Homemade Granola
Granola has a magical way of transforming a simple breakfast into a delightful feast. Crunchy, slightly sweet, and mixed with wholesome ingredients, this homemade granola recipe is not just delicious—it beckons creativity. Each bite encapsulates a toasty flavor from the oats, a hint of richness from nuts, and a satisfying chew from dried fruits. If you’ve ever opened a store-bought granola box filled with artificial flavors and preservatives, then you know the joy of creating your own version from scratch. From early morning yogurts to late-night snack attacks, this granola fits flawlessly into any part of your day, ensuring you’re nourished, satisfied, and happy.
Table of Contents
It’s a breeze to whip up! Just ten minutes of prep and a little patience in the oven. Trust me, your kitchen will smell wonderful as this mixture bakes to golden perfection, giving you that perfect crunch. The best part? You can customize it just as you desire. Toss in your favorite nuts, add some exotic dried fruits, or sprinkle in a little extra cinnamon for warmth. I can’t wait for you to give this a try—your mornings and snack times will never be the same!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious batch of granola ready to go!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of toasted oats, nuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup results in an addictive crunch that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Golden clusters make for an attractive breakfast, and they’re fun to have on display in your kitchen.
- Flexible Serving: Whether you’re enjoying it as breakfast, a midday snack, or as a topping for yogurt, it’s perfect for any occasion.
- Diet-Friendly Options: This recipe is gluten-free and can be easily adapted for a vegan diet with just a simple swap for the egg white.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 egg white: Helps bind the ingredients together for those lovely clusters; can be replaced with a flax egg for a vegan option.
- 1/2 cup avocado oil: Adds healthy fats; feel free to use coconut oil or olive oil for a different flavor.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and aroma; always go for pure extract for the best flavor.
- 1/2 tsp pure almond extract: Adds a nutty depth; use with caution as it can be quite strong.
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup: This natural sweetener makes the granola stick together while adding a cozy sweetness.
- 3 cups gluten-free rolled oats: The star of the dish; ensure they’re certified gluten-free if needed.
- 1/2 cup raw walnuts: For crunch and healthy fats; pecans or even sunflower seeds can work as substitutes.
- 1/2 cup raw almonds or sliced almonds or pecans: Provides additional texture and flavor; select according to your preference.
- 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds: Great for added crunch and nutrition; can swap with sunflower seeds.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut: Adds a chewy texture and natural sweetness; feel free to use sweetened coconut for more sweetness.
- 1 cup dried fruit: A mix of cranberries, raisins, or apricots can jazz it up; they add a chewy contrast to the crunch.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice; experiment with nutmeg or ginger for different flavor notes.
- 1/2 tsp sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
How to Make Homemade Granola Recipe
Preheat the Oven: To get started, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. While your oven warms up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your granola stays intact and doesn’t stick.
Whisk the Egg: In a bowl, whisk one egg white until frothy. If you want a vegan version, substitute with a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water. Let it rest for about 10 minutes until it thickens like an egg.
Chop the Nuts: Take your walnuts and almonds and place them into a food processor. Pulse them a few times until they are coarsely chopped. Alternatively, you could grab a sharp knife and chop them by hand for more control over the size.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped nuts, 3 cups gluten-free rolled oats, 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, 1/2 cup shredded coconut, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp sea salt. Stir until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup avocado oil, 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp almond extract. Pour this sticky goodness over the oat and nut mixture, along with the whisked egg or flax egg. Stir until every piece is well-coated.
Prepare for Baking: Spread the granola mixture onto the lined baking sheet. Use your hands to press it down firmly, making sure you create an even layer. This pressing technique helps form those desirable clusters.
Bake: Place the baking sheet on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. You want it to turn a lovely golden brown, particularly at the edges. Keep an eye on it as it bakes; you’ll love the amazing aroma that fills your kitchen!
Cool Down: Once baked, let the granola cool on the pan for about an hour. This resting period allows it to set and creates those delightful crunchy clusters. After cooling, mix in your chosen dried fruits, like 1 cup of dried cherries or cranberries.
Store: Transfer the cooled granola into a large zip-lock bag or an airtight jar. It will keep well for about 10 days at room temperature, making it perfect for quick grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks!
Storing & Reheating
To store your homemade granola, place it in an airtight container at room temperature, where it will stay fresh for up to 10 days. If you want a longer shelf life, consider refrigerating it, which can extend freshness to two weeks. For longer storage options, freeze the granola in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature, or you can pop it in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for five to ten minutes to refresh its crunchiness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close watch as your granola bakes to prevent it from burning; the golden color means it’s done!
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: If you’re using an egg white, make sure it’s at room temperature for better whipping.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like nutmeg or cardamom to elevate flavors.
- Make-ahead Packs: Consider creating single-serve bags for easy breakfasts on busy mornings.
- Refreshing Texture: If your granola becomes a bit soft, just reheating it in the oven can breathe new life into it.
There’s something incredibly rewarding about making your own breakfast staples, and this homemade granola recipe accomplishes just that. Crunchy, delightful, and absolutely packed with flavor, it’s easy to customize to fit your taste preferences. Plus, knowing exactly what’s in your food makes each bite taste even better. So get ready to mix, bake, and enjoy your new favorite breakfast!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this granola vegan?
Absolutely! For a vegan-friendly granola, simply replace the egg white with a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, and let it sit until thickened. The texture and binding properties will remain perfect!
What can I substitute for maple syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, you can use honey or agave syrup as alternatives. Just keep in mind that honey is not vegan, so choose agave syrup if you prefer a plant-based option.
How can I achieve big granola clusters?
To get those desired crunchy clusters, remember to press the granola down firmly before baking. Additionally, avoid stirring it while it bakes, which helps maintain those chunks. Letting it cool entirely on the baking sheet before breaking it apart also promotes cluster formation.
Is homemade granola healthier than store-bought?
Yes! Homemade granola lets you control the ingredients and avoid added sugars or preservatives typically found in many store-bought versions. Plus, you can customize it with healthier options based on your dietary needs. Enjoy all the goodness while knowing exactly what you’re consuming!
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📖 Recipe Card
Homemade Granola
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 14 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Healthy
Description
Enjoy this Homemade Granola made with wholesome oats, nuts, and seeds. It’s flavorful, quick to prepare, and perfect for breakfast or a snack. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a delightful mixture that’s both healthy and delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 cup avocado oil
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp pure almond extract
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 3 cups gluten-free rolled oats
- 1/2 cup raw walnuts
- 1/2 cup raw almonds or sliced almonds or pecans
- 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup dried fruit
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk one egg white in a bowl until frothy, or prepare a flax 'egg' by combining ground flaxseed with water and letting it thicken for about 10 minutes.
- Coarsely chop the walnuts and almonds in a food processor or with a sharp knife.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped nuts, oats, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, and sea salt, and stir thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and almond extract. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients along with the egg white or flax 'egg,' and mix well to coat.
- Spread the mixture onto the lined baking sheet, pressing it down to form an even layer.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the edges are golden brown. After baking, let it sit for one hour to create clusters. Mix in the dried cherries afterwards.
- Store the cooled granola in a zip lock bag or jar for up to 10 days. Serve with yogurt, fruit, or milk.
Notes
For a vegan version, use a flax ‘egg’ instead of egg white.
Feel free to customize by adding your favorite nuts and dried fruits.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
