Description
This healthy homemade granola recipe is a delicious and nutritious breakfast option that combines rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. It’s naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup and baked to a perfect golden crisp. Easy to customize and perfect for snacking or topping yogurt and milk.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raw nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup chia seeds or flaxseeds
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/3 cup coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Finishing
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, raw nuts, shredded coconut, chia or flaxseeds, ground cinnamon, and salt, mixing thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Warm Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the honey (or maple syrup), coconut or olive oil, and vanilla extract, stirring occasionally until fully combined and fluid.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the warm wet ingredients over the dry mixture and stir until every oat and nut is coated in the syrupy blend.
- Spread and Bake: Evenly spread the granola mixture on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even toasting, until the mixture turns golden brown.
- Cool the Granola: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the pan. It will crisp up as it cools for the perfect crunchy texture.
- Add Dried Fruit: Once cooled, stir in the dried fruit of your choice to finish the granola with natural sweetness and chewiness.
- Store Properly: Transfer the granola to an airtight container and keep at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, preserving freshness and flavor.
Notes
- You can customize this recipe by using your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to suit your taste.
- For granola clusters, press the mixture down firmly on the baking sheet before baking and avoid stirring during baking.
- This granola is excellent served with yogurt, milk, or as a wholesome snack on its own.
