Crunchy and Delicious Granola

3 cups thick-cut oatmeal

½ cup hulled sunflower seeds

⅓ cup hulled pumpkin seeds

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

2 tablespoons flax seeds

1 tablespoon wheat germ

1 cup chopped dried cherries

½ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

⅔ cup unsweetened applesauce

⅓ cup pure maple syrup

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Combine oatmeal, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds, wheat germ, chopped dried cherries, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl.

Mix applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla in a separate bowl.

Pour applesauce mixture over the oatmeal mixture; mix until evenly coated.

Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets; smooth into a single thin layer.

Bake in preheated oven 20 minutes, stir gently to turn, and continue cooking until crisp and golden brown, another 15 to 20 minutes.