Chocolate-Cherry Granola with Almonds

a jar of granola and nuts
This content originally appeared on 
tasteforlife.com
Prep Time:
50 minutes
Yield:
8 cups

Ingredients

  • 1⁄2 cup vegetable oil, plus additional for oiling pan
  • 1⁄4 cup maple syrup
  • 1⁄3 cup coconut sugar
  • 1⁄3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1⁄2 tsp salt
  • 5 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 1⁄4 cup sliced or slivered almonds
  • 8 oz bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 8 oz dried cherries

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°.
  2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper. Lightly brush paper with a small amount of oil. Set baking sheet aside.
  3. Whisk the 1⁄2 cup of oil, the maple syrup, coconut sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt together in a large bowl. Add oats and almonds until well combined.
  4. Transfer mixture to prepared sheet, spreading it across surface in an even layer. Press mixture down firmly with a stiff metal spatula until it’s compact.
  5. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Granola will be firm and fragrant.
  6. Allow granola to cool on baking sheet for 1 hour. Break granola into pieces. Stir in chocolate and cherries. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Info

466 Calories, 12 g Protein, 64 g Carbohydrates, 8 g Fiber, 21 g Total fat (4 g sat), 80 mg Sodium, ★★★★ Phosphorus, ★★★ Vitamin B1 (thiamine), E, Magnesium, ★★ Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Iron, Zinc, ★ Potassium