This apricot and tahini granola packed with rich, nutty flavour and naturally sweet dried fruit is totally vegan and gluten free.

Perfect for sprinkling over yoghurt or porridge, enjoying with plant milk, or snacking straight from the jar. The blend of nuts, seeds, and oats makes this apricot and tahini granola a nutritious choice. It’s also refined sugar free and a guilt-free treat you can enjoy any time of day.

I’m very much of the opinion that homemade granola is the best. Trust me because I’ve tried all the shop bought granola (granola topped porridge is my winter go-to).  And any time I make my own granola I am always amazed by its simple perfection.

Homemade granola ingredients

Gluten-Free Oats: The base of most granola recipes, oats provide a hearty and chewy texture essential to the overall crunchiness of the granola. Oats are nutrient-dense and offer a good source of dietary fibre, supporting healthy digestion and helping you feel full longer. Additionally, they are rich in important vitamins and minerals making them a great choice for a nutritious breakfast or snack.  Oats are naturally gluten free but can be contaminated during package so check your packaging. But if gluten intolerance isn’t an issue in your home, use whatever oats you’d like.

Cashews: These nuts add a deliciously creamy and mild sweetness that balances the flavour of the granola. They are an excellent source of healthy fats, particularly oleic acid, which is beneficial for heart health. Cashews also provide a good amount of magnesium, which is important for bone health and energy production. Their rich, buttery texture complements the chewiness of the oats.

Sunflower Seeds: These tiny seeds pack a powerful nutritional punch. They have high levels of vitamin E, an important antioxidant that protects your cells from damage. Sunflower seeds also contain a good amount of healthy fats, protein, and fibre. A perfect ingredient for adding texture and nutrients to your granola.

Pumpkin Seeds: Loaded with nutrients, including zinc, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids; these seeds add a delightful crunch and a mild, nutty flavour to the granola. Pumpkin seeds are also a great source of plant-based protein, making them a fantastic addition to a healthy, balanced diet. Their vibrant green colour adds visual appeal to the granola as well.

Dried Apricots: Dried apricots have many health benefits, including being a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Tahini:Made from ground sesame seeds it brings a unique flavour and creamy texture to the granola. It’s a great source of healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. Tahini adds a richness to the granola that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the dried fruit and warmth of the spices.

Agave Syrup: Adds natural sweetness to the granola. It helps bind the ingredients together and is less processed than refined sugar making it a healthier option to sweeten your granola. Or anything for that matter!

How to make apricot tahini granola

This one bowl, one tray mix is super simple. Start by tipping all the dry ingredients – apart from the apricots – into a large bowl.

Gently warm together the coconut oil, tahini and agave syrup then stir into the bowl of dry ingredients, making sure everything is well mixed together.

Tip onto a large baking tray and spread fairly flat. Bake for 10 minutes, give the whole tray a stir then return to the oven for a further 10 minutes. While it’s cooking, roughly chop the dried apricots.

When the granola is cool, scatter on the chopped dried apricots then transfer the granola to a sealable jar. This keeps for at least a month at room temperature.

For an extra bit of luxury add some dark chocolate chips when you add the apricots.

How to use homemade granola

Granola is a perfect for so many things:

• Porridge topper
• Scatter over yoghurt
• Or pancakes
• Baked oats – I love warmed baked oats topped with yoghurt and a sprinkle of homemade granola
• Toast spread with almond or peanut butter, topped with sliced banana and granola
• Crunchy topping for ice cream
• Lovely crunchy contrast with warm fruit compote

Or serve it simply with milk as its own breakfast!  Homemade granola also makes a great gift, I’ve had so many people thank me after gifting them my granola!

Looking for even more homemade granola recipes? Try these:

Peanut Butter Granola

Gingerbread Granola

Goji and Quinoa Granola Bars

Chocolate Orange Granola

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