28 Mar 2025
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 5 min
Ingredients:
2 cups oats
1/2 cup dried coconut meat
1/2 cup almonds
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1/4 package dried plums (prunes)
1/2 cup raisins
This delightful dried fruit and almond granola is a perfect blend of sweet dried fruits and crunchy almonds, creating a nutritious and satisfying breakfast or snack. Packed with oats, coconut, prunes, and raisins—all bound together with a touch of vegetable oil—this homemade granola is not only easy to make but also much healthier than its store-bought counterpart.
Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the granola.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, dried coconut meat, and almonds. Mix until well distributed.
3. Add the Oil: Pour the vegetable oil over the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly to ensure that the oats, coconut, and almonds are evenly coated. This helps in achieving a nice golden brown color when baked.
4. Spread the Mixture: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the oat mixture evenly on the baking sheet, ensuring it’s in a thin, even layer for consistent baking.
5. Bake the Granola: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring once or twice during the baking process to ensure even toasting. Keep a close eye on the granola, as it can quickly go from perfectly toasted to burnt.
6. Prepare the Dried Fruits: While the granola is baking, chop the dried plums into smaller pieces if they are large. The raisins can be left as they are.
7. Combine and Mix: Once the granola is golden brown and crisp, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes. After cooling slightly, transfer it back to the large mixing bowl.
8. Add Dried Fruits: Add the chopped dried plums and raisins to the bowl of granola. Stir well to combine. The warmth of the granola will help the dried fruits meld into the mixture but make sure it’s not too hot to avoid the fruits becoming too tough.
9. Cool Completely: Allow the granola to cool completely in the mixing bowl before storing. This ensures it retains its crunchy texture.
10. Store and Enjoy: Once cooled, transfer your dried fruit and almond granola to an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Tips:
- Ensure that your oats are spread evenly on the baking sheet to allow for even toasting.
- Feel free to customize by adding your favorite nuts or seeds.
- Stir the granola halfway through baking to promote even browning.
- Let the granola cool completely before storing to ensure maximum crunchiness.
- Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh longer.
With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you can whip up a batch of delicious and wholesome granola. Perfect for sprinkling over yogurt, pairing with milk, or enjoyed on its own, this dried fruit and almond granola is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.