Chocolate Cherry Granola

If you have followed my blog for a time you already know cherries and chocolate are one of my favorite flavor combinations - they are just SO good together. I wanted to make a nut-free/oil-free granola that still felt decadent....and here it is. Lightly sweet, full of crunch, no oil.....delicious on its own or with yogurt and fruit. Enjoy! 

**When I make granola from scratch I do not like to bake the dried fruit with the oat mixture because I think it makes the fruit hard. So I just add it after everything has been baked and cooled. If you do this the cherries will stay soft and chewy. 

Ingredients:

4 cups rolled oats (GF certified if gluten free)

1 cup pepitas 

1 cup sunflower seeds

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 cup sunbutter (you can also use peanut or almond butter if you prefer)

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup dried cherries

1 cup mini chocolate chips (I use Enjoy Life bc they are dairy free)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325F

Mix rolled oats, pepitas, sunflower seeds, cinnamon, ginger and salt in a bowl. 

In a separate bowl combine sunbutter, maple syrup and vanilla extract; mix well. 

Pour the sunbutter mixture on top of the oat mix and stir well to combine. 

Pour the granola mixture onto a large parchment lined cookie sheet. Spread evenly. 

Bake for 20 minutes; check and stir after 15 minute to prevent over browning. 

Remove granola from oven and let sit until completely cool, around 30 minutes. 

Add the dried cherries and chocolate chips, stir to combine. 

Store granola in a large mason jar with a tight fitting lid or a ziplock gallon sized bag. 

Enjoy with yogurt and fruit, on top of smoothie bowls, with plant milk or just by the handful!