It may not sound or look healthy due to the white chocolate chips I’ve so shamelessly added, but when you consider some of the other ingredients–whole oats, coconut, almonds, applesauce, dried cranberries– it’s a super well-rounded snack.
To get the perfect amount of sweetness, I used three different sweeteners–brown sugar, maple syrup and applesauce. And when I say, “perfect,” I mean PERFECT.
It’s sweet enough that you could eat it on it’s own as a snack, yet not too sweet that you’ll end up with sugar milk (not that that’s ever a bad thing!) once you’ve finished a bowl. Using applesauce is a an especially great way to substitute some of the sugar.
Whether you decide to eat this granola by the handful, in milk, or in a yogurt parfait, I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s probably the best granola you’ve ever had.
PrintBrown Butter Granola with Dried Cranberries
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A delicious blend of brown butter soaked oats, almonds, rich white chocolate chips, and tart dried cranberries, perfect for a snack or breakfast.
Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups Honey Bunches of Oats cereal, coarsely crushed, or 2 cups of additional rolled oats
- 1 cup raw almonds, chopped
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, crushed cereal, almonds, and coconut. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. As the butter melts, it will start to foam, then turn a golden brown color with a nutty aroma. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the maple syrup, brown sugar, applesauce, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the oat mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until the granola is golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. It will continue to crisp up as it cools.
- Once cooled, stir in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
- Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. You can substitute additional rolled oats for the cereal if desired. The applesauce helps reduce the amount of sugar needed, making it a healthier option. Enjoy it by the handful, with milk, or in a yogurt parfait.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15 grams
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 5 grams
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the white chocolate chips with another type of chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute the white chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips if you prefer a different flavor.
What can I use instead of applesauce to maintain the same level of sweetness?
If you prefer not to use applesauce, you can substitute it with an equal amount of mashed banana or additional maple syrup, though this may alter the flavor slightly.
How do I know when the brown butter is ready for the granola?
The brown butter is ready when it turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma; be careful not to let it burn.
