Homemade Granola Recipe
Granola is one of those delightful kitchen staples that can transform your breakfast into something special or provide a quick snack on the go. The beauty of making your own granola is that you can customize it to fit your taste preferences and dietary needs. This Homemade Granola Recipe is not only easy to whip up but also packed with wholesome ingredients that will keep you feeling satisfied. Let’s dive into the details of creating your delicious batch of granola!
Why This Recipe Is Reliable
This granola recipe is reliable because it allows for flexibility while ensuring a crunchy, flavorful outcome every time. With a base of oats, nuts, and a sweetener of your choice, you can create a perfect blend that suits your palate. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to seasonal ingredients, so you can enjoy it year-round. The combination of healthy fats, natural sweetness, and protein-rich nuts will keep you energized throughout the day.
Ingredients at a Glance
- Sweetener: 1 cup of clover honey OR 1 cup of pure maple syrup OR 1/2 cup honey + 1/2 cup brown sugar OR 1/2 cup pure maple syrup + 1/2 cup brown sugar OR 1 cup brown sugar
- Oil: 1/2 cup organic coconut oil or vegetable oil
- Unsalted Butter: 3 tablespoons (or substitute more oil for a vegan version)
- Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Salt: Pinch of kosher salt (optional, recommended if nuts are unsalted)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Rolled Grains: 5 cups rolled oats or five-grain rolled grain cereal
- Nuts and Seeds: 4 cups (any combination of sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, sliced almonds, chopped pecans, walnuts, pepitas, cashews, etc.)
- Dried Fruit: 1 cup (dried blueberries, chopped dried apricots, chopped dried mango, raisins, dried cranberries, etc.)
Kitchen Gear Checklist
- Baking Sheet: A large sheet for spreading the granola.
- Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining all ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key in baking.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For mixing and spreading the granola evenly.
Homemade Granola Recipe Made Stepwise
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for achieving that perfectly toasted granola.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the granola from sticking and make for an easy cleanup.
Step 3: Melt the Wet Ingredients
In a small saucepan, combine your chosen sweetener, oil, and butter over low heat. Stir until melted and well combined. If you’re using cinnamon and vanilla extract, add them to the mixture now.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, nuts, and seeds. If you’re adding a pinch of salt, do it here.
Step 5: Mix It All Together
Pour the melted wet ingredients over the dry mixture. Stir well with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Spread on Baking Sheet
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and spread it out into an even layer. Press down slightly to help it clump together.
Step 7: Bake the Granola
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through the baking time to ensure even toasting. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes to prevent burning.
Step 8: Add Dried Fruit
Once the granola is golden brown and fragrant, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. After it cools slightly, stir in your dried fruit.
Step 9: Cool Completely
Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will harden and clump together beautifully.
Step 10: Store and Enjoy!
Once cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container. Enjoy it with yogurt, milk, or as a snack on its own!
Variations by Season
- Spring: Add dried apricots and sunflower seeds for a light, fresh flavor.
- Summer: Incorporate dried mango and coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
- Fall: Mix in chopped apples and pecans with a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.
- Winter: Use dried cranberries and walnuts for a festive touch.
Errors to Dodge
- Not stirring the granola halfway through baking can lead to uneven toasting.
- Using too much sweetener can make the granola overly sticky and cloying.
- Overbaking will result in burnt flavors; always check a few minutes before the timer goes off.
- Skipping the cooling step will prevent your granola from achieving that desired crunch.
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
Once your granola has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for about two weeks. If you find that it has lost some crunch, you can rewarm it in the oven for a few minutes to revive its texture. Just spread it back out on the baking sheet and heat at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
Popular Questions
Can I make this granola gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just ensure you use certified gluten-free oats, and you’re good to go. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I substitute the nuts or seeds?
Yes! Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or seeds, or even leave them out entirely. Just keep the total volume the same for the best results.
How can I make this recipe lower in sugar?
You can reduce the amount of sweetener used and add more dried fruit for natural sweetness. Additionally, consider using stevia or monk fruit sweetener as alternatives.
Is it possible to make this granola nut-free?
Yes! Just omit the nuts and increase the quantity of seeds or add more rolled oats to maintain the texture.
Time to Try It
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making the perfect Homemade Granola Recipe, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! Enjoy the process of creating something delicious that you can feel good about eating. Whether you’re enjoying it as a breakfast staple or a midday snack, this granola is sure to become a beloved part of your kitchen repertoire. Happy cooking!
Homemade Granola Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan, combine your chosen sweetener, oil, and butter over low heat. Stir until melted and well combined. If you’re using cinnamon and vanilla extract, add them to the mixture now.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, nuts, and seeds. If you’re adding a pinch of salt, do it here.
- Pour the melted wet ingredients over the dry mixture. Stir well with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and spread it out into an even layer. Press down slightly to help it clump together.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through the baking time to ensure even toasting.
- Once the granola is golden brown and fragrant, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. After it cools slightly, stir in your dried fruit.
- Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Once cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container. Enjoy it with yogurt, milk, or as a snack on its own!
Notes
- Store granola in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- Rewarm in the oven for a few minutes to revive crunchiness.
- Feel free to customize with seasonal fruits and nuts!
