Preheat the oven to 325°F. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining with parchment paper (to reduce sticking and for easy cleanup).
Combine the syrup and butter in a small saucepan and heat on medium until the butter is melted and the mixture is hot. Stir in the strawberry extract.
½ cup pure maple syrup, 4 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon strawberry extract
In a large bowl, combine the puffed cereal, rolled oats, and almonds.
5 cups puffed cereal, 1 cup rolled oats, ½ cup sliced almonds
Slowly pour the syrup mixture over the cereal mixture, stirring as you go to coat evenly.
Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the mixture and stir to combine (this helps them to stick to the other pieces of cereal instead of just ending up on the bottom of the bowl).
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Spread evenly over the baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring after 20 minutes.
Let cool. Add in the dried strawberries and enjoy!
½ cup dried strawberries
Video
Notes
Mix your granola well to distribute all of the ingredients evenly.
If you like larger chunks in your granola, press everything together tightly for the first 15 minutes of baking, then gently break apart and bake 15 minutes more.