Granola Recipe is a crunchy, versatile, and nutritious snack or breakfast option made primarily from oats, nuts, seeds, and sweeteners. It can be enjoyed on its own as a snack, sprinkled on yogurt, or served with milk. What makes homemade granola great is the ability to control the ingredients, making it healthier and customizable to suit different tastes. This recipe yields a deliciously crunchy granola that’s perfect for meal prepping and enjoying throughout the week.
Granola Recipe Ingredients
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3 cups oats
The base of the granola, providing fiber and a chewy texture.
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1/2 cup nuts
Adds crunch and healthy fats. Those can be any nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans or anything you love to eat.
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1/4 cup seeds (e.g., sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds)
Boosts the nutritional value with vitamins and minerals.
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1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
Adds a subtle sweetness and texture.
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1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
A natural sweetener that binds the ingredients together.
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1/4 cup coconut oil or olive oil
Helps the granola become golden and crispy.
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Enhances the flavor with a warm, spicy note.
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1/4 teaspoon salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
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1/2 cup dried fruits (e.g., raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates)
Adds sweetness and chewiness after baking.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
Granola Recipe Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of oats, 1/2 cup of nuts, 1/4 cup of seeds, shredded coconut (if using), ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.
3.Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a small pan, gently heat 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup, 1/4 cup coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract over low heat until fully melted and combined.
4.Combine the Mixtures
Pour the melted honey-oil mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring that all the oats and nuts are coated evenly.
5. Spread and Bake
Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even toasting. The granola should turn golden brown and smell fragrant.
6. Cool and Add Dried Fruits
Once the granola is golden and crisp, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely. As it cools, it will become even crunchier. After cooling, stir in 1/2 cup of dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates.
7. Store or Serve
Transfer the granola to an airtight container and store it at room temperature for up to two weeks. Enjoy it with yogurt, milk, or as a snack!
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast: Serve granola with milk or yogurt for a quick and easy breakfast.
- Toppings: Sprinkle granola on top of smoothie bowls, parfaits, or oatmeal for added crunch.
- Snack: You can use granola as a evening snack.
Granola Recipe Benefits
Rich in Fiber
Oats are an excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestion and helping you feel full longer.
Heart-Healthy Fats
The nuts and seeds in granola provide healthy fats that support cardiovascular health.
Customizable Nutrients
Granola can be adapted to include your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits, allowing you to control the flavor and nutritional content.
Energy-Boosting
The combination of whole grains, nuts, and natural sweeteners provides a balanced source of energy, making granola perfect for breakfast or a midday pick-me-up.
Antioxidants
Adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins boosts the antioxidant content, which can help reduce inflammation and protect your cells.
Granola Recipe Variations
Chocolate Granola
Add a handful of dark chocolate chips after the granola has cooled for a sweet treat.
Peanut Butter Granola
Stir in 1/4 cup of natural peanut butter to the wet ingredients for a nutty, protein-packed granola.
Spiced Granola
Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for a spiced version of granola.