Chef notes
Peanut butter has always been one of my favorite foods. I also love granola but was never able to find a store-bought brand that I liked with lots of crunchy clusters. So, I decided to create my own granola recipe. This one is inspired by the classic combination of peanut butter and jelly. The dried berries add the perfect amount of jamminess to this slightly sweet, slightly salty and crunchy snack. I like to layer this granola in a vanilla or strawberry smoothie or with berries and yogurt, but it's also great to eat straight from the jar as a pre- or post-workout snack.
Technique tip: Pressing the granola down with the back of a spatula at the end of the baking process ensures that it breaks into crunchy clusters when cooled.
Swap option: Substitute dried cranberries, cherries, raspberries or blueberries for dried strawberries.
(Created by TODAY with our sponsor, Jif.)
Ingredients
- 6 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup lightly salted peanuts
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup lightly packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1½ cups dried strawberries
Preparation
1.Position rack in middle of oven and preheat to 300 F. Lightly spray a large baking sheet with nonstick spray.
2.Mix oats, peanuts, coconut, brown sugar and salt in a large bowl.
3.Combine peanut butter, honey, vanilla, cinnamon and water in the work bowl of a food processor or a blender; puree until well blended and smooth.
4.Pour peanut butter mixture over oat mixture; stir well. Toss mixture until thoroughly blended and evenly coated.
5.Spread granola on prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
6.Bake until golden brown and dry, stirring occasionally, 35-45 minutes. During the last few minutes of baking, press the granola down all over, using the backside of a spatula.
7.When the granola is done baking, transfer the baking sheet to a rack; cool completely.
8.Break the granola into pieces and transfer to a large bowl; stir in dried strawberries. Store at room temperature in a sealed container.
