I used to make granola all the time, but I never got the chance to post this granola recipe. I’m glad I waited until now though, because I’ve managed to perfect it into something that you’re going to love.

I know it’s strange for me to throw shade on my own recipe, but I must, for your sake. Granola is like a nutrition myth all its own, because it’s frequently thought of as ‘health food’, but really it’s more like an indulgence. My granola has very few ingredients, and although it’s made with healthy ingredients, I’d still limit your serving to around 1/3 cup. I mean, it’s amazing on yogurt, or on fruit, or *ahem* by the handful, but it is calorie-rich. I can assure that my granola does TASTE better than other granolas, though!

With cherries, pumpkin seeds, and cacao nibs, there’s a lot of nutrition in this granola recipe. It makes the ideal pre-sport snack or, a yummy breakfast on top of yogurt.

As you probably know, I am obsessed with my cast iron pan, and I figured it would be the best way to make this granola recipe. Cast iron goes from stovetop to oven, it heats completely and evenly, and by toasting the oats, seeds, and coconut on the stove in the pan, I felt like I had greater control than if I had done it in the oven. That stuff burns easily!

If you don’t have a cast iron pan, toast everything in the oven on a rimmed sheet pan, and bake the granola on the same pan. Easy.

If you’re not into cherries, swap them out for another dried fruit. Same with the pumpkin seeds – this would be delish with walnuts, peanuts, whatever. And flax seed would be a fabulous addition as well – toss 1/4 cup in there along with all the other ingredients if you want.

This granola recipe makes an awesome hostess gift – just make up a batch, and gift it in a ribbon-tied mason jar. Give this to your host…you’ll be invited back next week. Promise.

 

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Cast Iron Pan Granola with Cherries and Pumpkin Seeds

This deadly good granola is a snap to make in your cast iron pan! With cherries, pumpkin seeds, coconut, and cacao, it's packed with nutrition and taste.

Servings: 8 Cups
Ingredients
  • 4 cups large flake oats
  • 1.5 cups dried cherries
  • 1.5 cups dried unsweetened coconut flakes or shreds
  • 1/3 cup cacao nibs
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons + ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. In a seasoned cast iron pan, toast the oats, coconut, and pumpkin seeds, stirring often, until slightly browned and fragrant. Remove from heat but leave in the pan.
  3. Stir the cacao nibs and cherries into the oat mixture and mix to distribute evenly.
  4. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut oil, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon and whisk until combined. Bring to a simmer, whisking often, then remove from heat and pour over the oats mixture in the cast iron pan.
  5. With a wooden spoon, toss the granola until it’s thoroughly coated with the maple syrup mixture.
  6. Place the pan with the granola into the oven and bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes, until browned. Careful that it doesn’t burn or brown too much! Check it often.
  7. Let cool and break into pieces.
  8. Just try to stop eating it. Good luck.

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