(Note from Uncle Crumbles: Ah, dried fruit—the candy of nature, the jewels of preservation! What wondrous ingenuity mankind has shown in plucking fresh, sun-drenched fruits, depriving them of their watery essence, and thus transforming them into chewy, shelf-stable marvels fit to bejewel granola’s crumbly crown! Join me, reader, as we traverse the fruity pantheon and anoint the finest among them. – U.C.)
Granola and dried fruit are a match made in heaven. But not all fruits are created equal in the realm of crunch, chew, and flavor. Here’s the Uncle Crumbles-approved ranking of dried fruits to include in your granola—based on taste, texture, nutrition, and, of course, crumblosity.
The Definitive, Crumbulative Ranking of All Superlative Fruit Phyla from Prunus, Pepos, Pomes, and Beyond for the Noble Purpose of Baking into Granola
- Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum)
The reigning monarch of dried fruit in granola. Sweet-tart, antioxidant-packed, and a chewy delight, dried blueberries perfectly balance the crunchy nuttiness of granola. Plus, they star in Uncle Crumbles Brainberry — where they combine forces with pumpkin seeds for a brain-boosting breakfast.
- Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon)
Ah, the cran. Sweet with a zingy tang, these little rubies bring a flavor punch to any granola mix. They shine brightest in Cran-Maple Crunch, where their tartness plays beautifully with maple sweetness.
- Cherries (Prunus avium)
Imagine the boldness of a cranberry but with a sweeter, richer undertone—dried cherries are just that. A plump, luxurious, and perfect chewy contrast to crunchy granola clusters.
- Apricots (Prunus armeniaca)
Cut into bite-sized chunks, dried apricots are juicy, tangy, and sunshine in granola form. Plus, they pack a hefty dose of vitamin A, which your eyes will appreciate after reading this blog.
- Figs (Ficus carica)
Tiny seeds in dried figs mimic the crunch of granola while offering a honey-like sweetness. They're nature's way of saying, "Here, have some extra texture and fiber."
- Dates (Phoenix dactylifera)
The glue of granola bars! Dried dates bring a caramel-like sweetness and serve as a natural sweetener in homemade granola. Their only flaw? They stick to everything, including your teeth.
- Golden Raisins (Vitis vinifera)
Move over, regular raisins. Golden raisins are plumper, juicier, and have a slight tang that complements granola perfectly. It’s like raisins with a splash of sunshine.
- Persimmons (Diospyros kaki)
Surprising, you say? Dried persimmons are a hidden gem in the granola world. With a sweet, almost spiced flavor, they liven up any mix beautifully.
- Pineapple (Ananas comosus)
For those who like a tropical twist. Dried pineapple chunks are chewy, sweet, and transport you to a beachside breakfast (even if you’re just in your kitchen).
- Goji Berries (Lycium barbarum)
Goji berries, certified superfood, are tangy and full of antioxidants. They’re not just for smoothie bowls—they add a bright pop of flavor and color to granola.
(Gentle reader, may this list inspire your next granola creation. Should you seek perfection, might I suggest our own Brainberry and Cran-Maple Crunch ? They are, after all, already crowned champions in the dried fruit arena. – U.C.)
