Roasted Honey Cinnamon Mixed Nut & Cherry Oat Granola
Roasted Honey Cinnamon Mixed Nut & Cherry Oat Granola
If you’re looking for a granola recipe that’s both sweet and a little bit spicy, you’ve come to the right place. My Honey Cinnamon Roasted Nut & Cherry Granola is a total winner when it comes to flavor and crunch. It’s packed with a mix of almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans, chia seeds, and tart dried cherries, all roasted to perfection with a hint of cinnamon and honey.
I recently made this delicious granola for a road trip and camping adventure, and it was a total hit! We went through two bags in the first two nights. This granola stayed fresh and crunchy in the yurt, making it the perfect snack after a day of hiking or a quick breakfast on the go. With a sweet and spicy mix of honey, cinnamon, crunchy nuts, and tart cherries, it’s great on its own, with yogurt, or in milk. It’s super easy to make and ideal for busy mornings or packing up for your next outdoor adventure.
Healthy Snack On-The-Go
School is getting ready to start here in the South next week, and I think this is a great morning snack for students! Instead of sugary cereal and pastries, try this granola with Greek yogurt or a smoothie bowl. I have so many healthy school snacks to add to the blog this year, especially since my little one is preparing to start a half-day program. As a kid who grew up eating only sugar for breakfast, I always had difficulty focusing, and I can’t wait to offer better-for-you foods for my son. Call me a granola mom, but I’m okay with that! Pun intended? Totally!
This recipe is incredibly simple to make and doesn’t require a ton of ingredients or steps.
Ingredients in this Granola: They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, nutrient-rich, and free from refined sugars. Plus, they can easily be made vegan. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some swap options:
- Oats
- Chia Seeds (you can add flaxseed, sunflower seeds, and coconut)
- Honey (or maple syrup/date syrup to make it vegan)
- Coconut Oil (butter can be used)
- Cinnamon
- Dried Cherries (feel free to use apricots, dates, raisins, or any dried fruit you like)
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Cashews
- Almonds
- Sea Salt
Once your granola cools down, you can even add some dark chocolate chunks for an extra treat. This granola mix was so delicious over my coconut-based yogurt each morning while camping. I also sprinkled some in my oatmeal for added crunch and flavor.
This granola recipe has so many health benefits, and I feel good about indulging in handfuls of it.
Health Benefits
- Oats:
- Heart Health: High in soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which can help reduce cholesterol levels.
- Digestive Health: Supports healthy digestion and regularity due to its high fiber content.
- Stable Blood Sugar: Helps stabilize blood sugar levels by slowing down digestion.
- Chia Seeds:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which supports heart health.
- Fiber: High in fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps maintain satiety.
- Protein: Contains a good amount of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Antioxidants: Provides antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.
- Almonds:
- Heart Health: High in monounsaturated fats, which benefit heart health.
- Vitamin E: Rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports skin health and protects cells from damage.
- Bone Health: It contains calcium and magnesium, which are important for bone strength.
- Pecans:
- Antioxidants: Packed with antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.
- Healthy Fats: Rich in monounsaturated fats that support heart health.
- Nutrients: Contains vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, calcium, and magnesium.
- Walnuts:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Excellent source of ALA, which supports brain health and reduces inflammation.
- Antioxidants: High in antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress.
- Heart Health: This may help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
- Cashews:
- Minerals: Good source of minerals like magnesium, which supports bone health and energy production.
- Heart Health: Contains healthy fats that contribute to cardiovascular health.
- Protein: Provides protein for muscle repair and growth.
- Cinnamon:
- Anti-Inflammatory: Contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.
- Blood Sugar Control: This may help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.
- Antioxidants: Provides antioxidants that support overall health.
- Dried Cherries:
- Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins, which help fight inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamins A, C, and potassium are contained, which support immune function and heart health.
- Digestive Health: This can aid digestion due to its fiber content.
- Coconut Oil:
- Healthy Fats: Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that may support energy levels and metabolic health.
- Antimicrobial Properties: Has natural antimicrobial properties that can support immune health.
- Skin Health: Beneficial for skin health when used topically or consumed.
Combining these ingredients makes your granola taste great and provides a range of health benefits!
How to Make Roasted Honey Cinnamon Mixed Nut & Cherry Oat Granola
Step One: Melt the coconut oil and mix it with the honey.
Step Two: Combine the oats, chia seeds, almonds, pecans, walnuts, cinnamon, sea salt, and dried cherries in a large bowl.
Step Three: Mix the dry ingredients well, then pour over the warm coconut oil and honey mixture, coating the ingredients thoroughly.
Step Four: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step Five: Spread the granola mixture evenly over the parchment paper.
Step Six: Bake for 15-20 minutes at 350°F. Stir the granola every five minutes to prevent the edges from burning or cooking faster than the center.
Step Seven: Allow the granola to cool completely (it will harden as it cools).
Step Eight: Store the granola in an airtight bag or container. You can also freeze it!
Honey Cinnamon Roasted Nut & Cherry Granola
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Coconut Oil
- 1/2 Cup Honey
- 3 Cups Oats
- 1/4 Cup Chia Seeds
- 1 Cup Almonds
- 1 Cup Pecans
- 1 Cup Walnuts
- 1 Cup Cashews
- 1 Cup Dried Cherries
- 1/2 Tsp Sea Salt
- 1 Tbsp Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Melt the coconut oil and mix it with the honey.
- Combine the oats, chia seeds, almonds, pecans, walnuts, cinnamon, sea salt and dried cherries in a large bowl.
- Mix the dry ingredients well, then pour over the warm coconut oil and honey mixture, coating the ingredients thoroughly.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the granola mixture evenly over the parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes. Stir the granola every five minutes to prevent the edges from burning or cooking faster than the center.
- Allow the granola to cool completely (it will harden as it cools).
- Store the granola in an airtight bag or container. You can also freeze it!
I hope you love this recipe! I made it again last night because my toddler couldn’t get enough! I’ll have a travel blog about my camping trip out next! Oh, and I’m thinking about coming out with a pumpkin spice flavor of this granola next! Let me know what you think:)
Questions for you!
- What is your favorite granola flavor?
- How do you enjoy granola?
- Do you remember what you used to have for breakfast growing up as a kid?
