Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your granola will bake evenly and achieve that delightful crunch.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3 cups of old-fashioned oats, 1 cup of shredded coconut, 1 cup of sliced almonds, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
In a separate small bowl, mix together the 3 tablespoons of honey (or maple syrup), 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of coconut oil (or olive oil). If your coconut oil is solid, you may need to microwave it for a few seconds until it melts.
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, mix everything until the oats and nuts are well coated with the sweet mixture.
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the granola mixture evenly across the baking sheet, pressing it down slightly with the spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent burning. You want a golden-brown color.
Once the granola is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. After it has cooled slightly, mix in the 1 cup of dried cranberries or your choice of dried fruit.
Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps it stay crunchy and fresh.
