Homemade Granola
Homemade granola is one of those simple pleasures that feels like pure comfort food. The moment you take a bite, you’re greeted with a delightful crunch, a medley of nutty flavors, and a hint of sweetness that wraps around your taste buds like a warm hug. It’s a breakfast staple that not only nourishes but also satisfies cravings for something wholesome and energizing. What sets this homemade version apart from store-bought granola? It’s customizable, fresher, and packed with love—and you can control the sweetness, the ingredients, and even the texture.
Table of Contents
I first made granola during a particularly busy week when I was craving something quick yet nourishing for breakfast. I remember the scent wafting through the kitchen as the oats toasted, filling the space with warmth and nostalgia. That first bite was a revelation; it tasted better than anything I had purchased! Today, I’m excited to share this Homemade Granola Recipe, which is just as easy to whip up as it is delicious—including all the crunchy goodness that you’d expect from a store-bought kind, minus the preservatives.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prep in just 10 minutes, and bake in less than an hour for effortless mornings.
- Irresistible Flavor: Picture crunchy oats mingling with warm cinnamon, nutty almonds, and sweet maple syrup—pure bliss!
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden clusters are not only tasty but beautiful, making any bowl look impressive.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast or a quick snack; enjoy it with yogurt, fruit, or straight from the jar.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free and vegan diets with simple swaps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 egg white: Provides binding for the granola and contributes to a lovely texture; for a vegan version, you can substitute with a flax “egg” made from ground flaxseed and water.
- 1/2 cup avocado oil: A healthy fat that adds richness without overwhelming flavors; can be replaced with coconut oil or melted butter if desired.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Adds a beautiful aroma and depth; use high-quality vanilla for best results.
- 1/2 tsp pure almond extract: Enhances the nutty flavor; alternatively, you can skip it if you prefer not to use it.
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup: Sweetens and adds a wonderful flavor; honey or agave can be used as substitutes.
- 3 cups gluten-free rolled oats: The base of your granola, providing fiber and texture; make sure they’re labeled gluten-free if necessary.
- 1/2 cup raw walnuts: Add crunch and healthy fats; pecans or hazelnuts can be substituted if you prefer.
- 1/2 cup raw almonds or sliced almonds or pecans: Nutty goodness is key; any mix of your favorite nuts will work here.
- 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds: Offers extra crunch and nutrition; sunflower seeds could also be used.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut: Gives a chewy texture and natural sweetness; feel free to omit it if coconut isn’t your thing.
- 1 cup dried fruit: Choose your favorites; cranberries, raisins, or apricots add sweetness and chewiness.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon: A warm spice that elevates the flavor; you could also experiment with nutmeg or cardamom.
- 1/2 tsp sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
How to Make Homemade Granola Recipe
Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures an easy release and cleaning afterward.
Whisk the egg white: In a bowl, whisk one egg white until it becomes frothy. If you’re going for a vegan option, prepare a flax egg by combining 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and letting it thicken for about 10 minutes.
Chop the nuts: Take the raw almonds and walnuts, and pulse them a few times in a food processor until they are coarsely chopped. Alternatively, you can chop them by hand with a sharp knife if you prefer a more rustic approach.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped nuts, 3 cups of gluten-free rolled oats, 1/2 cup of raw pumpkin seeds, 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Stir everything together to mix evenly.
Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of avocado oil, 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of pure almond extract. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients along with the whisked egg white or flax egg. Stir well until everything is beautifully coated.
Press into the pan: Transfer the granola mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use your hands to press the mixture firmly into an even layer. This will help form those coveted clusters when it bakes!
Bake it: Place the baking sheet in the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the edges are golden-brown. Keep an eye on the granola, as ovens can vary, and you don’t want it to burn.
Cool and add dried fruit: Once golden, remove the granola from the oven and let it sit for one hour. Allowing it to cool helps it to firm up into clusters. After cooling, mix in 1 cup of your choice of dried fruit, like cherries or cranberries.
Store and enjoy: Once cooled, transfer your granola to a large zip-lock bag or a jar for storage. It keeps well at room temperature for up to 10 days, so you can enjoy it whenever the craving hits.
Storing & Reheating
To maximize freshness, store your homemade granola at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 10 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container. For a longer shelf life, freeze it in a zip-lock bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes to refresh its crunch—just know the flavor and texture may change slightly after freezing.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid over-baking to keep the granola crunchy yet tender. Check it frequently during the last few minutes of baking.
- For perfectly sized clusters, make sure to press the mixture firmly when spreading it out on the baking sheet.
- Feel free to customize the nut and fruit combinations based on what you have on hand or love best.
- Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a tablespoon of chia seeds for an extra nutritional boost.
- Make a large batch on the weekend, so you have quick breakfasts ready throughout the week!
Homemade granola is such a delightful way to start the day or enjoy as an afternoon snack. The combination of crunchy oats, nuts, and sweet maple syrup delivers a wholesome experience that’s hard to beat. Plus, making it yourself means you can tweak the ingredients to fit your tastes, whether that’s extra dried fruit, a sprinkle of seeds, or a touch more spice. Get ready to savor each crunchy bite and feel great knowing exactly what’s inside your granola!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this granola nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the nuts for more seeds or additional oats. Sunflower seeds or pepitas can create a deliciously nut-free granola that still has great flavor and crunch.
How do I adjust the sweetness of my granola?
If you prefer a less sweet granola, reduce the maple syrup by 1/4 cup. You can also play around with other sweeteners like honey or agave syrup, adjusting them to your taste.
Why is my granola not clumping together?
If your granola isn’t clumping, it may be due to insufficient liquid or binding agents. Make sure you’re using enough egg white or vegan substitute, and press the mixture firmly onto the baking sheet before baking to encourage clumping.
Can I add other ingredients to my granola?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding seeds like chia or flax, spices such as ginger or nutmeg, or even a handful of chocolate chips after baking for a treat. Your granola can truly reflect your personal tastes!
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Homemade Granola
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 14 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Granola combines the irresistible flavors of oats, nuts, and dried fruit, making it a delightful treat for breakfast or a midday snack. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it’s a healthy option that satisfies cravings while keeping the goodness intact.
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 (163°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk egg white until frothy in a bowl. For a vegan option, prepare a flax 'egg' by combining ground flax seed with water and letting it sit until thickened.
- In a food processor or blender, pulse walnuts and almonds until coarsely chopped. Alternatively, chop the nuts with a knife.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped nuts, oats, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and mix well.
- Whisk together avocado oil, pure maple syrup, vanilla, and almond extract. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients, along with the egg white or flax 'egg' and mix until evenly coated.
- Spread the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing it down to create an even layer.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until golden-brown at the edges. Let it sit for one hour to firm up for larger clusters.
- After cooling, mix in the dried fruit and store in a zip lock bag or jar for up to 10 days.
Notes
Store granola in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits based on your preference.
You can customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of maple syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
