Name: Honey Almond Quinoa Granola
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 3/4 cup honey; 1/2 cup solid coconut oil; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; pinch salt ((optional, recommended if using unsalted nuts)); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3 cups rolled oats ((not the quick-cooking kind)); 1/2 cup raw quinoa ((rinsed well in cold water)); 2 cups roughly chopped raw almonds; 1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut; 1 egg white ((beaten)); 1-2 cups dried fruits ((such as chopped dried cherries, raisins, or dried blueberries - optional))

Granola is one of those magical breakfast foods that can transform your morning routine. It’s versatile, delicious, and can easily be made at home with wholesome ingredients. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Honey Almond Quinoa Granola, a crunchy and satisfying blend that not only tastes great but is also packed with nutrition. This delightful granola is sweetened with honey, enriched with protein from quinoa, and has a delightful crunch from almonds and coconut. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, this granola will keep you coming back for more!

Reasons to Love Honey Almond Quinoa Granola

There are countless reasons to adore this Honey Almond Quinoa Granola. For one, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a little more sweetness or a nutty flavor, this recipe is your canvas.

Moreover, it’s packed with healthful ingredients. Quinoa adds a protein boost, while oats provide fiber to keep you feeling full longer. The combination of honey and coconut oil gives it a rich, natural sweetness without any refined sugars. Plus, making your own granola means you can control the ingredients, ensuring everything is fresh and wholesome.

Lastly, this granola is perfect for meal prep. You can whip up a big batch over the weekend and enjoy it all week long, whether sprinkled over yogurt, served with milk, or simply eaten by the handful as a snack.

What You’ll Need

3/4 cup honey
1/2 cup solid coconut oil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch salt (optional, recommended if using unsalted nuts)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 cups rolled oats (not the quick-cooking kind)
1/2 cup raw quinoa (rinsed well in cold water)
2 cups roughly chopped raw almonds
1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut
1 egg white (beaten)
1-2 cups dried fruits (such as chopped dried cherries, raisins, or dried blueberries – optional)

Tools & Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl – for combining the ingredients.
Baking sheet – to spread the granola for baking.
Parchment paper – for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Spoon or spatula – for mixing and spreading.
Oven – to bake the granola to crispy perfection.

The Method for Honey Almond Quinoa Granola

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This gives your granola the perfect environment to become golden and crunchy.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey, solid coconut oil, ground cinnamon, salt (if using), and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined and the coconut oil is melted. If your coconut oil is solid, you may want to gently heat it to ensure it mixes smoothly.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

To the wet mixture, add the rolled oats, rinsed quinoa, chopped almonds, and flaked coconut. Mix everything together until the oats and nuts are fully coated with the honey mixture.

Step 5: Incorporate the Egg White

In a small bowl, beat the egg white until it becomes frothy. Add the beaten egg white to the granola mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. This will help your granola clump together nicely.

Step 6: Spread on the Baking Sheet

Pour the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out into an even layer. Press it down slightly to help it stick together while baking.

Step 7: Bake the Granola

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn; you want it to be golden brown and fragrant.

Step 8: Add Dried Fruits (If Using)

If you’re adding dried fruits, remove the granola from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, gently mix in your desired dried fruits.

Step 9: Cool and Store

Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break it into clusters and store it in an airtight container. Enjoy your Honey Almond Quinoa Granola for weeks to come!

Texture-Safe Substitutions

For honey, you can substitute maple syrup for a vegan option.
Use any nut or seed butter in place of coconut oil for different flavors.
Swap out almonds for your favorite nuts, such as walnuts or pecans.
Replace flaked coconut with pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.

Don’t Do This

When making your Honey Almond Quinoa Granola, avoid the following common pitfalls:

Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa, as this removes its natural coating called saponin, which can taste bitter.
Do not overbake the granola; keep an eye on it as it can go from golden to burnt quickly.
Avoid using quick-cooking oats, as they will not provide the same crunchy texture.
Don’t add dried fruits before baking; they can burn and become hard. Add them after the granola has cooled.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

Your Honey Almond Quinoa Granola can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want to keep it longer, feel free to freeze it! Just place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it will last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply take out the desired amount and let it come to room temperature before serving.

Let’s Eat

Now that you’ve created your very own batch of Honey Almond Quinoa Granola, it’s time to dig in! Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a midday snack, or sprinkled over your favorite dessert, this granola is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The combination of honey, almonds, and quinoa creates a delightful flavor and texture that is simply irresistible. So grab a bowl, pour yourself a generous serving, and enjoy the wholesome goodness of your homemade granola. Happy munching!