The recipe for this granola was created at our house in Florida and inspired by some granola a sweet friend in California shared with me. I looked at the package ingredients and saw that the secret ingredient was a little sweetened condensed milk. It also has lots of nuts and chia seeds. You can add any combo of mixed fruits at the end. It’s so great with yogurt and fresh fruit or just to snack on. I hope you love it too!

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups extra thick rolled oats (I love Bobs Red Mill)
  • 1 cup cashews
  • 1 cup whole almonds
  • 1 cup peanuts
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1/2 – 3/4 cup chia seeds
  • 2/3 cup coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 cup chopped dried apples (I love Trader Joe’s)
  • 1/2 cup dried blueberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment. In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, and seeds. In a 2 cup measuring cup combine coconut oil, syrup and condensed milk. Heat in microwave to liquify the oil and whisk until blended. Add vanilla and cinnamon if using. Add the liquid ingredients to the oat mixture and mix to distribute the liquid evenly in the dry ingredients. Transfer mixture in an even flat layer onto the baking sheet. Bake for 17-20 minutes, just until golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Once cooled, add the fruits. Break granola up in chunks. Granola can be stored in an airtight container or ziploc for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy!