Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an even toast.
- Place the 1/3 cup (2.6 oz / 75g) coconut oil, 6. 0 pitted dates, and 1.0 cup (3.4 oz / 96g) of the almond flour into a food processor and pulse until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Add the 1.0 cup (4.6 oz / 130g) pumpkin seeds to the food processor and pulse a few times until they are roughly chopped, maintaining enough size for a satisfying crunch.
- Transfer the date mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the remaining 1.0 cup (3.4 oz / 96g) almond flour, 2.0 tsp (0.18 oz / 5.2g) cinnamon, 1.0 tbsp (0.46 oz / 13g) vanilla, and 0.5 tsp (0.1 oz / 3g) sea salt until fully incorporated.
- Spread the mixture in a thin, even layer onto your prepared baking sheet and bake for 20. 0 to 30.0 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the cereal is beautifully browned and fragrant.
- Remove the tray from the oven and let the cereal cool on the pan for at least 10.0 minutes before stirring in the 1/2 cup (2.6 oz / 75g) dried blueberries and 1/2 cup (1.1 oz / 30g) coconut flakes to preserve their texture.
- Cool Before Adding Fruit: Never add your dried blueberries or coconut flakes while the cereal is hot. Wait at least 10 minutes; otherwise, the blueberries will become tough and the coconut will lose its delicate snap.
- Check Your Dates: Ensure your dates are soft and jammy. If they feel hard or dry, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes and pat them dry before adding them to the food processor. This ensures the natural sweetness binds the cereal together.
The "Halfway Stir" Rule: To achieve an even, golden-brown crunch without burning the edges, make sure to stir the mixture thoroughly halfway through the baking time. This redistributes the almond flour and pumpkin seeds for consistent heat exposure.
Texture Control: If you prefer larger clusters (similar to gluten-free granola), press the mixture firmly into the baking sheet with a spatula before putting it in the oven and avoid stirring too aggressively.