Hazelnut Granola with Dried Cherries and Dark Chocolate
Are you ready to elevate your breakfast game with a delightful and nutritious treat? This Hazelnut Granola with Dried Cherries and Dark Chocolate is the perfect blend of crunchy, chewy, and indulgently sweet flavors. It’s not just a breakfast option; it’s a versatile snack that you can enjoy any time of the day. Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked granola, packed with wholesome ingredients and the rich taste of dark chocolate. This recipe is not only easy to make but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a keeper!
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
This hazelnut granola recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it’s loaded with healthy ingredients that provide a great source of energy, making it the ideal start to your day. The combination of oats, nuts, and dried fruits creates a balanced meal that keeps you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, the addition of dark chocolate offers a decadent twist that makes breakfast feel like a treat.
Another reason to love this granola is its versatility. You can sprinkle it over yogurt, enjoy it with milk, or eat it straight from the jar for a quick snack. The flavors of hazelnuts and dried cherries complement each other beautifully, while the dark chocolate adds a touch of luxury. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a healthy snack, this granola is a fantastic choice.
The Essentials
To make your very own Hazelnut Granola with Dried Cherries and Dark Chocolate, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup roughly chopped hazelnuts
- ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 4 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon hazelnut extract
- 1 cup dried cherries
- ½ cup chopped dark chocolate
Prep & Cook Tools
Before you start, gather the following tools to make your cooking experience seamless:
- Large mixing bowl: For combining all the dry ingredients.
- Baking sheet: To spread out the granola for baking.
- Parchment paper: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Rubber spatula: Perfect for mixing and spreading the granola.
- Oven: Preheat to create that perfect golden crunch.
Hazelnut Granola with Dried Cherries and Dark Chocolate Made Stepwise
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures that your granola will bake evenly and get that perfect crunch.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, roughly chopped hazelnuts, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir until all the dry ingredients are well mixed.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Mixture
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, pure maple syrup, honey, vanilla extract, and hazelnut extract. This mixture will bind all the dry ingredients together and add sweetness.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, mix everything thoroughly until all the oats and nuts are evenly coated.
Step 5: Bake the Granola
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the granola mixture evenly across the sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
Step 6: Add Dried Cherries and Dark Chocolate
Once the granola is golden brown, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. After cooling, stir in the dried cherries and chopped dark chocolate. The residual heat will slightly melt the chocolate, creating delectable pockets of richness.
Step 7: Cool and Store
Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool, transfer it to an airtight container for storage. Your homemade hazelnut granola is now ready to be enjoyed!
Substitutions by Diet
If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, consider these substitutions:
- Nut-free: Replace hazelnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Vegan: Use agave syrup instead of honey.
- Gluten-free: Ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free.
- Lower sugar: Reduce the amount of maple syrup and honey or replace them with a sugar-free syrup.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter any issues while making your granola, here are some tips to help you out:
- Granola is not crunchy: Make sure to bake it long enough and stir halfway through to promote even browning.
- Granola is too hard: If it becomes overly crispy, reduce the baking time next time.
- Chocolate is clumping: Ensure the granola is cool before adding chocolate to prevent it from melting too much.
- Granola doesn’t stick together: Make sure to use enough wet ingredients and mix thoroughly.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
This Hazelnut Granola with Dried Cherries and Dark Chocolate is perfect for meal prep. Here are some tips for storing it:
- Storage container: Use an airtight container to keep the granola fresh.
- Counter or fridge: Store it in a cool, dry place; it will keep for up to two weeks at room temperature and up to a month in the fridge.
- Freezing: You can freeze granola for longer storage. Just ensure it’s in a well-sealed bag or container.
Hazelnut Granola with Dried Cherries and Dark Chocolate FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute hazelnuts with your favorite nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a different flavor profile.
How can I make this granola lower in sugar?
You can reduce the amount of maple syrup and honey, or use a sugar-free syrup alternative to achieve a lower sugar granola.
Can I add other dried fruits?
Yes! You can mix in other dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots to customize your granola to your liking.
What should I serve with this granola?
This granola pairs perfectly with yogurt, milk (dairy or non-dairy), or can be enjoyed on its own as a crunchy snack.
Bring It to the Table
Now that you have all the tips and steps to create your very own Hazelnut Granola with Dried Cherries and Dark Chocolate, it’s time to bring it to the table! Serve it in a beautiful glass jar or bowl, and let your family and friends enjoy the deliciousness. This granola isn’t just a dish; it’s a way to start your day on a high note or to satisfy your snack cravings throughout the week. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of oats, the crunch of hazelnuts, the sweetness of cherries, and the indulgence of dark chocolate all in one bite.
This Hazelnut Granola with Dried Cherries and Dark Chocolate is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. It embodies the perfect balance of health and indulgence, making it a delightful addition to your breakfast routine or as a nutritious snack. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to whip up a batch of this delicious granola that you can feel good about eating!
Hazelnut Granola with Dried Cherries and Dark Chocolate
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures that your granola will bake evenly and get that perfect crunch.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, roughly chopped hazelnuts, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir until all the dry ingredients are well mixed.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, pure maple syrup, honey, vanilla extract, and hazelnut extract. This mixture will bind all the dry ingredients together and add sweetness.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, mix everything thoroughly until all the oats and nuts are evenly coated.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the granola mixture evenly across the sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
- Once the granola is golden brown, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. After cooling, stir in the dried cherries and chopped dark chocolate. The residual heat will slightly melt the chocolate, creating delectable pockets of richness.
- Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool, transfer it to an airtight container for storage. Your homemade hazelnut granola is now ready to be enjoyed!
Notes
- Store granola in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- Granola stays fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature; up to a month in the fridge.
- You can freeze granola for longer storage in a well-sealed bag or container.
