Cinnamon Crunch Granola

Cinnamon Crunch Granola

I've searched and searched for granola recipes that don't include nuts.  My daughter has a nut allergy and she LOVES granola, so what's a mom to do?  I make it from scratch!  I used the basic components of a granola recipe, but added Cinnamon Crunch cereal to it.  This gives the granola an extra crunch and a little added cinnamon.  If you're like us, you may enjoy granola with yogurt and fresh fruit, on some vanilla ice cream, or plain as a snack. 

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 c. rolled oats
• 1 c. cinnamon crunch cereal, I buy the Aldi brand
• 1/4 c. coconut oil
• 1/4 c. maple syrup
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 tsp. cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine the oats, cereal and cinnamon in a large bowl.  
3. In another small bowl add the maple syrup and vanilla.  You will need to add the coconut oil to this small bowl, but it has to be melted first.  If you have a microwave, place the jar of coconut oil in the microwave for 15 seconds.  Stir.  Return for another 15 seconds if the oil is still solid.  Continue until you have 1/4 c. of oil to use.  We don't have a microwave, and only had about 1/4 cup left in the jar of coconut oil, so I put the jar into a small sauce pot and filled it with a little water.  I turned the water on to boil which then allowed the oil to turn to liquid.  Pictures are shown below.
4. Once the oil is liquified, whisk with syrup mixture.  Pour syrup mixture over the dry mix, and stir to combine.  
5. Spread evenly onto baking sheet.  Place in oven for 30 - 35 minutes, the granola should be browned slightly.  
6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on baking sheet.  The granola will continue to cook and harden.  After completely cooled, break granola up into bite size pieces.  Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.  

Ingredients for granola

Melting coconut oil in pot of water.

Coconut oil once melted.

Wet and dry ingredients divided.

Ready to bake.

Granola cooling on the stove.

Yummy Cinnamon Crunch Granola