I love granola, but it usually leaves me in sticker shock when I go to the grocery store. I like to sprinkle it over greek yogurt or I’ll grab some after I exercise. Even my 3-year old, who’s a picky eater, likes it.

So rather than spend ridiculous money on buying granola, here’s a Vegan recipe for it that doesn’t use honey. It’s delicious and easy to make. It’s less expensive than what you buy at the store! Plus, I had most of the ingredients already in my pantry.  [note: I adapted the recipe from Meet Your Treat]

Mix the following ingredients in a large bowl:
2 cups rolled oats
4 Tbsp. roasted flax seeds (I found it at Trader Joe’s)
1/2 cup of sliced almonds
1/3 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
3 Tbsp. sunflower seeds

Mix the following ingredients in a small bowl:
1/4 cup almond butter
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
3 Tbsp. vegetable oil

Combine the wet mixture with the oat mixture until everything is coated. Spread in a thin layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake in a 300 degree oven for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Allow to cool for about 10-15 minutes and then add the following:
1/3 cup craisins
1/3 cup chopped dates
1/3 cup finely chopped dried apricots

Store in an airtight container.

I needed to make a big batch before the summer heat kicks in!