Granola
Homemade granola is a delightful blend of crunchy oats, sweet honey, and a variety of add-ins that make it the perfect snack or breakfast option. It’s flexible in terms of ingredients, allowing you to personalize it with your favorite nuts, fruits, or even spices. With a warm, golden tone and an irresistible aroma filling your kitchen, you’ll know you’ve created something special. There’s something about homemade granola that just feels right, like a hug in a bowl.
I first discovered homemade granola during a lazy Sunday brunch with friends. We shared bowls filled with our favorite toppings—fresh fruit, yogurt, and a sprinkle of chocolate chips. Since then, it has become a staple in my pantry. This recipe is not just quick and straightforward, but it’s also budget-friendly and a major crowd-pleaser. I genuinely believe that once you make it yourself, you’ll never want the store-bought stuff again. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s whip up a batch of delicious granola together!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Make Granola
- Storing & Reheating
- Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Recipe FAQs
- Granola
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: In just about 5 minutes of prep, you can have your homemade granola baking in the oven.
- Irresistible Flavor: With buttery oats, sweet honey, and a hint of coconut, every bite is a flavor explosion.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The mix of golden oats, almonds, and colorful dried fruits makes it so visually appealing.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, a snack on the go, or a topping for yogurt and desserts.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free, nut-free, or vegan diets with simple substitutions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 cups old fashioned oats or steel cut oats: The base of your granola, offering a hearty texture. Use old fashioned oats for a chewier consistency or steel cut oats for a nuttier bite.
- 1 cup sliced almonds: These add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. Feel free to substitute with any nuts like walnuts or pecans if you prefer.
- 1/2 cup salted butter: This gives granola a rich, buttery base. You can swap this for coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free alternative.
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds a lovely molasses flavor and sweetness. You could also use maple syrup or coconut sugar if desired.
- 1/3 cup honey: A natural sweetener that binds your granola together. Agave syrup or brown rice syrup are great substitutes for a vegan option.
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut: It provides sweetness and a tropical flair. Unsweetened coconut will work if you want to cut back on sugar.
- 1 cup dried cranberries: These add a touch of tartness. You can replace them with any dried fruit like raisins or apricots to mix things up.
- 1/4 cup golden raisins: Sweet and chewy, these complement the cranberries nicely. Regular raisins may also be used if that’s what you have on hand.
How to Make Granola
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 250°F. This low temperature ensures your granola bakes slowly, developing that beautiful golden hue.
- Combine Oats and Nuts: In a large mixing bowl, mix together 3 cups of old fashioned oats and 1 cup of sliced almonds. Stir well to combine the two ingredients evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate smaller bowl, melt 1/2 cup of salted butter. Once melted, add in 1/3 cup of packed light brown sugar, 1/3 cup of honey, and a pinch of salt for extra flavor. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the butter mixture over the oats and nuts. Make sure to stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly in that sweet, buttery goodness.
- Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the mixture evenly onto a large rimmed baking sheet. A non-stick mat can make cleanup easier, but it’s not necessary.
- Bake and Stir: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even browning. The granola will start to smell amazing!
- Add Coconut: After the initial baking time, take it out and stir in 1 cup of shredded sweetened coconut. Return to the oven for another 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Final Mix & Cool: When the granola is golden and fragrant, remove it from the oven and stir in 1 cup of dried cranberries and 1/4 cup of golden raisins. Let it cool at room temperature before storing.
Storing & Reheating
To keep your homemade granola fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay delicious for about 2 weeks. If you want to enjoy it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a month or freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy your granola after freezing, simply let it thaw at room temperature. It may lose a bit of crunch, but a quick toss in the oven at 300°F for 5–10 minutes will restore its crispness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Watch your granola closely towards the end of the baking process—too long in the oven can lead to an overly dark or even burnt batch.
- If you love clusters, try pressing your granola firmly into the baking sheet with a spatula before it cools. This will help form clumps!
- Experiment with spices; a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract can elevate the flavor profile.
- For a healthy kick, consider adding chia seeds or flaxseeds to the oat mixture.
- Make a double batch! Homemade granola makes for great gifts or can be stored for those busy mornings when you need a quick breakfast.
Homemade granola is more than just a convenient snack; it brings comfort and energy to every bite. With its customizable nature and easy preparation, don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite nuts and fruits. Whether you enjoy it in a bowl with milk, crunchy on a yogurt parfait, or simply by the handful, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this granola vegan?
How do I achieve clumpy granola?
What other add-ins can I use?
How should I store my homemade granola?
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Granola
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: No Data
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade granola features a delightful mix of oats, almonds, and honey, baked to perfection. It’s a simple yet satisfying option for a healthy breakfast or snack, packed with flavor and nutrients—perfect for anyone seeking a wholesome and easy recipe!
Ingredients
- 3 cups old fashioned oats or steel cut oats
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250° F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats and almonds, mixing them well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon; mix thoroughly.
- Pour the butter mixture over the oats and almonds, stirring to coat them evenly.
- Spread the mixture on a large rimmed baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes at 250° F.
- Stir in the shredded coconut and continue baking for an additional 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Once done, remove the granola from the oven and stir in the dried cranberries and golden raisins.
- Allow it to cool at room temperature, then store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Feel free to customize the nuts and dried fruits according to your preference.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the oats and almonds before mixing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
