Homemade Mixed Berry Granola Clusters with Cashews

This homemade Mixed Berry Granola Clusters recipe combines freeze-dried raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, oats, cashew butter, cashews, chia seeds, and coconut. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and cane sugar, it’s perfect as a breakfast, snack, or topping for yogurt or ice cream without any artificial flavors or refined sugars.

MIxed berry granola with freeze-dried berries on a cookie sheet.

This homemade Mixed Berry Granola Clusters recipe with cashews is a great way to start your day or enjoy a satisfying afternoon snack. Made with all-natural ingredients like freeze-dried raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, old-fashioned oats, cashew butter, and chia seeds, these granola clusters pack incredible flavor and crunch. The blend of coconut and cashew butter adds a rich texture, while maple syrup and organic cane sugar provide just the right touch of sweetness.

Unlike store-bought granola, this recipe skips the artificial flavors, corn syrup, and refined sugars, giving you a wholesome, homemade option you can feel good about. Whether you’re topping your yogurt, adding it to ice cream for a treat, or enjoying it as a snack on its own, this granola will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. It’s simple to make and a perfect fit for your everyday routine.

Can I use fresh or frozen berries instead of freeze-dried berries in homemade granola?

It’s not recommended, as fresh or frozen berries will release moisture and may make the granola soggy. Freeze-dried berries work best in this recipe.

YouTube video

Why You’ll Love This Easy Triple Berry Granola Recipe

  • Bursting with berry flavor: Made with freeze-dried raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for a sweet, fruity crunch.
  • Wholesome ingredients: Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and organic cane sugar, no refined sugars here.
  • Perfectly crunchy: Cashew butter, chia seeds, and oats create a satisfying texture in every bite.
  • Versatile snack: Enjoy it as breakfast, a quick snack, or as a topping for yogurt and ice cream.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here is everything you need to make the best-tasting homemade granola recipe:

Old-fashioned oats: You can substitute with quick oats or gluten-free oats if you want a gluten-free version. I recommend organic oats.

Cashews: Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds or pecans can be used instead of cashews.

Freeze-dried berries: You can use a mix of berries or freeze-dried strawberries. You can also substitute them with dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots for a chewy texture. Fresh fruit or fresh berries can also be mixed in with the granola in your cereal bowl.

Shredded coconut: You can also use coconut flakes or omit them if you prefer.

Chia seeds: Replace with flax seeds or hemp seeds for a similar texture.

Organic Cane Sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar, brown sugar, or white granulated sugar.

Cashew butter: You can substitute with almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter.

Coconut oil: Avocado oil and light olive oil are the healthiest replacement oils. You can also use melted butter or a seed oil.

Maple syrup: Honey or agave nectar can also be used instead of maple syrup.

Egg whites: The eggs help the granola clump together and add a little bit of crunch. You can omit the egg whites if you prefer a vegan option. 

Cinnamon: This adds subtle flavor, but you can omit it.

Salt: If you’re reducing sodium, you can omit the salt or use a small amount of sea salt.

How to Make My Freeze-Dried Berry Granola Recipe

Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions for making this healthy granola cereal. The instructions are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.

Step 1: Mix the Granola

Preheat your oven to 350°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, cashews, shredded coconut, chia seeds, cane sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.

In a small combine the cashew butter, coconut oil, vanilla extract, egg whites, and maple syrup together, and stir with a fork or whisk until smooth.

Pour the melted mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated. Spread the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Press it down with a spatula to create the cereal clusters.

Step 2: Bake the Granola

Bake for 22-26 minutes, or until the granola is golden brown. Halfway through, turn the pan 180° so it toasts evenly.

Remove the pan from the oven and let cool completely. The granola will harden as it cools, forming clusters. Once cool, break the granola into clusters and mix in the freeze-dried berries.

Helpful Recipe Notes

Sweetness Level: You can adjust the sweetness by using more or less cane sugar or maple syrup.

Clustering: To ensure your granola forms clusters, do not stir it while baking. Press it down gently on the baking sheet before baking to help it stick together.

Texture: The granola will become crunchy as it cools. If you prefer a chewier texture, reduce the baking time slightly.

Freeze-Dried Berries: Freeze-dried berries work best in this recipe because they retain their shape and add a crunchy texture. If you use fresh or frozen berries, they will release moisture and may make the granola soggy.

Serving Suggestions

This freeze-dried berry granola is extremely versatile and tastes delicious on top of yogurt as a yogurt parfait, cottage cheese, or vanilla ice cream as a healthier dessert. My favorite way to eat this granola is in a cereal bowl with unsweetened, vanilla-flavored almond milk.

Airtight Container: Store the granola clusters in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy.

Room Temperature: Keep the container at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Refrigeration: While not necessary, you can refrigerate the granola clusters to extend their shelf life, especially if your kitchen is warm or humid.

Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the granola clusters in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Avoid Moisture: Keep the granola away from moisture to prevent it from becoming soggy. If it does lose its crunch, you can reheat it in the oven at a low temperature to crisp it up again.

Can I use different types of nuts in this easy granola recipe?
Yes, you can substitute cashews with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans according to your preference.

Can I omit the coconut?
Yes, you can omit the shredded coconut if you prefer or if you have an allergy.

How long will the granola clusters stay fresh?
​When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the granola clusters should stay fresh for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Can I make this healthy homemade granola recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by omitting the egg whites. It will still taste delicious but won’t stick together as well as clusters.

Can I customize this recipe?
Yes, you can customize this recipe by adding your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. You can also adjust the sweetness and spices according to your taste.

MIxed berry granola with freeze-dried berries on a cookie sheet.

Homemade Mixed Berry Granola Clusters with Cashews

Gluten-Free diet-friendly recipe
This homemade Mixed Berry Granola Clusters recipe combines freeze-dried raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, oats, cashew butter, cashews, chia seeds, and coconut. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and cane sugar, it's perfect as a breakfast, snack, or topping for yogurt or ice cream without any artificial flavors or refined sugars.
5 from 6 votes
Servings 16
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 24 minutes
Total Time 39 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 3-1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup cashews
  • 1/3 cup shredded coconut
  • 3 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 2 tablespoons cane sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup cashew butter
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 cup freeze-dried berries

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    In a large bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, cashews, shredded coconut, chia seeds, cane sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
    In a small bowl combine the cashew butter, coconut oil, vanilla extract, egg whites, and maple syrup together, and stir with a fork or whisk until smooth.
    Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
    Spread the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Press it down with a spatula to create the cereal clusters.
  • Bake for 22-26 minutes, or until the granola is golden brown. Halfway through, turn the pan 180° so it toasts evenly.
    Remove the pan from the oven and let cool completely. The granola will harden as it cools, forming clusters.
    Once cool, break the granola into clusters and mix in the freeze-dried berries.

Video

YouTube video

Notes

Sweetness Level: You can adjust the sweetness by using more or less cane sugar or maple syrup.
Clustering: To ensure your granola forms clusters, do not stir it while baking. Press it down gently on the baking sheet before baking to help it stick together.
Texture: The granola will become crunchy as it cools. If you prefer a chewier texture, reduce the baking time slightly.
Freeze-Dried Berries: Freeze-dried berries work best in this recipe because they retain their shape and add a crunchy texture. If you use fresh or frozen berries, they will release moisture and may make the granola soggy.

Nutrition

Calories: 254kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 5gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.003gSodium: 163mgPotassium: 347mgFiber: 5gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 181mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 5mg
Keyword clusters, freeze-dried berries, granola, triple berry
Did you make this recipe and love it?Please let me know in the comments below how it turned out 🙂

5 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This tastes better than storebought! I used the freeze dried berries from Trader Joes. I’ll have to make a triple batch next time because this went fast!!

    1. Thank you so much for the review, Doug! I always have to make a larger batch, too 🙂

  2. 5 stars
    I’m so excited to share this triple berry granola recipe with you! Please let me know what you think if you have a chance to make it 🙂

5 from 6 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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