Cherry Almond Chaos Granola

Cherry-Almond Chaos Granola Clusters are the ultimate crunchy treat bursting with sweet-tart dried cherries and deeply toasted almonds These clusters are just the thing for a midday snack or to jazz up a bowl of yogurt with a little extra something special

I still remember the first time I made a batch during an especially busy school week We devoured half before it ever made it to a container

Ingredients

• Old fashioned rolled oats: provide that classic cluster crunch Always check for a fresh smell and avoid oats that taste stale
• Whole raw almonds: bring a rich nutty flavor and a satisfying bite Choose whole nuts and chop coarsely for big clusters
• Dried tart cherries: add pops of chewy sweetness Go for plump cherries and chop them roughly for even distribution
• Unsweetened shredded coconut: delivers a subtle tropical flavor Make sure yours is fresh and not dry or tough
• Sea salt: enhances every taste and helps bring out the sweetness—use a finer grain for more even seasoning
• Ground cinnamon: gives the whole mix a cozy warmth Try a Vietnamese cinnamon if you can find it
• Pure maple syrup: sweetens naturally and helps bind the clusters Look for Grade A dark for deeper flavor
• Coconut oil: gives just the right rich crispiness Use refined for a more neutral taste or unrefined for coconut flavor
• Pure vanilla extract: adds an aroma that ties everything together Go with real vanilla for the best result
• Almond butter: is the secret glue for chunky clusters Look for one with almonds as the only ingredient for clean flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare the Pan:

Set your oven to three hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit Get your largest baking sheet and line it with parchment paper so nothing sticks

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a spacious bowl combine the oats chopped almonds chopped cherries coconut sea salt and cinnamon Get your hands in there and toss well so every bite gets a bit of everything

Warm and Blend Wet Ingredients:

Gently warm the maple syrup coconut oil vanilla and almond butter over low heat in a small saucepan Whisk until you have a smooth glossy mixture This step helps everything toss together evenly and gives you chunkier clusters

Combine and Coat:

Pour your warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients Stir patiently ensuring every oat and almond gets coated The more even the mix the better the cluster

Press and Shape:

Spread everything onto your lined baking sheet in a thick even layer Use your spatula to really press down pressing creates those satisfying big clusters

Bake to Perfection:

Slide the sheet onto the middle rack Bake for twenty five to thirty minutes rotating halfway through for even color Watch for a consistently golden tone and listen for a toasty aroma

Cool Without Touching:

Once it has baked remove the tray and let it cool completely Do not stir or touch so the granola can firm up and clump as it cools

Break into Clusters and Store:

When totally cool break into large clusters by hand or with a spatula Store in an airtight container at room temperature

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Let the clusters cool fully before storing or you risk sogginess An airtight glass jar on the counter will keep them fresh for nearly two weeks I stash a small scoop in the jar for easy snacking

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap the almonds for pecans or walnuts if you prefer Try dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots in place of the cherries You can use sunflower butter in place of almond butter for a nut safe option

Serving Suggestions

These clusters are perfect over creamy Greek yogurt or atop chia pudding Layer with sliced fruit for a quick and cheerful breakfast They also make a great crunchy topping for baked apples or poached pears

Cultural and Historical Context

Granola clusters have their roots in American health food trends of the late 19th century but today they are beloved from coast to coast Cherries and almonds evoke the flavors of classic family fruit crisps and bring a little California sunshine to any morning

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Common Questions

→ How do I keep granola clusters large and crunchy?

Press the mixture firmly into a thick layer before baking, then let it cool completely without stirring so clusters form and stay crisp.

→ Can I substitute the cherries or nuts?

Yes, swap dried cherries for cranberries or apricots, and use different nuts such as pecans or walnuts if desired.

→ Is this suitable for a vegan diet?

This granola is vegetarian and can be vegan-friendly if all ingredients, like maple syrup, are fully plant-based.

→ How should I store granola clusters?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain crunch and freshness.

→ Can I add extras like seeds or chocolate?

Absolutely! Add chia or flax seeds for extra crunch or mix in chocolate chips after baking for more flavor.