this post, america's test kitchen's clumpalicious almond granola, was originally posted in april 2015! it needed an update (read: less crummy pics lol), so ta da.
isn't it sad when you think something's healthy, but it's really not?
take granola, for example. there's so much sugar in it that it really shouldn't be breakfast (in my eyes at least), and should probably be in a category more closely related to dessert. even if my own brain refuses to see granola and milk as a suitable dessert (suitable midnight snack though? YES).
and the more clumps that your granola has, the bigger the chance that it has way too much sugar. bc all that sugar helps the granola clump up niceeeeely.
so yes, this clumpalicious almond granola has more sugar than i'd like. and not even just for health reasons- i find it a bit sweet. but paired with a tangy greek yogurt and sweet / tart blood oranges? then this granola is perfect.
maybe you're in the mood for more granola because you also have no self control- how about this coconut almond cluster granola?
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup oil
- 5 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups raw almonds chopped coarsely
- 2 cups dried fruit chopped
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Whisk the maple syrup, sugar, vanilla and salt in large bowl. Whisk in the oil. Mix in the oats and almonds until well-coated.
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Transfer to Silpat-lined baking sheet and spread into a thin layer. Compress with the back of a spatula until very compact. Bake at 325F until lightly browned, 40 to 45 minutes, rotating halfway through baking. Cool to room temperature, about 1 hour. Break into pieces of your desired size. Stir in the fruit.
From America's Test Kitchen.
Any kind of oil works! I'd pick something more neutral (ie canola or vegetable), but you can use something more flavorful if you'd like (ie coconut or olive oil).
Jess says
looks awesome! And who wants to wait a whole hour before breaking up the clumps?
Heather says
Thanks for stopping by! I wholeheartedly agree- the faster I can shovel granola into my mouth, the better.
Alana | Fix Feast Flair says
Totally clumpalicious. Nothing like homemade granola. I so love that the first thing you did when you got home was make this. <3 <3
Heather says
Ahh trying not to fangirl too hard over here, but thanks! Warm granola makes me swoon a little, too.
Matea says
Granola is one of my favorite breakfasts! I would totally eyeball the maple syrup and oil, too; it makes for an easier clean-up 🙂
Heather says
At the risk of sounding way too cheesy, granola lovers unite!!
Kristen | The Frugal Girl says
Haha, I think it's hilarious that we both used the same made-up word to describe this granola!
Emma - Bake Then Eat says
Its frightening how much sugar is actually in granola, hence why I stopped buying it and almost always make it myself. I love homemade granola because you can control what goes into it.
Heather says
exactly! and half the time the dried fruit in storebought granola is all tough and leathery anyways.
Patrice says
It was almost perfect. I would either do less time or lower temp next time because the bottom was a little scorched and had that distinctive burned taste. Probably the oven inconsistent temp.But I will gobble it up anyway and my husband won’t even notice. Do you have nutritional info somewhere?
Jeremy Levine says
You left out the 2 t of cinnamon!