Better than anything you can buy from the grocery store, this crunchy, slightly sweet, homemade version will become your new breakfast staple! Bonus points: it's vegan, too.
In a large bowl, add rolled oats, pecans, and pumpkin seeds, and stir to combine.
In a glass measuring cup, add the maple syrup and oil, then the brown sugar and salt. Stir till well blended.
Pour the maple syrup mixture over the oats and stir till everything is evenly coated.
Lightly coat a large sheet pan with non-stick spray. Pour the granola onto the pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 35-45 minutes till golden brown. The baking time will depend on your oven. Stir the granola halfway through the baking process.
When done, remove the granola from the oven and sprinkle the dried cherries on top. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Notes
Using maple syrup instead of honey keeps the granola from getting hard.
Oven temperatures can vary greatly, so start checking your granola at the 30-minute mark. The original recipe calls for 45 minutes of bake time, but mine is usually done in 35 minutes.
Stir the dried fruit in after removing the granola from the oven. This will ensure it doesn't get rock hard.
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Granola
Amount per Serving
Calories
375
% Daily Value*
Fat
16
g
25
%
Saturated Fat
2
g
13
%
Trans Fat
0.03
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
5
g
Monounsaturated Fat
8
g
Sodium
154
mg
7
%
Potassium
225
mg
6
%
Carbohydrates
53
g
18
%
Fiber
5
g
21
%
Sugar
27
g
30
%
Protein
7
g
14
%
Vitamin A
542
IU
11
%
Vitamin C
0.2
mg
0
%
Calcium
64
mg
6
%
Iron
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.