Crunchy and Delicious Granola

Ingredients

• 3 cups thick-cut oatmeal
• 1/2 cup hulled sunflower seeds
• 1/3 cup hulled pumpkin seeds
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons flax seeds
• 1 tablespoon wheat germ
• 1 cup chopped dried cherries
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Combine oatmeal, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds, wheat germ, chopped dried cherries, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl.

Mix applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla in a separate bowl.

Pour applesauce mixture over the oatmeal mixture; mix until evenly coated.

Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets; smooth into a single thin layer.

Bake in preheated oven 20 minutes, stir gently to turn, and continue cooking until crisp and golden brown, another 15 to 20 minutes.