This granola blends the bright citrus of orange with tart cranberries and the rich crunch of pecans for a breakfast that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Inspired by the flavours of cranberry-orange baked goods and hearty grain-free granola, this version uses whole nuts, unsweetened dried fruit and a touch of natural sweetener to keep it wholesome and delicious.
Unlike many commercial granolas that rely on refined sugar, this recipe uses just a few tablespoons of honey or maple syrup, along with orange juice and oven-dried cranberries, to achieve a naturally sweet, citrus-forward profile. If you can, choose unsweetened dried cranberries or dried cherries without added sugar. Store-bought sweetened cranberries are often high in added sugar, so opting for unsweetened varieties keeps the recipe lighter. If you prefer homemade dried cranberries, simmer fresh cranberries on the stove for about 20 minutes until they start to soften and pop, then dry them in a dehydrator or in a low oven (around 90°C / 200°F) for several hours until dry; the result is a fresher, less sugary bite.
This granola is highly addictive. It makes a wonderful breakfast with almond or other plant milk and also doubles as a satisfying snack—think handfuls like trail mix. Because it’s energy-dense, serve smaller portions if you’re watching calories, or add it as a crunchy topping to yogurt or smoothie bowls to stretch servings further.
If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts. You can also tag me on Instagram with your photos using the handle @everylastbite_. I enjoy seeing how you adapt recipes!
Orange, Cranberry & Pecan Granola
DFDairy Free
SCDSpecific Carbohydrate Diet
PPaleo
VVegan
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts
- 2 cups pecans
- 1 cup unsweetened dried cranberries
- 2/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup coconut flakes
- 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 3 tbsp honey or other natural sweetener such as maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F).
- Place the walnuts and hazelnuts in a food processor and pulse briefly until they break into small pieces.
- Add the pecans and pulse once or twice; keep the pecans in larger chunks for texture.
- Transfer the nut mixture to a large bowl and stir in the dried cranberries, shredded coconut and coconut flakes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, orange zest, orange juice and honey or maple syrup.
- Pour the wet mixture over the nut and coconut mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Spread the granola evenly on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes once it begins to brown to ensure even toasting. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn. When the granola is golden, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Notes & Tips
To keep sugar content low, choose unsweetened dried fruit. If you prefer a sweeter granola, increase the honey or maple syrup by a tablespoon or two, but remember that extra sweetener will make the clusters stickier. For larger clusters, press the granola lightly into the baking sheet before baking and avoid over-stirring during the first 20 minutes.
Substitutions
Swap any nuts to suit your preferences or allergies: almonds, cashews or toasted sunflower seeds work well. If you want to omit coconut, increase the nuts by 1/2 cup and add 1/2 cup rolled oats for more volume (this will change the recipe from grain-free to oat-based).
Serving Suggestions
Serve with milk or plant-based milk, spoon over yogurt or use as a topping for smoothie bowls. It also makes a great mix-in for baked goods or as a crunchy snack on its own.
Storage
Store cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or freeze portions for longer storage. If it softens, re-crisp in a low oven for a few minutes before serving.
Make-Ahead
You can prepare the granola and keep it sealed for gift jars or weekend breakfasts. It travels well and makes a thoughtful homemade present when packaged in a glass jar.
