Disclaimer: This post was developed in sponsorship with California Dried Plum Board, however all opinions are my own.
In case you didn’t know – March is Nutrition Month. And this year it’s all about Unlocking the Potential of Food.
So, I though’t I’d start with prunes. You know, those digestive power-houses that help keep you regular. Did you also know that eating just one daily serving of 5-6 prunes supports bone health? That’s right. Because of some new research they’re now being considered that “whole package” when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Prunes are also a source of dietary fiber, and each serving of 5-6 prunes (40g) contains only 100 calories.
And they’re also incredibly versatile. You can add them to your smoothies, salads, and in this case – even crunchy delicious granola.
If you’ve never made your own granola before. You’re truly missing out. It tastes sooooo much better than any store bought versions. And it’s usually a lot lighter, as you can control how much fat goes in. Along with any un-needed extra ingredients. And as an added bonus, you can customize it to add whatever items you like.
#ad Prunes for bone health? That's right, 5-6 per day may support healthy bones. So reap the benefits with this #vegan easy & delicious Maple Coconut Prune Granola #EatCAprunes #Prunes4BonesClick To TweetHere I made sure to incorporate California Prunes so you get those heart, bones, and intestinal benefits. Because hey – those are all pretty darn important.
To make this tasty Maple Coconut Prune Granola, firstly preheat an oven to 300°F. Then in a large bowl, combine the oats, millet, walnuts and chia seeds. Stir them all together.
In a separate small bowl, stir together the maple syrup, grapeseed oil and coconut extract. Then add this mixture to the large bowl, stirring well until evenly combined.Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Add the granola to the pan and spread evenly. Place in preheated oven for 40 minutes.
Make sure you stir the granola every 10 minutes so that it doesn’t clump together. And add the coconut to the pan in the last 20 minutes of baking so that it roasts perfectly (and not too much).
Once the granola is a vibrant golden color, remove the pan from the oven and stir in the chopped California Prunes. Let it cool prior to serving, and enjoy! Your bones will thank you later.
Ingredients
- 2.5 cup large flake oats
- 3/4 cup millet, un-cooked
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup grapeseed oil
- 1 tsp coconut extract
- 1/2 cup coconut flakes, unsweetened (or 1/3 cup shredded)
- 1/2 cup California Prunes, chopped (about 7-9 prunes)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- In a large bowl, combine oats, millet, walnuts and chia seeds. Stir together.
- In a separate small bowl, stir together the maple syrup, grapeseed oil and coconut extract. Then add this mixture to the large bowl, stirring well until evenly combined.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Add the granola to the pan and spread evenly. Place in preheated oven for 40 minutes.
- Stir every 10 minutes. And add the coconut to the pan in the last 20 minutes of baking.
- Once granola is golden in color, remove from the oven and mix in the California Prunes. Let cool prior to serving.
Sounds delicious!
Thanks Abbie! It definitely is 🙂
This looks amazing! Talk about granola goals. I love coconut + prunes and those flavors with the maple granola sounds heavenly 🙂
Hello Whitney,
Thank you!! The flavour combo is delish, hope you give it a try, and would love to know how it goes when you do!
Cheers.
-Charlene
I’ve never thought to include prunes in my granola but that’s definitely changing now- this looks so yummy and love all their health benefits!
Hi Shannon,
Glad I could give you some prune inspiration! 🙂 They are delish.
-Charlene
Love homemade granola! My grandma introduced whole prunes to me, she used to boil them in a little water and eat them warm!
Hi Rebecca,
That sounds amazing!! Your grandma is onto something good 😉
-Charlene
Loooooove prunes! Going to try some in my granola next batch.
Hi Jodi,
Aren’t they great!! Enjoy them 🙂
-Charlene