Homemade Granola
Granola is one of those recipes that once you make it from scratch, you’ll never want to buy the store-bought version again. It’s healthy, customizable, and so easy to prepare! This homemade granola recipe is perfect for breakfast, sprinkled over yogurt, or enjoyed as a snack on its own. Plus, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients like oats, nuts, and seeds, making it a filling and satisfying treat.
By making your own granola at home, you can control the sweetness and ingredients, avoiding all those unnecessary preservatives and sugars. Whether you like yours loaded with dried fruits, full of crunchy clusters, or sweetened with just a touch of honey or maple syrup, this recipe is the perfect base for all your favorite mix-ins.
What Makes This Granola Recipe Special?
- Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can add whatever nuts, seeds, or dried fruits you like.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fiber-rich oats, heart-healthy nuts, and nutrient-dense seeds, this granola will keep you energized all day.
- Quick and Easy: It only takes 10 minutes to prepare and then you just pop it in the oven. Perfect for busy mornings!
How to Store Homemade Granola
Granola is easy to make, and the best part is, it lasts a while! Here’s how to store it for maximum freshness:
- At Room Temperature: Keep your granola in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. It’s perfect for grabbing a handful when you need a snack or to sprinkle over your breakfast.
- Freezing: You can also freeze granola. Just store it in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. It defrosts quickly and tastes just as good as fresh.
Tips for the Best Homemade Granola
- Get the Perfect Texture: If you like your granola to have big clusters, be sure to press the mixture down firmly on the baking sheet before baking. Don’t stir it too often, as this breaks up the clusters.
- Don’t Burn the Nuts: Nuts can burn quickly, so keep an eye on the granola in the last 5-10 minutes of baking to ensure they don’t over-toast.
- Make It Healthier: You can reduce the sugar by using less honey or swapping it out for a sugar-free option like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this granola gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe safe for anyone with gluten sensitivities.
What can I use instead of coconut oil?
You can substitute coconut oil with any neutral oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or even olive oil for a slightly savory twist.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
It’s best to use dried fruit in granola, as fresh fruit adds moisture and can make the granola soggy. However, you can always top your granola with fresh fruit right before serving.
How long does homemade granola last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, granola will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Customizing Your Homemade Granola
The beauty of homemade granola is that it can be customized to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
- Nut-Free Version: Replace the nuts with more seeds, such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, to make it nut-free.
- Make it Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Add More Texture: Want more crunch? Toss in some coconut flakes or chopped toasted almonds after baking.
- Mix in Some Spice: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice to give your granola a seasonal flair.
Why This Granola Is a Must-Try
Homemade granola is not only more cost-effective than store-bought versions, but it also allows you to adjust the sweetness and mix-ins to suit your personal taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast to enjoy with yogurt or a snack to keep in the pantry, this homemade granola is the answer. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a batch of crunchy, delicious granola that will leave you coming back for more.
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Homemade Granola
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- 1/4 cup seeds (sunflower, flax, or chia seeds)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut or mini chocolate chips for added sweetness optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, cinnamon, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread and Bake: Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and fragrant.
- Cool and Add Mix-Ins: Let the granola cool completely before adding the dried fruit (and any optional mix-ins like coconut or chocolate chips). The granola will crisp up as it cools.
- Serve or Store: Once cooled, store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Homemade Granola:
- For Extra Clusters: Press the granola mixture down with a spatula before baking and avoid stirring it too much to create large clusters.
- Customizable Mix-Ins: You can swap the nuts, seeds, or dried fruits with whatever you have on hand. Try using pumpkin seeds or dried apricots for a different flavor profile.
- Healthier Option: For a lower-calorie version, reduce the amount of oil or use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia.
Tools Needed:
- Large mixing bowl: For combining the wet and dry ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To measure out your oats, honey, oil, and spices.
- Whisk or spoon: For mixing the wet ingredients.
- Spatula: To spread the granola evenly on the baking sheet and for stirring during baking.
- Baking sheet: To bake the granola.
- Parchment paper: To line the baking sheet and prevent the granola from sticking.
- Airtight container: For storing the granola after it’s cooled