Bring the scents of cozy warmth and cheer to you home by making this stove-top cranberry pecan spicy skillet granola. Gluten-free and vegan, the perfect healthy treat to munch on, morning, noon, or night!
When the random granola–making–craving hits, that’s just what a girl has to do. I found myself last week in need to some granola making, not just to replenish my stock, but also to just relax and enjoy one of my favorite past times of granola baking. However, instead of using the oven this time, I made my granola in my lovely new cast iron skillet! (I actually made a different granola recipe with the skillet a few weeks ago, but I decided to share this one first). My new cast iron that I got 2 months ago finally gets its debut on the blog!
I am obsessed with this lovely skillet! Cast iron is life changing! You can make anything and everything in it. So far that’s been chicken, breads, granola, and simple roasting. Maybe it’s all psychological, but I have to agree with everyone when they rave about how good things taste when made in a cast iron! If you don’t have one (I never did before this), you must get one! Last minute addition to the Christmas list perhaps? Or you can buy one with any gift cards you get! The one I decided on was the Lodge L8SK Pre-Seasoned (10.25 inch) Skillet. There are a bunch of other size options too, but I feel like 10 inch – 12 inch is the perfect size for what most people need.
So far, I am very pleased with my choice and I’m kicking myself for not buying one sooner! So worth it! Anyway, you know how I said I wanted to try granola in the slow cooker, that hasn’t happened yet, but I think the cast iron is going to be my go-to way from now on! The flavor is incredible and I think it tastes even better than if you put it in the oven. It’s also easier to get it crispy without burning it. You can add things if need be, stir it easily, and cooks up a bit quicker too. The best part? You still get the wonderful smell of baking granola and spices, seeping all throughout the house! This granola in particular makes the home smell like a Christmas winter wonderland!
How did I achieve the Christmas/winter love and hugs smell? It’s all in the spices! O, and maybe the cranberries and pecans had something to do with it too! When you combine cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves, you can’t get more wintery! I also cooking the granola with 2 whole cinnamon sticks to add even more flavor (you take them out once it’s done). I may have stood at the stove stirring and breathing in this granola much more than was necessary, but that’s what winter weekend “baking” is all about…right?
Now, I’m just going to take a wild guess here and say you’ll be either going to someone’s house this week or having someone over? Yes? Since Christmas is, you know, this Friday! If you don’t celebrate Christmas, I’m assuming you celebrate New Years (obviously, we all do!) So either way, this granola needs to happen on your stove. If you’re having people over, you should make it before they arrive so the house smells wonderful and you’ll have a sweet snack to serve. If you’re going to someone’s house, you should make some to gift to show your love and gratitude to the host!
But you can’t forget to make some for yourself either. That would be a tragedy! A great granola tragedy!
One more note about this fabulous granola before I reveal the recipe. I used freeze-fried cranberries! I saw them in the store and just had to buy some, knowing full well they would be used for granola. I’m sure you can use unsweetened dried cranberries if that’s all you have, but I urge you to look for the freeze-dried! They are the indicator for telling when the granola is just right!
Cranberry Pecan Spiced Skillet Granola
- 2 Cups Gluten-Free Rolled Oats
- 1½ Cups Puffed Millet
- 1½ Cups Unsweetened Freeze-Dried Cranberries
- 1 Cup Raw Unsalted Pecan Peices
- 1 TB Roasted Flax Seed
- 1 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ¼ Tsp Ground Allspice
- ¼ Tsp Ground Nutmeg
- ¼ Tsp Ground Cloves
- ½ Tsp Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract
- 3 TB Stevia Syrup(or ¼ Cup Pure Maple Syrup)
- 1 TB 100% Cranberry Juice
- 2 Whole Cinnamon Sticks
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients excpet the cinnamon sticks and mix together well until all is coated and blended.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet on the stove over high heat for 3 minutes. Once hot, pour the granola into the skillet. Add the cinnamon sticks to the granola mixture.
- Cook the granola over medium heat stirring often, for about 20-25 minutes. When the cranberries shrivel and start to darken, the granola will be ready.
- Turn off the heat, remove the cinnamon sticks, and let cool in the skillet before storing in an airtight container.
Can’t you just smell the aroma through these pictures? I hope you can, but it will be even better once you get in the kitchen and start cooking this cranberry pecan granola! You will please your guests and yourself. Your nose and taste buds will thank you even more 😉
So tell me:
+ Are you a cast iron lover? And if you don’t have one, BUY ONE! They’re decently priced as well!
+ Are you hosting any holiday parties or are you going somewhere? Or…are you just chilling at home? We go to my grandparents!
(P.S. Happy Winter Solstice!)
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I’m pinning this. I love oatmeal and the flavors in this recipe. So refreshing to see a recipe that specifies gluten-free oatmeal. We Celiacs know that just because oats are in themselves gluten-free, it doesn’t mean that the oatmeal on their shelf is truly gluten-free. Same goes for things like broth and soy sauce. Love your recipes.
Amanda recently posted…Gluten Free Beer Braised Bratwurst with Gluten Free Cheese Sauce
This isn’t oatmeal.
That looks like the perfect fall perfect, love that it’s made in a skillet. How easy!
Cricket Plunkett recently posted…Brown Butter Apples #AppleWeek
The best way to make a speedier granola!
Hi Rebecca,
I was just over at Marla’s party and I knew the minute I saw this yummy recipe that it had to be yours! Fantastic combination of ingredients and love the spices! Love my cast iron pan. I wish I had one in every size, lol.
Happy New Year!
Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners recently posted…Early Winter Salad
Haha me too! Gotta start a collection! Thank you so much Robyn and happy New Year to you too! xoxo
Hi Rebecca,
This sounds fabulous! Perfect for holidays or anytime.
Any time for sure 😉
This looks delicious!
Thanks!
This looks delish! Just pinned it for future reference.
Thank you Kerry!
This looks so good. It would be delicious with milk kefir!
Thank you Kelly!
Ooooh Granola in a skillet – genius! Very festive with the cranberries & cinnamon plus it look amazing too, off to try it out!
Hope you all have a happy & healthy 2016
Thank you! You too Midgie!
Yum! Love the Christmassy flavours in this and so pretty! I have never made granola but after reading this post I really want to!!
You are really missing out! Time to change that fast!
I LOVE my cast iron skillets! Congratulations! The only thing I don’t like cooking in them is anything with a tomato base. The tomatoes take on a slight iron taste.
This granola sounds amazing. Who wouldn’t like cranberry granola?
I read you shouldn’t really cook tomato/acid saucy things in one anyway…even though I totally did 😉 Haha!
Who doesn’t like granola period!
This sounds delicious! I love cranberry and pecans together and I love granola so what a perfect combo. Pinning it for later!
Thank you 🙂
Omg, we live off of homemade granola! I have so many different flavors I make and almost always include pecans, they are so good! I’ve never tried making skillet granola before but have heard it’s delicious. Your version looks fantastic, love the spices!
The Vegan 8 recently posted…Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Peppermint Cake (Oil-free)
Haha, right!? Every time I make granola to replenish the stash, I always make a new combo! Pecans tend to happen more during the winter months though!
Totally give it a try in the skillet! I think it just enhances every bit of flavor!
OMG I want to buy a cast iron skillet, but I’d feel like I was declaring war on the new nonstick pots and pans my mom got me for Christmas. I’ll have to wait a polite interval, but I love reading how stoked you are about yours! I love the sound of the cranberries and spices in your granola. Hol-i-day!!
Gin recently posted…Easy Vegan Baked Oatmeal
Hahahaha! You can give them both equal love 😉 ….maybe! Haha!
Thank you Gin <3
I deffo have to get more into the granola game! It’s really not big over here in Germany. We’re muesli people all the way 😀 Looks delicicous!!
Well at least you are still getting in some oat love! Granola is the best though 😉
I love granola and I love the sound of this version – winter comfort perfection! And I will definitely have to try making granola in a skillet – sounds like a fun twist! I do have a cast iron but I rarely use it (so ashamed!) Thanks for reminding me how amazing they are and that I need to bust mine back out!
Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table recently posted…Lemony orzo chicken salad
O my goodness! Once you’re reunited with the iron, you will never put it away 😉 Trust me!
Thank you dear! xoxo
Pinning I love this
Thanks!
I feel like I’m the only person who has yet to make their own granola. Your recipe sounds so delicious though. I might have to finally go for it 🙂
Vanessa @ VeganFamilyRecipes.com recently posted…25+ Vegan Chocolate Recipes To Get You Through the Holidays!
What!? I don’t believe you!!
I love that you’ve made this in a skillet … you’re brilliant!
Kristen @ The Endless Meal recently posted…The Best Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Haha, thanks Kristen!
This looks amazing, I bet it smells insanely delicious as it’s being made 🙂 . And I love your skillet too! I just picked up a tiny one I’m in love with, but have been so busy haven’t been able to put it to use yet… Can’t wait!
Thank you! I loved breathing it all in! Haha! I want to get my mom a small one next!
We love homemade granola at our house and sometimes eat it for dinner! Just reading this recipe makes me drool. Total yum!
Kathryn Grace recently posted…Quick way to soften cold, hard butter
Hahaha, there is nothing wrong with that!
Thanks dear!
This looks absolutely delicious! And the pictures are beautiful!
Thank you sweetheart!
Cranberries are so wonderful this time of year–and hooray for Lodge cast iron skillets! (I have one too! <3 ) I love how festive this is!
Farrah recently posted…Orange Cranberry Walnut Salad (giveaway!)
I’m biased, but Lodge is the best 😉
Your pictures are so beautiful! I am a huge granola fan but never made one in a skillet!
Hedi recently posted…Last Minute Health Conscious Stocking Fillers Gift Guide For Under £15.00
Well thank you! Give it a try!
Your food images are absolutely gorgeous! I’m so inspired (and hungry ;)) now!
Haha, I’m glad 😉 Thanks dear!
Yum! This granola sounds delicious and I love that you cook it in a skillet. Totally festive and delicious!
Mel@avirtualvegan.com recently posted…Red Wine Vegan Gravy
Yes! Thank you dear!
I’ve never made a granola before, although it’s really simple. What a great breakfast idea!
Iryna Bychkiv recently posted…How To Make Homemade Cookies With Jam
O no! You really need to fix that!
yummy! this looks so delicious and perfect for Xmas morning!
tianna recently posted…A Few of My Favorite Things…
Yes!! Thanks dear!
I have a cast iron skillet on my wedding registry. I REALLY hope someone buys it for us!!
It’s going to CHANGE your life! Haha!
I bought myself a 14-inch cast iron skillet last year and I also kick myself for not getting one sooner. I have had a 10-inch for years but there is something about the big one that really makes me smile ( and not just because of the increase in my upper body strength from lifting it!) I could probably make a double batch of this granola in it. 🙂
Meal Makeover Mom Janice recently posted…Easy No-Bake Snickerdoodle Date Balls for a No-Sugar-Added Holiday Dessert {Recipe Redux December Challenge}
I know!!! I can’t believe I’ve been living for 19 years without one! Haha! Life changing! I’m really happy with this size! Just big enough, and still fits in the cabinet 😉
I have to hang mine on the wall of the cellar stairs!
I have never tried making granola in a skillet!! This looks fantastic and I bet it smells amazing!
That’s why i can’t stop talking about the smell!!
I LOVE pecans! Seriously one of my all times faves. I love that you used a skillet too! Such a great idea. I would be all over this for brekkie!
Sophia @Veggies dont bite recently posted…Gingerbread Homemade Sugar Body Scrub
Pecans are pretty stellar, although my favorite nut will always be cashews!!
Mmmmm! This sounds good and it’s perfect for winter! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Easypeasylifematters recently posted…Easy Peasy Salted Caramels
Thanks!
I am OBSESSED with cast iron cooking!!! But I never thought to make granola in a cast iron! So genius! We use ours for pizza, cornbread, cooking up veggies and more. Definitely need to try this. And freeze dried cranberries?!?! I’ve never seen them! I’m learning all sorts of new things from you <3
Mandy recently posted…RECIPE: Rich, Creamy (Vegan) Hot Cocoa
O dear! I need to try pizza next!!! That must be amazing!
Freeze-dried fruit is the BEST fruit for granola! Already crispy!
YUM YUM! This looks amazing! What a fun, festive, cozy recipe to wake up to!! LOVE it! Thanks for sharing girl 🙂
Cailee recently posted…The TRUE Meaning of Christmas!
Thank you sweetheart!!
I don’t yet have a cast iron pan, but have had my eye on the Lodge. I’ve heard great things, and then you pull this beautiful spiced granola together in it to seal the deal!
Kelly recently posted…Cacao Coconut Cashew Balls
Get Lodge!! I’m still super excited when ever I pull it out 😛 You can cook anything in the skillet!
Oooo, these flavors just scream cozy to me! And how awesome that it’s made in a skillet!
Jenn recently posted…Classic Vegan Toffee Bars
Mmm! The flavors and the smells! The coziest!
Wow your photos are beautiful!! What camera do you use? Great recipe!
Chandice recently posted…Flannel & Flapjacks Christmas Party
My good old Canon T3i! But it’s all about the lens 😉
Thank you Chandice!
I can literally smelll this granola through the screen 😀 Mhhh it’s the perfect morning-after-christmas breakfast… This year we will visit my boyfriend’s parents on christmas day midday/afternoon. In the evening, we will spend the time together at home without other family members because we love the way we celebrate christmas without many traditions and very simplistic with good food and a non-awkward gift exchange haha 😀 The day after we will visit my parents for some time together, food and gift exchanges as well..I hope you have a wonderful Christmas time, Rebecca! 🙂
Bianca @ ElephantasticVegan recently posted…The easiest Christmas Cookies ever – German Marzipan Balls (vegan & gluten-free)
That sounds lovely! A nice quiet evening. I’d say that’s perfect! (non-awkward…I think all gift exchanges are of the utmost awkwardness 😛 Hahaha! At least when I’m receiving them!)
I hope your holiday is amazing too!!! Love and hugs <3 xoxo
Rebecca, I’m ALL about cranberries at this time of year and as you can imagine, because of that, your recipe has totally hit the spot with me.
What a beautiful array of ingredients, and I love the festive spices you’ve put in it too!!
I’m thinking this would make a fantastic Christmas day breakfast. My parent will love this, they come to visit and stay with Lynne and I for the festive period. The bonus for me being I actually have all these ingredients in the house at the moment.
Thanks for this! 😀
neil@neilshealthymeals.com recently posted…Cranberry Banana Bread
O thank you so much Neil!! You’re so sweet!
Ah perfect!!! I could only imagine, staying with you over the holidays, I’m sure everyone will be eating very very well 😉
This looks so yummy! I need to definitely add this to my list of recipes to try!
Please do! You’ll love it!
I NEED THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok I’m coming over and we can just eat granola and try out new recipes in the cast iron skillet mmmk??? Trader Joes often has the freeze dried cranberries, I love using them in recipes this time of year!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Chocolate Pecan Coconut Cups (#SundaySupper)
That sounds like a pretty sweet plan to me 😉
I’m kinda hooked on the freeze-dried! Perfect tartness!
Yum! I love cranberries and pecans together – so delicious! And your set up is so pretty!
Thank you!
Oh man, I can smell it from here! What a great combo of flavours and so many pretty colours. Looks awesome!
Laura recently posted…Homemade Vegan Chocolates
Festive colors, smells, and taste! What else could you want? 😉
I had never cooked in cast iron until I med my husband. I even got a fancy set of calphalon for our weeding but I love to cook in my cast iron. Low maintenance, non-stick surface that is so easy to maintain. I even started seasoning mine with coconut oil. I just wish they weren’t so heavy. My 12 inch one ways a ton! Granola is now on the top of my list of things to make in mine for the new year!
Jennifer A Stewart recently posted…Monday Maelstrom Peppermint Recipes
I’m seriously in love with mine and still discovering all its amazing uses!!
I always rub it down with a bit of coconut oil!
They are so heavy! They sell 17in ones….I can’t even imagine!!!! Seriously could kill someone!
You will love it when you do! Skillet granola convert 😉
This looks so delicious and festive!
Kari recently posted…Apricot Bark Candy
Thank you!!
Now this is a breakfast that’s perfect for Christmas morning!
Kathy Hester recently posted…All the Vegan Holiday Desserts You Can Hold
Yes it is! Thanks Kathy!
granola is a wonderful homemade gift option! your batch seems perfect to me–i’ve never tried using cranberry juice in mine but it’s a great idea! marvelous spices too. 🙂
A little splash is all you need, but it just increases the festivity 😉
It’s finally skillet day!!! This granola is seriously glowing with extra granola goodness and beauty because it is so happy and feels so special to have been made on the stove with tender loving stirs and no hot scary oven. I never actually knew you could make granola on the stove, so you have given me the early christmas gift of granola knowledge…the best kind <3
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit recently posted…Vegan Christmas Tree Brownies
Bahahahahaha! That was the best granola-happiness description ever written 😉 <3
Did you get the package yet!???????? 🙁
No not yet. But I’m thinking today…I can feel it! Or maybe that’s just a lot of optimistic thinking 🙂
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit recently posted…Vegan Christmas Tree Brownies
My dad said it went out UPS on last Tuesday….he said if not today, than tomorrow for sure…but I’m worried!!!!
Oh wow! This granola looks SO good! I need to make this. I love that you used pecans – I always use almonds but pecans sounds so good 🙂
Heidi Kokborg recently posted…Blueberry banana smoothie
Pecans are the nut of the season in my mind!
YES! I was just wanting to make Cranberry Pecan Granola last week but just getting the house put bake together cookies took priority and I picked up some at Trader Joe’s.
YES a cast iron skillet is a must! I actually love Lodge’s Cast Iron Dutch Oven that has the top that can be used as a pan (handles are on the side instead of the top) and it is one of my go to gifts to get people for weddings and housewarmings.
We host Christmas which is why things have been so crazy lately with the remodel. We have my parents, and sometimes other family, that stay with us and we host a big family Christmas on Christmas Eve getting to about 60 people so we started doing more small bite and appetizers instead of full sit down meals once we got past 32 people since that is what I had place settings for. Christmas morning we have my parents, my brother and his family if they stay, and my grandma (in past my uncle who past away) for breakfast/brunch. My grandma stayed with us last year but we aren’t sure the nursing home will let her this year as she has gone downhill since last Christmas and is in a now in a nursing home. Usually get go to the in-laws on Christmas night, a couple years we have them all over, but this year it will be just us again (for the 2nd time in 12 years) or maybe us and my parents so I am trying to nail down the plan and menu today.
Sarah recently posted…Pistachio Milk & Hot Cocoa (3 ways)
Now you can make your granola and cookies at the same time 😉 Stove and oven!
A cast iron dutch oven!? Omg I need it!
O man, that is crazy, but must be so fun too! Small bites and grazing is the perfect thing to do in those situations!
Wow, you have a crazy week ahead!!! We go to my one grandparents on Christmas Eve, then my other grandparents on Christmas day, but both are so low key. When I’m older I want to host a HUGE celebration 😉
I still have no idea what I’ll make….trying to think of something new to whip up!!
i have not been successful in making granola in a skillet but i do love me some granola! i have an cast iron skillet and will definitely be trying this soon. pinning it 🙂
dixya | food, pleasure, and health recently posted…Virtual Coffee Date
Try this!!! You can’t mess it up unless you like…leave the house and let it burn 😛 Hahahaha!
That’s amazing! It would be the perfect Christmas breakfast, I think I have to make it 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Christmas munching!!!
Thanks Evi!
I would love this for breakfast! 🙂
Totally!
You are a blogger after my heart! Love this recipe… and the millet puffs. Yum!
Puffed grains are a granola must for me!!
Homemade granola is the best! And cranberry!! OMG delicious!
Haha, yes! Thank you!
Goodness, this granola is almost too pretty to eat! (almost, but not quite 😉 )
I love the idea of toasting it in the skillet rather than baking in the oven. I bet that smells heavenly too!
Elise @frugalfarmwife.com recently posted…Gluten-Free Cake Doughnut Holes
Haha, not quite 😉
I loved breathing in the smells!
Great – now I need a freaking skillet like that!! I’ve always wanted a cast iron skillet, but I had no idea you could make granola in it! SOLD! I’ve also heard it makes a good weapon, ya know, just in case someone tries to steal all my granola 😉
I love granola so dang much, I know I’ll be trying this one out some time!
Kat recently posted…Lightened-Up Eggnog Cheesecake Bars [Gluten-Free]
Get a cast iron!!! You can make anything in it!!
Bahahaha! That it does! They are heavy!
Looks so good! I love granola!
Jillian recently posted…Stephi LaReine: Passion and Success
Thank you!
I’ve been on a granola kick lately and this looks delicious. I love the addition of the bourbon vanilla extract. Perfect snack or topping for just about anything. Yum.
I’m never NOT on a granola kick 😉
This looks delicious!! I haven’t made granola at home in forever. Need to change that!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted…8 Stress Busting Tips for Busy and Hectic Times
Yes!!!!! You’re not allowed to even say that on this blog 😉 You must never be without homemade granola!!
This looks so delicious, totally pinned it for later!
Jessica Haynes recently posted…Be A Better Climber, For Beginners
Thank you Jessica!
it all sounds yummy Rebecca – a bit too complex for my cooking skills but still delicious!
Leanne@crestingthehill recently posted…Over The Moon Link Up #3
I don’t think throwing ingredients in a skillet is too complex for anyone 😛
I can imagine how crisp and delicious the granola gets in a cast iron pan. You used such intoxicating Christmas flavors, too.
Christie recently posted…Tips for Roasting Beef and a visit to Certified Angus Beef
The crispiness is amazing!! Thanks you Christie!
This dish looks like Christmas! I bet it smells wonderful, it would be awesome on Christmas morning!
It does! Thank you Amanda!
Your cooking will be forever changed with cast iron! I love mine soooooo much. And this granola looks amazing – cranberry and pecan are perfect together 🙂
Michele recently posted…Running and Yoga Plus Weekend
My life is changed!!! I am seriously in love!!!
Looks absolutely delicious!
jennifer recently posted…5 Easiest Ever Almond Ideas for Holiday Party
Thank you Jennifer!
Skillet granola sounds like such a great idea! It probably makes evenly cooking easier – and I love these flavors together.
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…No Big Deal
Yes! It does! As long as you stir it around, you can’t burn it, it just gets nice and crispy!! I love just standing over the stove and breathing it all in!
woah granola made in a skillet!? that sounds right up my alley!
rachel @ Athletic Avocado recently posted…Healthy Carrot Cake Fruit Butter
It’s so fun and easy!!! (And smells just soooo good!)
What??? Granola in a skillet!!!???
I am a huge cast-iron lover! But never thought to make granola in a skillet – this is brilliant Rebecca – love the flavor combo too!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan recently posted…Gouda & Rosemary Crackers
Do it!! You will love it then!!! Cast iron skillets are my life!
YUM! Such awesome winter flavors, can’t wait to give this a try!
Annmarie recently posted…Meatless Monday: Caramelized Mushroom Polenta Bites
The ultimate winter granola!