This Soft and Chewy Oat and Dried Fruit Granola is the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors. It's made with old fashioned oats, honey, almond butter, walnuts, and a medley of delicious dried fruits.
When I worked full-time in an office, it was so easy to get my morning or afternoon Starbucks fix. It was right down the street in a hotel lobby. Some mornings, I would even stop for breakfast. One of my favorite quick meals to grab from there was their oatmeal. It was a warm and cozy bowl of oats topped with nuts, a medley of dried fruits, and brown sugar.
These days, I'm trying to eat different meals for breakfast - especially with the cost of eggs. So I bought ingredients to make a copycat version of that Starbucks oatmeal at home. I made it once, maybe twice. Since then, the oats and dried fruit medley have just been sitting in our kitchen cabinet. So I decided to take inspiration from that fruit and nut oatmeal combo and turn those ingredients into homemade granola instead.
I find that I'm better at maintaining a healthy breakfast habit when I have a premade, prepped, and ready-to-go breakfast on hand. I tend to jump right into my day, so I want something quick and easy to eat. Don't get me wrong - oatmeal's pretty easy to make. But some mornings, even oatmeal seems too much for me. With this granola, I can grab a few handfuls, toss it into milk, or use it to top yogurt. It's easy and satisfying!
Soft and Chewy Oat and Dried Fruit GRanola
This oat and dried fruit granola is made with wholesome ingredients. The oats will help keep you feeling satisfied and energized. The medley of fruits in this granola adds some sweetness as well as antioxidants and vitamins. Plus, if you're like me and don't want a totally hard and crunchy granola, this recipe has a nice, soft and chewy texture.
To start this granola, we need to preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Instead of using a baking sheet, I made this granola in an 8"x8" baking pan. Coat the pan with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
Then, add the oats, raisins, cranberries, cherries, blueberries, and walnuts to a large mixing bowl. Stir together to combine.
In a small saucepan, add the honey and almond butter and heat over low heat until smooth. Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in vanilla extract, brown sugar, and just a pinch of salt. Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the oat mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use your hands, or a rubber spatula, to press the mixture down into the pan.
Then, bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges have just started to turn golden brown and the granola is slightly firm to the touch.
Allow the granola to cool completely. Then, break it up into pieces. I like to keep some chunks in my granola for easy grab-and-go snacking.
Soft and Chewy Oat and Dried Fruit Granola
Equipment
- 1 8"x8" baking pan
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 small saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 cup dried blueberries
- 1/4 cup walnuts crushed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 2 tbsps. brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare an 8"x8" baking pan with non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the oats, raisins, cranberries, cherries, blueberries, and walnuts. Stir to combine.
- In a small saucepan, heat the honey and almond butter over low heat until smooth.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla, brown sugar, and salt.
- Once ingredients are combined, pour the honey and almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated.
- Spoon the mixture into the baking pan. Use a rubber spatula or your hands to press the mixture down into the pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown and granola feels firm to the touch.
- Cool completely. Once cooled, break into small pieces. Store in an airtight container or jar in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month.
Notes
How to Eat Granola for Breakfast
If you're looking for some easy ways to incorporate granola into your breakfast routine, here are a few ideas:
- Eat it like cereal in a bowl of milk
- Grab a handful and enjoy it as is with fresh fruit and a hardboiled egg on the side
- Use it to top yogurt or make a yogurt parfait
- Instead of avocado toast, add your favorite nut butter to a slice of toast and sprinkle granola on top
- Sprinkle it on top of a refreshing smoothie bowl
Did you make this Soft and Chewy Oat and Dried Fruit Granola recipe? Share it on social media using the hashtag #holokahome. Don’t forget to tag me @holokahome!
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