Make this Pistachio Cherry Granola for the most delicious and healthy breakfast you’ll enjoy all week. It’s naturally gluten-free and vegan when you use gluten-free oats.
This homemade granola delivers a perfect balance of crunch and wholesome flavor. The combination of toasted pistachios and chewy dried cherries pairs beautifully with oats and seeds for a nutrient-rich breakfast topper. Use it on yogurt, stirred into oatmeal, sprinkled over smoothie bowls or eaten by the handful as a snack.
All the Ingredients You’ll Need
This simple recipe comes together quickly and requires basic pantry staples plus a few nuts and seeds. It yields a crisp, golden granola with pops of green pistachio and bursts of tart cherry.
- 2 cups rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats if needed)
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1 cup raw pistachio nuts, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup olive oil (or neutral oil of choice)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
- Sweetener: If you don’t have maple syrup, use honey (not vegan) or brown rice syrup for a similar glaze.
- Nuts: If pistachios are unavailable, substitute chopped almonds, pecans or walnuts for similar texture and flavor.
- Dried fruit: Swap dried cherries for raisins, dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots or chopped dates.
- Oil: Use melted coconut oil, avocado oil, or melted butter for a richer taste.
How to Make the Granola Crispy and Golden
Achieving a crunchy granola is mostly about moisture control, fat and gentle heat. Follow these tips for the crispiest results:
- Add enough fat (oil or melted butter) so the oats and nuts are evenly coated — this promotes browning and crunch.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) or lower to dry the mixture slowly rather than burning it. Stirring partway through helps even browning.
- Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, clusters form and it crisps up significantly.
Recipe: Pistachio Cherry Granola
Yields: 8 servings • Prep: 10 minutes • Cook: 20 minutes • Total: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1 cup raw pistachio nuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup olive oil (or substitute)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, sunflower seeds, chopped pistachios, sesame seeds, sea salt and cinnamon. Toss to mix evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and maple syrup until smooth. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and toss thoroughly so everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the granola mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes, remove from the oven and gently toss to encourage even browning. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, then check. If needed, bake an additional 5–10 minutes until the granola is golden and fragrant, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately scatter the dried cherries over the warm granola. Toss to distribute. Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet for at least 20 minutes; it will crisp up as it cools.
- Once cool, transfer to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dark place for up to four weeks.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Store completely cooled granola in an airtight jar or resealable bag. Kept in a cool, dark place, it will stay fresh for up to four weeks. Serve with plain or flavored yogurt, spooned over oatmeal, layered in parfaits, or enjoyed straight from the jar as a crunchy snack.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
- Serving size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 321 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 7 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guide only.
Author: Lee Hersh
If you make this recipe, try customizing the mix-ins—pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut or a touch of vanilla extract can add new layers of flavor. Enjoy a bowlful of crunchy pistachio cherry granola to start your morning on a bright, nutritious note.