I have so many recipes that I’ve done over the last year or so that were the healthy dessert and breakfast type I made for my family but never got around to blogging and I’m so excited to revisit and remake them in order to share with you all! I was OBSESSED with this granola recipe last fall and actually ended up giving out bags of it for Christmas with other homemade goodies such as handsoap, etc.
It was very well received and I plan on doing something similar this year for gifts! You can package it so pretty and this stuff lasts in an airtight container for a very long time! What I really love is how some of my favorite flavors combine in this…you’ve got fall with the cinnamon and nutmeg, a nice kick from the espresso powder and a hint of chocolate from the coffee beans! It’s just soooooo good! My kids LOVE it but for obvious reasons (hello, caffeine!) I limit their intake. 😀 It’s great over yogurt, with my Pumpkin Spice Dessert Dip or just in a bowl with some nice cold, almond milk!
Give it a try! I think you’ll love it. 🙂
- 6 c. Regular Rolled Oats
- 2 c. Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
- 1 ½ c. Toasted Pecan Halves
- 1 c. Pistachios
- 1 ½ c. Raw Pumpkin Seeds/Pepitas
- ½ c. Wheat Germ (I use ground flaxseed if I don't have wheat germ)
- 1 c. Fruit Juice Sweetened Dried Cranberries
- 1 c. Golden Raisins (or use another cup of dried cranberries)
- ½ c. Coconut Oil, melted
- 1 ½ c. Agave
- 3 T. Instant Espresso Powder (feel free to use more for more of the coffee flavor--I actually like about ⅓ cup!)
- 2 t. Cinnamon
- ½ t. Nutmeg
- 2 t. Sea Salt
- 2 T. Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1-2 c. Dark Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans (I get grain sweetened ones) or Dark Chocolate Chunks (preferably stevia sweetened, etc)
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray two large baking sheets with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, coconut flakes, pecans, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, wheat germ, cranberries and golden raisins. Toss well.
- In another medium bowl, combine melted coconut oil, agave, espresso powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and vanilla. Whisk together until well combined.
- Pour the coconut oil mixture over the dry oat mixture and stir to fully combine. I stir for at least 3-5 minutes to ensure everything is well coated.
- Divide the granola between the two baking sheets and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes so the granola will get evenly toasted.
- Remove from the oven and let cool 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, spray the bottom of a flat 1 cup measuring cup or a flat bottomed glass with cooking spray. Press the granola into the pan using the bottom of the measure cup so that you have a flat slab of granola.
- Let the granola sit for one hour to cool and harden.
- After an hour break the granola up into clusters and stir in chocolate covered coffee beans or dark chocolate chunks.