Cranberry Walnut Crunchy Granola

Discovering this cranberry walnut granola was like unearthing a little breakfast treasure in my kitchen. The first time I made it, I was captivated by the balance of tart dried cranberries against the rich crunch of toasted walnuts—a combo that instantly became my go-to morning boost.

I remember once when unexpected guests showed up early on a weekend morning, and having this granola ready saved the day—serving it with yogurt and fresh fruit felt like an instant celebration around the kitchen table.

Ingredients

• Old-fashioned rolled oats: These give the granola its hearty texture and toasting them brings out a nutty, irresistible flavor
• Raw walnut halves: I always opt for these coarsely chopped to add a rich, buttery crunch
• Dried cranberries: Tart and sweet, these brighten every bite and make this granola unmistakable
• Unsweetened coconut flakes: Optional, but they add a lovely tropical whisper when included
• Ground cinnamon: Just a hint to warm up the flavors without overpowering
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall profile
• Maple syrup or honey: Natural sweeteners that help everything stick together beautifully
• Coconut oil or neutral vegetable oil: Melted so it coats perfectly, giving the granola a melt-in-your-mouth feel
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth that keeps each bite interesting

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for golden, even toasting.

Mix the Dry:

Combine oats, walnuts, coconut flakes if using, cinnamon, and salt in a big bowl. The air smells earthy and warm already.

Whisk the Wet:

In a smaller bowl, mix the maple syrup or honey, melted oil, and vanilla. The aromas start blending sweet and inviting.

Coat the Oats:

Pour the wet over the dry and stir well until every oat looks lightly glazed—this is where the magic begins.

Spread and Bake:

Spread the mixture out evenly and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure every cluster is golden and fragrant.

Cool and Add Cranberries:

Remove from oven and let cool on the tray so it crisps just right. Once cool, fold in the dried cranberries—they add pops of tart joy.

Store with Care:

Keep the granola airtight at room temperature for up to two weeks, ready to brighten any morning or snack time.

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This granola became more than just breakfast when it turned into comfort during cold mornings and a small celebration whenever friends stopped by—sharing it always felt like sharing a little joy.

Keeping It Fresh

To keep your granola at peak crispiness, always store it in an airtight jar or container. If you notice it softening, a quick re-bake at low heat for a few minutes brings back that original crunch.

When You're Missing Something

No walnuts? No problem. Pecans or almonds work beautifully and add their own character. For sweeteners, agave syrup or brown rice syrup can gently replace honey or maple syrup for different flavor notes.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

I love spooning this granola over creamy yogurt or a smoothie bowl for texture contrast. Also, sprinkling a handful over warm oatmeal just before serving amps up both flavor and crunch.

• Remember to toast nuts separately if you’re pressed for time to add crunch and aroma
• For a nut-free option, swap nuts with extra seeds like pumpkin or sunflower
• Keep an extra batch in the freezer for grab-and-go mornings

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Thanks for hanging out over this recipe chat—hope your kitchen smells as wonderful as mine does right now. Happy granola making!

Recipe FAQs

→ What nuts are used in this granola?

Raw walnut halves are the primary nut, adding rich flavor and crunch.

→ Can I substitute the sweetener used?

Maple syrup or honey provide natural sweetness, and either works well.

→ How should I store the granola?

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain crispness.

→ Is it possible to add extra seeds or nuts?

Yes, adding pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or swapping walnuts with pecans or almonds, enhances texture and flavor.

→ What temperature should the oven be for baking?

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) for even toasting without burning.