Cashew-Chocolate Granola

As you can probably tell, I am a big fan of granola. When I first came up with this recipe, I could not stop eating it, whether it was as a smoothie topping, or by itself. It has a delicious toasty flavor and is the perfect snack on the go. Additionally, this recipe can easily be adapted to create a variety of interesting flavors, for example: almond butter with almonds and hazelnuts, or peanut butter with walnuts and peanuts! This granola is not only insanely irresistible, but it is also gluten-free, oil free, and naturally sweetened. Do not forget to come back and thank me after you have made this!

 

INGREDIENTS (Yields about 3 cups)

  • 1 Cup medjool dates
  • 1 1/2 Cups gluten-free oats
  • 1/2 Cup almonds
  • 1/2 Cup cashews
  • 1/4 Cup cashew butter
  • 1/3 Cup dairy-free chocolate chips
  • 1/3 Cup dried goji berries

Optional: 3 Tbsp. chia seeds

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Pit the medjool dates, and pulse them in the food processor until a sticky paste forms, and it appears as a ball of "dough".
  2. Roughly chop the cashews and almonds, and toast them in an oven or convection oven until golden brown.
  3. Toast the gluten-free oats in an oven or convection oven until lightly brown and fragrant. (Toasting the oats is optional, but it is preferable as it adds more flavor.)
  4. In a bowl, thoroughly mix the cashew butter and date paste until evenly combined.
  5. Add the remaining ingredients into the bowl, and mix until a crumbly granola forms.
  6. Enjoy immediately, or in a store-bought container for up to two weeks.