Homemade Granola
Homemade granola has a charm that store-bought varieties simply can’t match. With its irresistible crunch and delightful mix of textures and flavors, this homemade granola recipe will become your go-to breakfast or snack. Picture sitting down with a warm bowl of yogurt topped with clusters of oat goodness, kissed by sweetness and a hint of nuttiness. Not only is it incredibly satisfying, but it’s also customizable, allowing you to play with ingredients based on your personal preferences and dietary needs.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon granola-making while trying to find a healthier alternative for store-bought offerings packed with sugar and preservatives. After a few trials, I finally crafted a homemade granola recipe that I couldn’t get enough of! It’s easy to whip up, and the aroma wafting through your kitchen while it bakes is pure magic. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With only 10 minutes of prep time and 50 minutes in the oven, breakfast or snack is just around the corner!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of maple syrup, cinnamon, and nuts creates a sweet and spicy crunch that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Beautiful golden clusters come together, making it look as good as it tastes.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or a topping for yogurt or smoothies.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Gluten-free and easily made vegan by swapping the egg white for a flax “egg.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 egg white: This acts as a binder, helping the granola clump together. For a vegan alternative, use a flax “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
- 1/2 cup avocado oil: A mild oil that adds healthy fats; you could use coconut oil for a different flavor.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract: It enhances the overall sweetness and flavor profile; opt for high-quality extract for the best results.
- 1/2 tsp pure almond extract: Adds a lovely nutty undertone.
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup: Natural sweetener that pairs well with cinnamon and balances the dish; honey can be used instead, but it’s not vegan.
- 3 cups gluten-free rolled oats: The base of your granola; ensure they’re gluten-free if necessary.
- 1/2 cup raw walnuts: For added crunch and a rich flavor.
- 1/2 cup raw almonds or sliced almonds or pecans: They provide healthy fats and a delightful texture.
- 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds: These add a lovely crunch and are packed with nutrients.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut: Introduces a tropical twist and chewy texture.
- 1 cup dried fruit: Try cranberries, cherries, or raisins for a burst of sweetness. Adjust this based on your preferences.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon: Gives warmth and a cozy aroma.
- 1/2 tsp sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
How to Make Homemade Granola Recipe
Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless later on.
Whisk the Egg White: Take one egg white and whisk it in a bowl until it’s frothy. If you’re making a vegan version, prepare a flax “egg” by combining 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it thickens.
Chop the Nuts: Place the raw almonds and walnuts in a food processor, pulsing a few times until they are coarsely chopped. If you prefer, you can use a sharp knife to chop them manually; just be careful not to overdo it.
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 well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Incorporate 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 into the bowl with the oats and add in your whisked egg white or flax “egg.” Stir everything until each piece is well-coated.
Spread and Bake the Granola: Pour your granola mixture onto the lined baking sheet. Use your hands to press it evenly into a flat layer, making sure not to skip this step since this technique helps create those coveted clusters. Bake in your preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and fragrant.
Cool and Add Dried Fruit: Once baked to perfection, take the granola out of the oven and let it cool for an hour. This cooling process is essential for achieving large clusters. After it’s cooled, mix in the 1 cup of dried fruit.
Store Your Granola: Once fully cooled, transfer your homemade granola to a large zip lock bag or an airtight jar. It will keep well at room temperature for up to 10 days, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy it!
Storing & Reheating
To maintain freshness, store your homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks in a glass jar. For longer storage, freeze the granola in a sealed container for up to 3 months. If you want to refresh it after freezing, simply bake it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes to bring back its crunchiness without compromising flavor.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overbaking your granola; keep an eye on it, as different ovens can bake unevenly.
- Using room temperature ingredients, especially the egg white or flax “egg,” can improve the overall consistency.
- If your granola crumbles rather than forming clusters, it may need to be pressed down harder before baking.
- Feel free to switch up the nuts or dried fruit based on whatever you have on hand; customization is key!
- Prepare a double batch for a robust supply! Granola can easily be made ahead of time and stored.
Not only do you get delicious granola, but you also gain the satisfaction of knowing exactly what went into it. Get creative with your mix-ins and find your perfect blend!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this granola nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the nuts with additional seeds, like sunflower seeds or even puffed rice for a different texture.
What can I use instead of maple syrup?
If you’re not keen on maple syrup, honey works great if you’re not following a vegan diet. Agave syrup is another suitable alternative if you prefer something plant-based.
Can I incorporate other flavors?
Certainly! Adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom can deliver an additional flavor dimension. You could even throw in cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
How can I make my granola clumpier?
For chunkier granola, make sure to press the mixture firmly into the baking sheet before placing it in the oven. The binding properties of the egg and the sticky syrup help form those delicious clusters!
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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
This Homemade Granola is a delightful blend of oats, nuts, and dried fruit, providing a wholesome and delicious snack or breakfast option that is easy to prepare and perfect for any time of day.
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 the egg white until frothy, or prepare a flax egg by combining ground flax seed and water; let it thicken for about 10 minutes.
- Coarsely chop the walnuts and almonds using a food processor or by hand with a sharp knife.
- In a large bowl, mix the chopped nuts, oats, pumpkin seeds, coconut, cinnamon, sea salt, and dried cranberries well.
- Whisk the oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and almond extract together. Pour this mixture with the egg into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the granola mixture onto the lined baking sheet, pressing it into an even layer with your hands.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes until the edges are golden-brown. Let it cool for one hour before mixing in dried cherries.
- Store the cooled granola in a zip lock bag or jar for up to 10 days. Enjoy it with fruit, yogurt, or milk.
Notes
For a vegan alternative, use a flax egg instead of egg white.
Experiment with different nuts or seeds based on your preference.
Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
