Breakfast just became more delicious with The Best Almond Cherry Granola Recipe!
Crunchy clusters, toasted almonds and walnuts, sweet-tart cherries, warming cinnamon, and bright orange zest come together to create the most irresistible homemade granola.
The Best Almond Cherry Granola You’ll Ever Make
There’s something very comforting about pulling a tray of homemade granola from the oven. The kitchen fills with the cozy aroma of toasted oats, cinnamon, and fresh orange zest, promising slow mornings, steaming mugs of tea, and nourishing breakfasts.
This Almond Cherry Granola has become a staple in my Plant Magic kitchen because it’s everything a great granola should be:
- perfectly crunchy
- lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup
- filled with wholesome nuts and seeds
- naturally rich in fiber and healthy fats
- incredibly easy to make
Whether you sprinkle it over creamy yogurt, pour it over your favorite milk, scatter it across smoothie bowls, or simply enjoy a handful as an afternoon snack, this healthy homemade granola is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again.
A Little Plant Magic!
Every ingredient in this granola brings something special to the bowl.
Whole rolled oats provide slow-releasing energy to keep you satisfied throughout the morning. Walnuts and hazelnuts add buttery richness while offering heart-friendly fats. Pumpkin, sunflower, hemp, and chia seeds create incredible texture while contributing plant protein, fiber, and minerals.
Then comes the little bit of magic.
Fresh orange zest brightens every bite, while cinnamon adds warmth and depth. Finally, chewy dried cherries offer little bursts of sweetness that perfectly balance the toasted nuts.
It’s simple pantry food transformed into something truly special.
The Secret to Perfect Crunchy Granola
The biggest mistake people make when baking granola is turning the oven temperature up too high.
Granola needs patience.
A moderate oven allows the oats, nuts, and seeds to toast evenly without burning. The maple syrup slowly caramelizes while the olive oil helps create beautiful golden clusters.
As difficult as it may be, allow the granola to cool completely before digging in. That’s when the real magic happens—it crisps up beautifully as it cools.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally sweetened with maple syrup
- Made with heart-healthy olive oil
- Packed with wholesome nuts and seeds
- Great for meal prep
- Keeps for weeks
- Easy to customize
- Perfect for breakfast or healthy snacking
Ingredient Highlights
Old-Fashioned Oats
The hearty foundation of every good granola, adding fiber and satisfying texture.
Walnuts & Hazelnuts
These toasted nuts provide wonderful crunch and rich, nutty flavor while contributing healthy unsaturated fats.
Seeds
Pumpkin, sunflower, hemp, and chia seeds add protein, minerals, and plenty of satisfying crunch.
Orange Zest
One of my favorite secret ingredients. It lifts the entire recipe and makes the granola taste incredibly fresh.
Cinnamon
A warming spice that makes your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly while complementing the sweetness of the maple syrup.
How to Make Almond Cherry Granola
Making homemade granola couldn’t be easier.
- Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine all of the dry ingredients.
- Whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, vanilla, and orange zest.
- Pour the wet mixture over the oats and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread into an even layer.
- Bake until golden, stirring once halfway through.
- Allow to cool completely before stirring through the dried cherries.
That’s it!
One pan, one bowl, and about 30 minutes later, you’ll have a batch of beautifully crunchy homemade granola.
Plant Magic Variations
One of my favorite things about homemade granola is how adaptable it is. Think of this recipe as your starting point.
Swap the Nuts
Try any combination of:
- almonds
- pecans
- walnuts
- hazelnuts
- cashews
- pistachios
- macadamias
Change the Seeds
Mix and match:
- pumpkin seeds
- sunflower seeds
- hemp hearts
- flaxseed
- chia seeds
- sesame seeds
Delicious Add-Ins
After baking, stir in your favorites:
- dried cherries
- cranberries
- chopped dates
- raisins
- dried blueberries
- apricots
- goji berries
- unsweetened coconut flakes
- crystallized ginger
- cacao nibs
- dark chocolate chips (once completely cool)
Ways to Enjoy Homemade Granola
This granola rarely lasts long in our house.
Try serving it:
- with oat, soy, or almond milk
- over Greek or dairy-free yogurt
- layered into breakfast parfaits
- sprinkled over smoothie bowls
- on baked apples
- over stewed pears
- with fresh berries
- by the handful as a healthy snack
It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift when packed into a beautiful glass jar and tied with ribbon.
Don’t forget to Pin it for later!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn’t my granola crunchy?
Most often it’s because it hasn’t cooled completely. Granola continues crisping as it cools.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Simply use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
Can I freeze homemade granola?
Yes! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
Certainly. You can slightly reduce the maple syrup if you prefer a less sweet granola, although it does help create those lovely crunchy clusters.
I hope you love this Granola. I’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment and rate the recipe! Thanks so much and happy cooking:)
Looking for more scrumptious breakfast ideas? Try these!
Vegan Breakfast Cookies
Chia Pudding
Cherry and Almond Granola
A delicious, heart-healthy way to start the day!
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup raw hazelnuts
- ½ cup raw walnuts
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup hemp hearts
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
-
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
Stir In After Baking
- ½ cup dried cherries (or dried cranberries, chopped dates, apricots, or raisins)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine all of the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, vanilla, and orange zest.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the oat mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
- Bake for 20 minutes, stir well, then return to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant.
- Allow the granola to cool completely—it will become crisp as it cools.
- Stir through the dried cherries.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: baked
- Diet: Vegan
Wow! so healthful and delicious!!!
Wow! great breakfast!
Thank you so much Jane! I hope you love it:)