring you joy. You have a creative path and sharing with your readers is a form of education. Sometimes being stuck with creating content indicates you have to just get rid of some spiderwebs and get some coaching for yourself. You truly have a warm, kind heart and I love reading abt your inspirational journey. Maybe try some meetups with your audience … I see a fabulous life ahead for you in whatever path you choose,
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you so much for the kindness! ♥️
harriet says
Yum!! this looks amazing, defiantly going to make this when I get home from Australia. I have been reading your blogs since the tumbler days, your blogs are always amazing. I am sure you feel uninspired some times but you have been an incredible inspiration to me over the years, and you have inspired so many others as well. Have a great week.
p.s please do a post on your gingerbread granola version.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Harriet!
Thanks for the kind words and encouragement! xo
Krista says
This looks so good! My husband is just dying to try a properly ripe papaya; we’re going to need to get our butts out to Hawaii sometime soon! lol
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes you do! Papaya here is unbelievable. It’s a completely different fruit on the mainland!
Cierra Jule says
Oh I am soo making this. I have been looking for a great granola recipe, and have tried a lot of your recipe’s and they always come out amazing.
Taralynn McNitt says
Let me know what you think!!
Angela says
Can’t wait to try this recipe!,! Yes, I would also love to know how to make that vanilla chia pudding! It looks awesome! I will be praying for you Taralyn,. I enjoy your blog, and want you to feel happy, passion-filled and satisfied! <3
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much, Angela!!!
Angela says
Can’t wait to try this recipe!,! Yes, I would also love to know how to make that vanilla chia pudding! It looks awesome! I will be praying for you Taralyn,. I enjoy your blog, and want you to feel happy, passion-filled and satisfied! <3 What you do on your blog is motivating to us readers!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you so much, Angela!!
Jessie says
I will be making this when I get back in town , yum.
Please post you chia pudding recipe I am always looking for new ones
Taralynn McNitt says
Will do!!