Homemade granola is a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack option that is easy to prepare and customize to your preferences. Making your own granola allows you to control the ingredients, adjust sweetness levels, and avoid preservatives found in many store-bought versions. Here’s a simple, step-by-step recipe for crafting the best homemade granola, along with tips for making it your own.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned)
– 1 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, etc.), chopped
– 1 cup seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.)
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
Sweetener:
– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (or a combination of both)
Fat:
– 1/4 cup coconut oil or vegetable oil (melted)
Flavorings:
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Add-Ins (optional):
– 1 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots, etc.)
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips or cacao nibs (for a treat)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, shredded coconut, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
– In a small bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
– Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well to ensure all the oats and nuts are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Spread on Baking Sheet:
– Transfer the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly to create a single layer. Use a spatula to press it down slightly. This helps create clusters as it bakes.
- Bake the Granola:
– Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. Bake until the granola is lightly golden brown.
- Add Dried Fruit and Cool:
– If you’re adding dried fruit, sprinkle it over the granola as soon as it comes out of the oven. Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. It will become crisp as it cools.
- Break into Clusters:
– Once cool, break the granola into clusters and transfer it to an airtight container for storage. Homemade granola can be stored for up to two weeks at room temperature or longer in the fridge.
Tips for Customization
– Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sweetener based on your preference. You can add more or less honey or maple syrup to suit your taste.
– Nuts and Seeds: Feel free to use any combination of nuts and seeds you love! Just be cautious about allergies and personal preferences.
– Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding spices like nutmeg, ginger, or vanilla bean for a unique flavor profile.
– Fruits: Mix in different dried fruits for added sweetness and flavor. You can also use freeze-dried fruits to avoid adding moisture.
– Chocolate Lovers: For a sweet treat, fold in chocolate chips or cacao nibs after baking.
– Savory Granola: For a twist, try using spices like paprika and nutritional yeast, along with herbs for a savory granola.
Enjoying Your Granola
Homemade granola is incredibly versatile! You can enjoy it with yogurt and fresh fruit, use it as a topping for smoothie bowls, or simply eat it straight from the container as a snack. With endless customization options available, you can create a granola that suits your taste perfectly. Enjoy your delicious, wholesome creation!