Blueberry Granola (Vegan + Glutenfree)

If you want some super tasty granola...make this recipe.

I ate cereal a lot as a kid. My parents always made sure it was "healthy" cereal but every once in a blue moon I was allowed to pick out a box of whatever cereal I wanted. It was a total score! Almost as good as getting to ride the coin operated, kiddie horse ride at the grocery as you were leaving. You know you did it, too.  My choice of cereal usually consisted of Cocoa Puffs, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, or Captain Crunch...you know, the "good stuff" (cringe). 

When I was in college, some nights I would be too lazy to cook myself a decent meal and would settle with a big bowl of cereal on the couch watching my favorite trashy reality shows. Those were the days ;)  Now that there are two of us to cook for - not to mention the fact that my husband is very tall and needs more than a bowl of cereal to suffice him for dinner - my 'cereal for dinner nights' are pretty non-existent. For the better. 

These days, my idea of the "good stuff" cereal is one that gives me nourishing energy, protein, and keeps me full all morning. No sugar rush included. I made this granola yesterday, and I have to admit - it's pretty amazing. Perfectly crunchy, nutty, not too sweet, and super frangrant - this granola is seriously good. Not to mention, it's full of protein and fiber. 

PLUS, it only takes about 30 minutes start to finish. 

I prefer to eat my granola in a bowl with vanilla almond milk and lots of fruit, or straight from the jar. By the fistful. But it also makes a perfect topping for smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, and ice cream. 

I found some dried blueberries at the store the other day that have been sitting on my counter and they seemed to be begging to be added to the granola batter. I couldn't resist! It turned out to be a wonderful addition. This granola is perfect for breakfast or a snack on the go and provides wholesome nutrition that will keep you full and satisfied. 

Blueberry Granola (V + GF)

Healthy and nourishing vegan granola that is loaded with fiber, big on taste, and only takes 30 minutes to make!

Ingredients

• 3 cups old fashioned oats
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp chia seeds
• 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup dried blueberries
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (or honey)
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F). 
2. In a large bowl, mix oats, cinnamon, chia seeds, flaxseed, chopped walnuts, dried blueberries, and sea salt together. 
3. Add coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the bowl of dry ingredients and mix very well. 
4. Spread the mixture evenly onto a baking sheet and bake for 25-28 minutes or until golden brown. 
5. Once the granola is visibly browned, remove from the oven and let cool completely. Store in a container or jar with an air tight seal. It should keep for a couple weeks! 
6. Enjoy!

Note: If you don't toss the granola while baking, it will get clumpy (which I personally love). If you want a more crumbly granola, toss the granola halfway through baking to break up the clumps. 

xoxo, 

Lauren