Granola Recipe

There’s something deeply satisfying about making homemade granola; it fills the house with a warm, nutty aroma as it bakes to golden perfection. I love knowing that I’m getting a wholesome mix of oats, nuts, and dried fruits in every bite, perfect for a quick snack or a nourishing start to the day.

My favorite way to begin the day is with a bowl of my homemade granola. Replete with nourishing rolled oats, robust nuts and seeds, and the not-too-sweet, honeyed flavor that makes it feel like a breakfast dessert, this recipe yields a granola with such a perfect blend of flavors and textures that you could just about call it gourmet.

(The only thing missing is some fine plating, but granola isn’t exactly a food for the Instagram era.)

Granola Recipe Ingredients

• Rolled Oats: Rich in fiber; provides sustained energy and aids digestion.
• Nuts and Seeds: Packed with healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients.
• Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Adds texture and a touch of natural sweetness.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener; provides antioxidants and subtle sweetness.
• Coconut or Olive Oil: Healthy fats that enhance flavor and aid in toasting.
• Dried Fruit: Adds chewiness, natural sweetness, and a boost of vitamins.

Granola Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup nuts and seeds (e.g., almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/3 cup coconut oil or olive oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dried fruit (e.g., raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots)

How to Make this Granola Recipe

1. Your oven should be set to 300°F (150°C). While it heats, line the large baking sheet you plan to use with parchment paper.

2. In a sizable mixing bowl, mix together the rolled oats, nuts and seeds, in the shreds of coconut, the cinnamon, and salt.

3. In a small saucepan on low heat, melt coconut or olive oil. Stir in the honey or maple syrup and the vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined.

4. The liquid mixture should be poured over the dry ingredients in the bowl, and everything should be stirred thoroughly until it is evenly coated.

5. Evenly spread the granola mixture on the prepared baking sheet.

6. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. At this point, remove the dish from the oven, and with a spatula, carefully stir the mixture to ensure even baking. Return to oven and continue baking for 20 more minutes.

7. Put it back in the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the granola is golden brown and you can smell it. Burnt granola is a sad thing; keep an eye on it!

8. Take the baking sheet from the oven and allow the granola to cool fully on the baking sheet. It will become crispy as it cools.

9. Once cooled, blend in the dried fruit of your choice, ensuring uniform distribution throughout.

10.
1. Finished granola:

2. Airtight container: Room temp

3. Up to two weeks: No problem!

4. Breakfast, lunchtime, dinnertime, or anytime:

5. Cereal or snack:

6. Go for it!

Granola Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Sizable mixing bowl
5. Small saucepan
6. Spatula
7. Airtight container

FAQ

• Q: Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?Using rolled oats is optimal; however, steel-cut oats can also work. They have a tougher texture and take longer to bond with other ingredients, which can lead to unevenly baked granola. If you are making granola for the first time, rolled oats are your safest option.
• Q: How should I store homemade granola?A: Keep the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for as long as two weeks, or stash it in the freezer for an even longer stretch of three months.
• Q: Can I make this granola gluten-free?A: Yes, utilize oats that are certified gluten-free. This assures that they do not contain gluten either in the oats themselves or in any other ingredient. Furthermore, ensure that all other elements in the recipe are gluten-free. This includes things like baking powder (make sure it’s gluten-free, as many aren’t) and whatever else (up to you) you’re adding to the recipe.
• Q: What are some nut and seed alternatives?A: Use pecans, cashews, chia seeds, or pumpkin seeds according to your preference or availability.
• Q: Is there a substitute for honey or maple syrup?You can use agave syrup or brown rice syrup instead of sweeteners.
• Q: Can I add chocolate to the granola?A: Yes, once the granola has cooled, add the chocolate chips. The point is to cool the granola so the chocolate chips won’t melt when mixed in.
• Q: How can I make the granola clump together more?A: Slightly increase the amount of sweetener or oil and then press the granola mixture firmly together on the baking sheet before placing it in the oven.

Granola Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can use quick oats in place of rolled oats, though the texture may be somewhat different.
Pecans, cashews, pumpkin seeds, or chia seeds are excellent options if you are looking for nuts and seeds.
Replace unsweetened shredded coconut with sweetened coconut flakes for a sweeter snack.
Instead of honey or maple syrup, opt for agave syrup or brown rice syrup.
Substitute avocado oil or vegetable oil for a neutral flavor in place of coconut oil or olive oil.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor with Toasted Nuts Before mixing them with the oats, lightly toast the nuts and seeds in a dry skillet to bring out their natural oils and flavors. This step enhances the overall taste of the granola.

2. Add a Pinch of Spice For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the mixture. These spices complement the cinnamon and enhance the warming notes of the granola.

3. Cluster it Up If you like chunky granola clusters, lightly press down on the granola with a spatula after stirring it halfway through the baking process. This will help the granola clump together in clusters as it cools.

4. Experiment with Flavor Variations Try using different extracts like almond or coconut extract instead of vanilla for a unique twist. You can also add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolatey version.

5. Incorporate Freshly Zested Citrus Add a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest to the dry ingredients to impart a fresh, citrusy aroma and flavor to your granola. This works exceptionally well with dried cranberries or apricots.