May 4, 2020

Homemade Tart Cherry Honey Granola

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Store-bought granola can be expensive and full of added sugars. I prefer to make my own, tailoring it exactly to my tastes, and using just a few ingredients. In this granola, I use dried fruit, specifically Montmorency tart cherries.
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Store-bought granola can be expensive and full of added sugars. I prefer to make my own, tailoring it exactly to my tastes, and using just a few ingredients. In this granola, I use dried fruit, specifically Montmorency tart cherries. Dried fruit will burn if added before it’s baked, so instead the tart cherries are stirred in just after the oat mixture comes out of the oven.

The coating for the cherries is best if it’s half sweetener and half neutral oil – in this recipe I use coconut oil because of the subtle coconut flavor it adds to the granola, but it can easily be substituted with grapeseed oil or another neutral oil like canola. I love the way the tart cherries balance out the sweetness of the honey granola in this recipe making it the ideal snack. Tart cherries are true to their name, adding a delicious sour-sweet flavor to any dish.

Homemade Tart Cherry Honey Granola

Montmorency US Tart Cherries

Montmorency tart cherries are grown in the US, particularly in the area around Traverse City, Michigan, the cherry capital of the world where a majority of the Montmorency tart cherry crop is grown. Utah, Washington, New York, Wisconsin, Oregon and Pennsylvania are other prominent tart cherry-producing states! They are sought after because they retain their bright ruby-red color when they are dried, frozen, canned or juiced. While the cherries are harvested during the summer months, they are available in their other forms year-round.

Key Ingredients in This Recipe

  • Oats – I use classic old fashioned oats in this recipe. They are the best choice because they keep their shape during the cooking process.
  • Honey – Honey is a natural sweetener and helps to act as a binder and hold the granola together.
  • Oil – Coconut oil has a subtle flavor and helps to give the granola a great crisp texture.
  • Almonds – Almonds are used to add texture to this granola recipe. Other nuts like pecans can be used in its place though the almond pairs well with the tart cherries.
  • Cardamom – While this spice comes in pods that can be opened and ground you can also buy it pre-ground. It adds a sweet, pungent flavor and aroma.
  • Salt – A pinch of salt helps to enhance the other flavors in the granola.
Homemade Honey Granola with Tart Cherries Feedfeed x US Tart Cherries Edits 2-4.jpg

Tips and Tricks for This Recipe

  • I like serving this granola over yogurt or with milk on cereal for a lighter breakfast.
  • You can also simply dividing it into small bags for an easy snack throughout the day.

How to Make Tart Cherry Honey Granola

  1. Heat oven. Heat oven to 250ºF (130ºC).
  2. Stir the granola. In a large bowl combine the oats, almonds, salt and cardamom. In another smaller bowl whisk together the coconut oil and honey. Pour the honey mixture over the oat mixture and stir to coat.
  3. Spread granola on a baking sheet. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, spread the mixture across the pan, pressing the mixture into an even layer.
  4. Bake granola. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes, until the mixture is golden brown.
  5. Let cool and store. Remove from oven, stir in the tart cherries and let cool completely. The mixture will still be soft when removed from the oven but will become crisp as it cools. If needed, break up the chunks of granola into smaller pieces. Store in an airtight container for up to a month.
Homemade Honey Granola with Tart Cherries Feedfeed x US Tart Cherries Edits 2-16.jpg

Homemade Tart Cherry Honey Granola

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Serves 5 cups granola

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup raw almonds
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cardamom
  • ½ cup coconut oil
  • ½ cup honey
  • 1 cup dried tart cherries

Instructions:

  • Heat oven to 250ºF (130ºC).
  • In a large bowl combine the oats, almonds, salt and cardamom. In another smaller bowl whisk together the coconut oil and honey. Pour the honey mixture over the oat mixture and stir to coat.
  • Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, spread the mixture across the pan, pressing the mixture into an even layer.
  • Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes, until the mixture is golden brown.
  • Remove from oven, stir in the tart cherries and let cool completely. The mixture will still be soft when removed from the oven but will become crisp as it cools. If needed, break up the chunks of granola into smaller pieces. Store in an airtight container for up to a month.

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  1. 5 stars
    It is insane how much different and significantly better homemade granola tastes. You have to try it! This is also quick and easy. I swapped blueberries for cherries. I put this in overnight parfaits and eat it by the handful too.

  2. Excellent recipe, simple and not overpowered by too many ingredients so that you can taste each of the components. The cardamom was especially nice, and I used lavender honey. Recipe is easy and comes together quickly. Thanks!