If you’re an even semi-regular eater of store-bought granola, I really, really, really encourage you to try making your own. The difference is night and day. In fact, I never used to eat granola because it was so, well, boring. But then a client asked me to develop a recipe and I fell in love. Homemade was a whole different thing! And for years now I’ve been making and eating it regularly, usually with fruit and yogurt for breakfast.
And although this cherry-almond combination is definitely one of my favorites, homemade granola a great way to use up all sorts of dried fruits and nuts, and even things like cacao nibs and candied ginger. So try this version, then try swapping out those ingredients and making your own. Any and all variations will be way good.
(I’m listing the ingredients in both volume and weight measurements to encourage you to have and use a kitchen scale—it makes this, and many other recipes, really quick and easy to put together.)
Total time:0 Minutes
Makes about 5 1/2 cups
- 2 cups / 410 grams rolled oats
- 1 1/4 cups (4 ounces) / 113 grams sliced almonds
- 3/4 cup / 50 grams unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons / 120 grams brown rice syrup or light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons / 25 grams sunflower, safflower, grapeseed, or other neutral-flavored oil
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup / 150 grams dried cherries
Preheat an oven to 300°F.
Arrange the oats on a large, rimmed baking sheet and bake until the lightly toasted, about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the almonds, coconut, and salt. In a small bowl, combine the rice syrup, oil, and almond extract.
Stir the toasted oats into the almond mixture. Add the syrup mixture, stirring to thoroughly combine.
Spread the granola evenly onto the baking sheet and bake until lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Immediately use a spatula to loosen the granola on the pan (it might feel a little sticky but will crisp up as it cools), then set aside to cool.
Stir in the cherries, then store in an airtight container.
