Description
This homemade healthy granola recipe offers a nutritious and delicious snack with a perfect balance of oats, nuts, dried fruits, and natural sweeteners. With easy-to-follow steps and seven flavorful variations to try, this granola is ideal for breakfast, snacking, or topping yogurt and salads.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup nuts (walnuts or almonds)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins or cranberries)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the granola evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, nuts, salt, and cinnamon ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Melt Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan, gently melt the coconut oil and honey together over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth.
- Add Vanilla: Stir the vanilla extract into the melted coconut oil and honey mixture to infuse flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly to coat all the oats and nuts evenly.
- Spread on Baking Sheet: Transfer the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spread it out in an even layer for uniform baking.
- Bake Granola: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent burning and ensure even toasting.
- Cool the Granola: Remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet; it will crisp up as it cools.
- Add Dried Fruit: Once cooled, mix in the dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries for added sweetness and texture.
- Store Properly: Store the cooled granola in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
Notes
- You can customize the nuts and dried fruits depending on your preference or seasonal availability.
- Ensure the granola cools completely before adding dried fruits to prevent sogginess.
- Substitute maple syrup for honey to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- The granola can be stored for up to two weeks in an airtight container at room temperature.
- For crunchier granola, bake a few extra minutes but watch closely to prevent burning.
