Sunflower Seed Granola

Sunflowers are native to North America and their seeds have been a staple food in Indigenous culinary traditions for thousands of years. This granola toasts rolled oats and sunflower seeds with maple syrup and cinnamon into crisp, golden clusters studded with dried fruit.

By YumYum Editorial · Indigenous & First Nations Inspired

Prep: 10 min · Cook: 25 min · Total: 35 min · Serves 8

Ingredients

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup neutral oil (such as sunflower or canola oil)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries or chopped dried apples

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, sunflower seeds, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Spread the mixture in an even layer on the baking sheet, pressing it down slightly to encourage clumping.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until golden brown and fragrant.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the sheet without stirring, which helps large clusters form.
8. Once cool, break into clusters and stir in the dried cranberries or apples.