Mixed Berry Granola

It's crunch time! This Mixed Berry Granola(triple berry granola) featuring hearty oats, almonds, vanilla, sweet berry jam, and freeze-dried berries, is the ultimate topping to any breakfast. It comes together in minutes and is so tasty-everyone will want some! Use it to top yogurt, or ice cream, or eat it plain anytime you're craving a satisfying snack.

This recipe was inspired by our favorite cereal Kellogg's Special K with Red Berries. When we run out of granola, (which is a crime- we know), we crush the dried cereal and use it in place of granola. They are on to something with those freeze dried strawberries!

We wanted to make an easy granola that had all the flavors of summer, but with a variety of fruit, that weren't the typical raisins or dried cranberries. That's where the idea for the freeze dried fruit came in (like in our cereal "granola").

And so this mixed berry granola was born. Our ode to summer, where visions of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries dance in the sunlight. It's perfectly sweet, crunchy, crisp, and full of flavor.

Berry granola comes together in no time. The ingredients are mixed in ONE BOWL (yay)and then it's baked in the oven until crispy. Lastly, you add the dried fruit AFTER baking so the fruit retains its bright colors.

• Old-fashioned oats Don't use quick-cooking or instant here.
• Chia seeds we sneak these in for a little extra nutrition and texture. You can omit them if you would like.
• Nuts we use almonds, but you can use any nut you prefer. be sure they are raw. They will toast up in the oven.
• Cinnamon For warm spice.
• Olive oil we use extra virgin olive oil. It's what gives the granola that nice crunch, and golden brown color. It also adds an interesting depth of flavor. You can substitute other oils such as coconut oil or canola oil.
• Maple syrup Because it's good! It also helps to bind the oats together so they clump nicely.
• Berry jam Any jam or preserves you have will work. We always keep strawberry jam on hand. This helps to add additional sweetness and intensifies the fruit flavor.
• Vanilla Flavors the oats.
• Freeze-dried berries Look for these in well-stocked grocery stores, online, or at major retailers like Target (which is where we buy ours). They are usually located in the aisle with the dried fruits. We use a mixture of raspberries, blueberries and strawberries, but you can stick to one flavor if you prefer.

How to make granola with mixed berries

So you have never made granola before? We promise-it's so easy, you will never want to go back to the store-bought granola again.

Place all the ingredients in a bowl, and stir until the oats are well coated.

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat. Turn out the granola onto the pan, and spread it evenly. Bake at 300℉ for 35-45 minutes.

Allow the granola to cool completely. When cooled, grab the edges and begin breaking up the granola. You can break it into small or large clusters.

Lastly, add the freeze-dried berries, and give it a quick toss. We like to pulverize some to a powder and mix it right in. Store in an-airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Expert tip

Want to get crunchy granola clusters? All you need to do is break the granola into larger pieces. Start by lifting the hardened sheet of granola after it has cooled. Using your hands, break the sheet in a few different places. Keep breaking the clusters until you reach your desired size.

Substitutions and variations

This easy berry granola can be prepared a bunch of ways. Here are a few suggestions to try:

1. Coconut Add ¼ cup flaked, unsweetened coconut for a tropical twist.
2. Seeds Replace the almonds with sunflower seeds or pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for added crunch.
3. Honey Use honey, agave or even date syrup in place of the maple syrup.
4. Dried fruit Replace some of the freeze-dried fruit with dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries.
5. Spices Play around with spices like dried ginger, cloves, allspice or mace.
6. Other flavors Try adding almond or lemon extract in place of the vanilla, or use a combination of both.

How to serve mixed berry granola

First and foremost, it makes the solid snack. Pack it for those long trips, or school lunches, or eat as post work-out fuel. It also makes a great gift!

Mixed berry granola also makes the solid ice cream topping. Use it to top your favorite ice cream, or try making your own ice-cream for an extra treat.

Add crunch to yogurt or parfaits by layering the granola, or piling it high on top.

Lastly, skip the croutons, and add berry granola to salads. It would go so well with this strawberry salad for the ultimate berry experience.

Keeping leftovers

You can store this fruity granola in an air-tight canister at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Mason jars are suited to this. A sealed plastic or silicone bag will also keep the granola fresh.

When storing homemade granola, be sure it is fully cooled. If not, it can produce condensation/moisture leading to spoilage.

Want to freeze it for a later date? Store the granola in a plastic or silicone bag with a tight seal. Remove any air, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Kitchen questions

Our granola looks wet, will it harden as it dries?

Yes! After baking the granola, let it cool, undisturbed for at least 15-20 minutes before beginning to break it into clusters.

Solid pairings

Crispy and full of crunch. Granola pairs perfectly with brunch (that rhymes)!

Ingredients

Makes 3 cups

• 1½ cups old fashioned oats
• 1 tsp chia seeds
• ½ tsp Kosher or fine sea salt
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil or canola oil
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup raspberry or strawberry jam/preserves
• 1 cup freeze-dried berries (use a mixture of raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries, a 50-50 mix of berries, or use just one type of berry)

Equipment

• 9 by 13-inch baking sheet
• parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• medium-size bowl

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 300℉. Line a 9 by 13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Mix all ingredients except the freeze-dried berries in a medium-sized bowl. Stir well to coat the ingredients.

3. Pour the mixture onto the baking sheet and spread it out in a single layer. You want the mixture to touch so that it clumps together.

4. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the granola to cool in the pan, undisturbed for 15-20 minutes (it will harden as it sits). When it is cool to touch, break the sheet of granola with your hands. Add the freeze-dried fruit, and give it a quick toss. Serve immediately or store it for later use.

Kitchen notes

To make large granola clusters All you need to do is break the granola into larger pieces. Start by lifting the hardened sheet of granola after it has cooled. Using your hands, break the sheet in a few different places. Keep breaking the clusters until you reach your desired size.

Storage Store in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Can be frozen up to 3 months.