The scent of freshly baked granola wafts through my kitchen like a warm hug on a chilly morning. Each crunchy bite promises a delightful blend of nutty flavors and the sweetness of honey that dances on your taste buds. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you want to twirl around in your pajamas like no one’s watching—and trust me, no one should be.
As I stood there measuring out oats and nuts, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the memories this homemade granola recipe brings back. There was that time my friends gathered for brunch and devoured it so fast that I barely had time to snap a picture. It was officially declared “the best part” of the meal—sorry scrambled eggs! Granola is perfect for breakfast or even as a snack when you need a little pick-me-up during those endless work-from-home days.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This homemade granola recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and customize based on your favorite ingredients
- The delightful crunch and perfect sweetness will elevate any breakfast table
- With vibrant colors from fruits and nuts, it’s as visually appealing as it is delicious
- Enjoy it with yogurt or milk for a satisfying start to your day!
I remember the first time I made this recipe; my family couldn’t believe something so tasty could come from my kitchen!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Old-Fashioned Oats: Use rolled oats for the best texture; they absorb flavors beautifully while maintaining their crunch.
- Nuts: Choose your favorites like almonds or walnuts; they add healthy fats and protein.
- Seeds: Flaxseeds or chia seeds are great additions; they boost nutritional value without altering flavor.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Sweeten naturally with honey or maple syrup; both add delightful depth to the recipe.
- Dried Fruits: Raisins or cranberries bring natural sweetness; chop them smaller if you prefer bite-sized pieces.
- Coconut Oil: This adds richness and helps everything stick together nicely; feel free to substitute with another oil if desired.
- Cinnamon (optional): A sprinkle adds warmth and flavor; adjust according to your taste preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare yourself for an aromatic adventure as we dive into making this delightful homemade granola.
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake that results in perfectly crispy granola.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine old-fashioned oats, chopped nuts, seeds, cinnamon, and any dried fruits you desire. Stir until evenly mixed.
Add Wet Ingredients: Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the dry mix along with melted coconut oil. Stir well until every oat and nut is coated in this sweet goodness.
Spread on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the mixture evenly across the sheet; this helps it bake uniformly without clumping.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even browning—you want it golden but not burnt!
Cool and Store**: Once baked, remove from oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, transfer it into an airtight container for freshness.
Now you have a charming batch of homemade granola ready to enjoy!
This delightful mix can be enjoyed atop yogurt or eaten straight from the jar when you’re feeling snacky—or maybe just because you deserve a treat!
You Must Know
- Making homemade granola allows you to control the sweetness and texture
- Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, and spices for unique flavors
- The aroma of baking granola will have your entire kitchen smelling like a cozy café
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing dry ingredients first, then combine with wet ingredients before spreading on a baking sheet. This ensures even coating and perfect clumping.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping oats for quinoa or adding dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. Customize your granola to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
Storing & Reheating
Store your homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If it loses its crunch, toss it back in the oven briefly to crisp up.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect granola, watch your baking time closely; over-baking can lead to burnt bits
- Stir halfway through baking for even browning
- Let it cool completely before storing to lock in freshness
I remember the first time I made homemade granola; my roommate walked in and declared it smelled “magical.” We ended up devouring half of it in one sitting, giggling like kids over breakfast cookies.
FAQ
What type of oats should I use for homemade granola?
Use rolled oats for a chewy texture that holds together nicely when baked.
Can I make this granola gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just ensure you use certified gluten-free oats and other gluten-free ingredients.
How can I make my granola more nutritious?
Add seeds like chia or flaxseed for extra fiber and healthy fats without compromising flavor.
Easy Homemade Granola Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in this delicious homemade granola, featuring a perfect blend of oats, nuts, and dried fruits—ideal for breakfast or a healthy snack on-the-go!
Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts)
- ½ cup seeds (flaxseeds or chia seeds)
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 cup dried fruits (raisins or cranberries)
- ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, seeds, cinnamon, and dried fruits.
- Drizzle honey or maple syrup and melted coconut oil over the mixture. Stir until evenly coated.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the mixture evenly on it.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through until golden brown.
- Let cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Notes
- Experiment with different nuts, seeds, and spices for unique flavors.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- If granola loses its crunch, re-bake briefly at 350°F (175°C) for crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg