This Strawberry infused Granola is a real hit!

This Strawberry infused Granola is disappearing at a rate that I can barely keep up. I just can’t seem to make it fast enough, every time I want to make myself a bowl of Granola it’s almost finished again, sigh…I’m loving that though.

It’s very simple to make, there’s just one trick.

The trick to this Strawberry Granola is to literally infuse the oat flakes with pureed strawberries, this ensures that there is Strawberry flavor in each and every single bit of the Granola. After making a Strawberry puree you let the oats soak it up until the puree is completely absorbed and then bake it in the oven. It does take a little longer to bake than usual because you want it to be completely dry before storing.
And since strawberries have natural sugar in them you end up with these little clusters of crunchies with chewy strawberry bits in them, it also has a beautiful pink hue. Then to take it from awesome to super amazing, I added freeze dried strawberries and mini white chocolate chips. The white chocolate chips can be left out if you want to make a healthier version, still really delicious.
It’s really easy to make and if you love Strawberries, a must try. What a glorious way to start the day!

Prep time : 10 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Servings : 12-14
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INGREDIENTS:

wet:
• 1/4 cup neutral flavored oil
• 1/3 cup sugar, agave syrup, rice syrup or maple syrup
• 3 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 cup strawberries, crown removed, mashed to pulp or pureed

dry:
• 4 cups whole oats
• 1 cup (freeze) dried strawberries
• 1/2 cup white mini chocolate chips or more (optional)
• pinch of salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

Pre heat the oven to 150° C / 300° F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Heat the oil and sugar or syrup in a saucepan until melted and combined, add the vanilla and stir, set aside and let cool.
Blend the Strawberries until you have a smooth puree. Add the puree to a bowl and add the oats,   stir until completely combined. Let it sit for at least ten minutes so it can soak up all the moisture. Then add the melted oil and sugar mixture, a pinch of salt and stir to combine well.

Distribute the granola evenly over the baking tray and place in the middle of the oven, bake for about 60 minutes stirring every 15 minutes. It can take a little longer depending on how fast the granola dries, keep an eye on it and check regularly.
Remove from oven and let cool completely. Once the granola comes out of the oven, do not stir anymore so clusters can form. When it has cooled down completely, add the white chocolate chips and dried Strawberries. Serve with yogurt or milk of choice.
Store in an air tight container. Will keep for about 3 weeks.

Enjoy!