How to Make Healthy, Crispy, Chewy, Delicious Granola Clusters
After several attempts, I can finally say I know how to make healthy, crispy, chewy, delicious granola clusters. I love this healthy granola recipe and the only problem with it is making sure to employ PORTION CONTROL. It would be way too easy to eat too much of this delicious granola. I love that it is a savory and sweet, gluten-free, treat. It is both crispy and chewy. Homemade granola is lovely with yogurt and fruit for a delicious breakfast bowl. Try a sprinkle of granola clusters on a salad. It can be used as an unique replacement for a crouton.
Below is the list for this delicious homemade granola. If you are missing some of the ingredients, scroll on down to the substitution list!
Ingredients for Healthy, Crispy, Chewy, Delicious Granola Clusters
- Dried cherries
- Sultana raisins
- Rolled oats
- Almond flour
- Baking soda
- Sea salt
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Pecans
- Pine nuts
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Honey
- Vanilla
- Peanut butter
- Optional: Mini-chocolate chips, finishing salt, coconut flakes
Why Another Homemade Granola Recipe?
Breakfast in Italy is different. Typically, it is a pastry and coffee. Most popular in my area is a cappuccino and cornetto. While I may be in the Mediterranean, the typical modern breakfast does not rely on the principles of the Mediterranean Diet I follow for my health. Instead, for breakfast my favorite healthy choices include fruit and nuts. After searching for a healthy granola recipe for breakfast, I knew I needed to make my own.
As you might know I think farmers markets are best for the Mediterranean Diet. In fact, when we were determining the best place to move in Italy, having access to a fresh produce market was one of our must-have criteria. The market in Ortigia, the island on which we live in Sicily, has a beautiful seaside market. It is open six days a week Monday through Saturday. It is full of affordable delicious fruits, vegetables and nuts. Even better, another area market, St. Lucia, is open on Sunday and it too has amazing produce. So, I have access to affordable fresh market daily. The best part, the dried fruit and nuts, are even more affordable at the St. Lucie market.
Since I have access to delicious fruit and nuts, what could be a better use of them than to make a delicious, homemade granola that is absolutely in line with the Mediterranean Diet? The internet is full of healthy granola recipes. Interestingly, after trying several, I realized there was a need for just one more. While the others were really nice, I did not find one that had all of the elements healthy, crispy, chewy, and delicious.
How to Make Olive Sunshine’s Granola Clusters Healthy, Crispy and Chewy?
| OTHER GRANOLA | OLIVE SUNSHINE GRANOLA CLUSTER RECIPE | |
| HEALTHY | Many other granola recipes have butter and refined sugar in the recipe. | Olive Sunshine relies on heart healthy extra virgin olive oil and natural sweeteners like honey and dried fruit. |
| CRISPY | Too often homemade granola is soggy, but this maintains a nice crunch. | The secrets? Adding baking soda which promotes a nice even browning of the granola. Also, baking the granola in an an oval and not stirring the granola during the baking time. |
| CHEWY | Some granolas are really crispy, but I love a little chew in the middle of those delicious clusters. | I added just two tablespoons of peanut butter to the recipe. Just enough to add flavor without overpowering the granola. The almond flour also ensures the clusters stick together. |
Recipe Substitutions
Do not despair if you do not have all of the ingredients in the recipe. This is the perfect recipe for substitutions.
- Dried fruit – any two dried fruits can be used. Any type of raisins, apricots, cranberries, the sky is the limit!
- Almond flour is light and full of protein making it the perfect flour to make them chewy.. If needed, all-purpose flour could be substituted. The clusters would not be gluten free or as chewy.
- Spices – cinnamon and nutmeg are staples in most kitchens, but they could be subbed out or other spices could be added. Ideas include coriander or cardamom. If you add other spices, do not overpower the recipe. The total amount of the spices should not exceed two teaspoons.
- I love pecans in this recipe, but almonds, walnuts, pistachios would also work.
- No pine nuts? Chia seeds or pepitas seeds would be great substitutions.
- Honey – want to make this vegan? Make this with maple syrup instead.
- I like to add tiny, non-allergen chocolate chips to the recipe (yes, I love these so much I brought a few bags from the United States). Some people might like to add coconut flakes.
Granola Clusters Make a Great Hostess Gift
Granola is not readily available in Sicily. I am finding my friends love to receive this granola as a gift. Make sure it is completely cooled (to avoid losing the crunch) and place it in a beautiful airtight container, or storage bag with a ribbon. Your friends and family will think of you every time they enjoy a bite of the healthy, crispy, chewy, delicious granola clusters!
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Ingredients
Optional Toppings
Instructions
Soak the dried fruit, raisins and dried cherries, in warm water. They need to soak for at least 15 minutes to prepare for baking.
Preheat the oven to 350. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, mix the dry items: rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda, sea salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Combine throughly. Add the nuts and mix.
Arrange the granola onto the prepared baking sheet. Form a large oval to allow for more crispy edges. Pat the ingredients down evenly until it is a 3/4 inch thickness. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning the pan once in the middle of the baking time. Remove and let cool on the pan for 15 minutes. Using your hands, break the granola up into clusters. Leave on the baking sheet until completely cool. Place in an airtight container. It will keep for 5-7 days.
Nutrition Per Serving
USEFUL TOOLS
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