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    Home Β» Recipes Β» Gluten Free

    Sweet Cherry Quinoa Granola

    Published: Dec 7, 2012 Β· Modified: Jan 12, 2022 by Lauren Kelly Β· This post may contain affiliate links.

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    This Sweet Cherry Quinoa Granola isn't packed with unnecessary sugar and preservatives like the store bought variety. Β It's loaded with wholesome ingredients like quinoa and sweet cherries that make this granola healthy and super delicious!

    Healthy granola on a baking sheet.Pin

    This delicious healthy granola recipe is just one of so many in my new cookbook, The Everything Wheat Free Diet Cookbook!

    I placed this recipe under my "Kids" chapter because it is such a huge hit with the kids, but the truth is, EVERYONE loves this granola! Β You can either make these into bars, or break it up into chunks for granola (as shown in the picture). Β 

    Granola is one of those foods that people just assume is healthy to add to your yogurts, cereal or just to snack on. And while it can be a very healthy option, many of the store bought varieties are loaded with unnecessary sugars ad preservatives.

    This granola is made with all REAL ingredients.  It is healthy, nutritious  and packed with protein, fiber and antioxidants.  

    The beauty of this granola is you can substitute whatever dried fruit you'd like (make sure they are unsweetened) and you can use peanut, almond or cashew butter instead of sunflower seed. Β Get creative and use what you have on hand.

    Just make sure you put it in portion controlled baggies so you don't overeat. Β It's THAT good!

    Recipe Tips

    One recipe makes a whole big batch of this granola. Although it might look like a lot, I promise it will not last long in your house.

    Especially if you have kids. Or a very hungry husband.

    I know from experience. And I am not above hiding some of this granola after I place them in portion controlled containers (or even plastic bags).

    If I don't the kids will eat all of it. Even when I barely got to have any.

    If you don't have the actual nuts or seeds that I posted in the recipe, feel free to mix it up according to what you like or what you have in your house. I know I have made this a variety of ways... I have used all types of different nuts, seeds, dried fruits and have even tried it with honey instead of maple syrup.

    Just so you know it would no longer be vegan if you use honey but it still tastes delicious!

    I love using my homemade sunflower seed butter or my cinnamon pecan butter in this recipe!

    Healthy granola spread out on a baking sheet.Pin

    Related Recipes

    Slow Cooker Pumpkin Quinoa Granola from Lauren Kelly Nutrition

    Healthy Granola Recipe from Cookie and Kate

    Gluten Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola from Lauren Kelly Nutrition

    The Best Healthy Granola Recipe from Gimme Some Oven

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    Pin

    Sweet Cherry Quinoa Granola

    This delicious healthy granola recipe is made wit wholesome ingredients and simple to make!
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast, brunch, pre-workout, treat, vegetarian
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 10 servings
    Calories: 249kcal
    Author: Lauren Kelly

    Ingredients

    • 1 Β½ cups puffed rice cereal
    • 1 cup rolled oats make sure they are wheat free
    • 1 cup cooked quinoa
    • Β½ cup dried cherries unsweetened
    • β…“ cup sunflower seeds
    • β…“ cup sliced walnuts
    • ΒΌ cup pumpkin seeds
    • 2 tablespoons flax ground
    • 2 tablespoons chia seed ground
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • Β½ teaspoon sea salt
    • β…“ cup sunflower seed butter
    • 6 tablespoons pure maple syrup

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients including the quinoa.
    • In a small sauce pan, heat the almond butter and syrup over medium low heat until it becomes liquidy and smooth.
    • Pour the liquid ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix together until fully combined and everything is coated evenly.
    • Spread the granola out on the parchment lined baking sheet, into a thin ΒΌβ€³ layer.
    • Bake in the center of a warmed oven for 25 minutes, until the granola is browned and slightly crispy. (Don't cook any longer, it may not look burnt but it will be).
    • Let the granola cool for about 10 minutes on the baking sheet.
    • Transfer to a flat surface and cut into bars and finish cooling on a wire rack.
    • Either enjoy in bar form or crumble as granola pieces.

    Notes

    To store: Place cooled granola in a plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature for 3 days and in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 122mg | Potassium: 183mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 226IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @lkellynutrition or tag #lkellynutrition!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jennifer

      July 22, 2021 at 9:29 pm

      5 stars
      Okay, this granola is just AMAZING! Never buying store bought again!

      Reply
    2. Valentina

      July 22, 2021 at 2:18 pm

      5 stars
      This homemade granola recipe is so good and so EASY to make!

      Reply
    3. abigail

      July 22, 2021 at 2:07 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of my favorite granola recipes to add into my yogurt! So tasty!

      Reply
      • Lauren Kelly

        July 22, 2021 at 2:13 pm

        SO happy you loved it!

        Reply
    4. lauren.kelly

      May 03, 2013 at 8:06 pm

      Oh I see, did you use enough maple syrup? Maybe use a little more to hold them together? Good luck πŸ™‚

      Reply
    5. Debbie

      May 03, 2013 at 1:17 am

      I made this granola and it is delicious but after I baked it it crumbled and I couldn't get it to hold together in bars. Any suggestions? I was also wondering if you could use almond butter instead of sunflower seed butter.
      Thanks

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        May 03, 2013 at 1:21 am

        Hi Debbie! I've used almond butter, sunflower seed and peanut butter in this recipe. Let me know how you like it πŸ™‚

        Reply
        • Debbie

          May 03, 2013 at 7:59 pm

          Hi Lauren
          I have already tried the granola and it is delicious but I will try with almond butter the next time. The one problem I had was that it crumbled after baking, I couldn't cut it in to bars. I wondered if you had any suggestions on this because I definitely want to make it again.
          Thanks

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