This pecan cranberry granola is moist and delicious. If you enjoy giving homemade gifts to your family and friends, a jar of this granola makes the perfect gift.
Each year I make variations on my mother-in-law’s cashew granola, which is the best granola I have ever had. It’s fresher and moister than any granola I’ve purchased, including from local vendors. A few years ago, I picked up making the granola after my mother-in-law stopped making it and everyone was happy to get a jar for Christmas. It brings back good memories for all of us!
This granola is so good on fresh fruit, yogurt or any way you like granola. A spoonful straight out of the jar? That’s the best way!
To present the granola as a gift, put it in canning jars or any nice glass storage container. My family often gets it in reused large glass containers, which is how my in-laws gave it to us.
This recipe makes about 16 cups of granola, so that you can give it away to everyone and still have some for yourself. You can cut it back if you don’t need such a large amount.
Tips
- Substitute the cranberries with golden raisins or chopped dates.
- Leave out the wheat germ if you don’t want to include wheat products in the granola.
Ingredients
You need the following ingredients to make this pecan cranberry granola.
- 6 cups of rolled oats
- 1/2 cup of wheat germ
- 1 1/2 cups coconut
- 2 1/2 cups chopped raw pecans
- 1 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1 cup flax seeds
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup canola oil (or another neutral oil)
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
Directions
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
Mix the oats, wheat germ, coconut, pecans, sunflower, sesame seeds, and flax seeds in a large bowl. Stir in the oil, water, and honey and mix well.
Spread the granola on two large baking pans with sides.
Bake the granola for 40 minutes, stirring it occasionally. The granola will not be crisp when it is done. You want it to remain soft.
Immediately put the granola back into a large bowl or pan, reserving the baking pans. While the granola is still warm, stir in the cranberries and vanilla.
Spread the granola back onto the baking pans to cool. When it is completely cool, store it in glass jars.
Related Posts
Here are some other food items that you can make for holiday gifts.