Strawberry Granola | Fragrant Vanilla Cake

I love home made granola!  It is so easy to make, and so much better than store bought that since I started making my own I have never gone back.  I love that I can create my own flavors as well!  The only problem with it is that when I have a pan of it cooling on the counter it is really hard to stop snacking on as it is so good and so delicious when a little bit warm still.  Last weekend I made a really simple one and it was so delicious I have to share the recipe.  It is Strawberry Granola!  Although I love nuts and coconut shreds in my granola much of the time, I really let the strawberries be the star of this one! 

I used thick rolled oats as the base, because those are what I normally eat and they give it a good crunch.  I made a coating of coconut oil, raw cashew butter, sweetened with maple syrup, strawberry powder and vanilla and it smelled amazing before even coating the granola!  This is definitely a winning combo and the aroma was so heavenly while it baked! 

I added in freeze dried strawberries after it was baked and it was perfect!  Yes, I have been using a lot of them in my recipes lately but I bought quite a lot of them and I love them in recipes because they add so much intense strawberry flavor!  This granola was so delicious sweet with strawberries and vanilla with a good crunch, so simple but so good!  My husband Eric even ate quite a bit which means it has to be good given he doesn’t usually eat any sort of oats that are not quick cooking.  If you are in the mood for a crunchy munchy snack, definitely give this Strawberry Granola a try!

Strawberry Granola

Makes 6 cups

Ingredients:

• 3 cups organic gluten free old fashioned rolled oats
• 3 Tbsp coconut oil, warmed to liquid
• 3 Tbsp maple syrup
• 3 Tbsp cup raw cashew butter or almond butter
• 1 Tbsp strawberry powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup freeze dried strawberries

Instructions:

1. Line a large baking sheet with non-stick foil, and spray with cooking spray.
2. Preheat the oven to 350F and set rack at the medium position.
3. Add oats to a large bowl.
4. In another bowl, whisk together oil, maple syrup, cashew butter, strawberry powder, sea salt, and vanilla extract until well combined, then pour over oats and toss to coat until completely blended.
5. Pour out onto prepared baking sheet, and spread out evenly.
6. Bake for 35 minutes, stirring about every 10 minutes or so until the granola is evenly browned. Remove from oven and let cool. Stir in strawberries and enjoy!