Granola is by far my favourite thing to make, eat and photograph. So, of course, I couldn’t let the holiday season go by without sharing, at least, one granola recipe. I had about 5 different flavour ideas, but I eventually narrowed it down to this Chocolate Cranberry Granola. Because #chocolate.
I haven’t mentioned it on the blog yet, but I’m heading home to Trinidad tomorrow morning. It was a little touch and go there for a moment due to some passport issues, but I finally booked my ticket on Thursday. Yes, I know. Ridiculously last minute. I was actually pretty worried that I wouldn’t make it home this year. I mean, when you’re days from the 25th without any concrete travel plans, it’s time to start panicking right?
Luckily, the universe was on my side and everything worked out. But since it was such short notice, I had to scramble to get things ready to leave. Needless to say, things have been a little stressful here for the last couple days. But, the chocolate in this chocolate cranberry granola has been helping me keep it together.
My semi-stressful pre-flight to-do list reads:
- eat food in the fridge
- bake & photograph recipes for rest of December
- shop for presents
It’s actually not too bad until you get to the last one because I freakin’ hate shopping for gifts. I’m not a fan of shopping on a regular day, except for kitchen stuff. But when the malls are crowded AF and the lines are miles long, I literally can’t even. Like actually literally can’t even shop for anything.
So, this year, I’m sticking with edible gifts. Like this Chocolate Cranberry Granola. It’s easy to make, full of chocolatey goodness and festive AF thanks to the dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar-free. Sounds like the perfect gift to me.
p.s. Bonus points if you put it in a mason jar with a chalkboard label. #I’mSoPinterest
Festive Chocolate Cranberry Granola
- 1½ cups oats
- 2 tsp ground flax
- 2½ tsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ cup walnut pieces
- ⅛ cup pumpkin seeds
- ⅓ cup cranberries
- 1 tbsp coconut oil; melted
- ¼ cup applesauce
- ⅛ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ¼ cup dairy free chocolate chips
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside
- Mix together the dry ingredients, except the chocolate chips, in a large bowl
- Stir in the melted coconut oil, applesauce, maple syrup and vanilla extract and mix well
- Spread the mixture evenly out onto the lined baking sheet and bake for 20 - 25 minutes (or until golden brown) stirring half way through
- Remove from oven and stir in chocolate chips so they melt a bit
- Place the baking sheet on a wire rack and allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container
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What about you?
- What are you holiday plans?
- Are you a fan of holiday shopping?
- Do you give edible gifts? What’s your favourite?
Share in the comments below!
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I wouldn’t say no if you gifted me some of that granola :-). Looks so good! Pinned! Have a wonderful Christmas with your family. So happy you were able to work it out.
Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs recently posted…9 Ways Dogs are Smarter than Their Humans
Have an amamamamzing holiday with your family.
and really when it comes down to it GIFTS SCHMIFTS—it’s the homemade and the PEOPLE which count.
<3
All my favorite flavors in one yummy recipe! Pinned!
Yayyyy I’m so glad you’re able to make it home for the holidays! Best feeling ever. Second best feeling: devouring this granola 😀
We are cranberry granola twining!!!! This looks so muchable…and ah chocolate <3
This looks incredible! You know I have to make a gift for someone today and this would be perfect. I’m so making it!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…Paleo Salted Gingerbread Cookies {GF, Paleo, Low Cal, Vegan}
Chocolate and cranberry is always a winner! especially in granola!
rachel @ Athletic Avocado recently posted…Healthy Carrot Cake Fruit Butter
Eee! Have the BEST time celebrating Christmas at home! And leaving things ’till the last minute is my LIFE, so I totally hear ya on last minute Christmas plans. And a dislike of shopping. And adoring the combo of chocolate and cranberries. Best
Love that little jar and label! Killing it. so exciting you get to travel home for the holidays. Hope you have a safe trip and lots of fun with fam!
Thanks Ashley! Chalkboard labels are my current obsession 😍
Hope you had a good holiday 😁
This sounds awesome!! I have been BIG on granola lately. Can’t wait to try this festive batch 🙂 xoxo
Hello Giselle! Thank you so much for being part of my “20 gifts you can make this holiday season” roundup
at https://sevenroses.net/2016/12/20-gifts-can-make-holiday-season/
Happy holidays! ♥
Hi just wondering if you have the nutritional breakdown for this granola?