Homemade Granola
Homemade granola has a special place in my heart. There’s something simply magical about the aroma of warm oats and nuts filling your kitchen, reminding you that comfort can come from something as straightforward as a bowl of goodness. This Homemade Granola Recipe not only satisfies your cravings for a crunchy snack but also lets you indulge guilt-free. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients and no added preservatives, putting store-bought versions to shame. Making granola at home is not just easy; it’s therapeutic. Allowing you to experiment with flavors makes it a perfect canvas for your creativity.
Table of Contents
I first discovered the joy of making granola during a busy morning rush when I desperately needed an easy breakfast solution. With just a handful of ingredients and a little time, I crafted the perfect mix of chewy, crunchy, and slightly sweet. This recipe consistently impresses family and friends, and I’m excited to share it with you. So grab your apron and let’s get started on your new favorite breakfast staple!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can whip this up in just about 60 minutes, including bake time!
- Irresistible Flavor: Expect layers of toasted nuts and oats, perfectly sweetened with a hint of maple and almond.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden-brown clusters are simply gorgeous and oh-so-fun to munch on.
- Flexible Serving: Great for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a topping for yogurt—enjoy it any time!
- Diet-Friendly Options: This granola is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by substituting the egg.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 egg white: Adds protein and helps bind the ingredients for delicious clusters.
- 1/2 cup avocado oil: A heart-healthy choice that works well for baking; can use coconut oil for a different flavor.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Enhances the natural sweetness and flavor.
- 1/2 tsp pure almond extract: Adds a subtle nutty flavor; optional but delightful.
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup: The perfect natural sweetener that brings richness to your granola.
- 3 cups gluten-free rolled oats: Provides a chewy base; oats ensure it remains gluten-free.
- 1/2 cup raw walnuts: Adds healthy fats and a nice crunch.
- 1/2 cup raw almonds or sliced almonds or pecans: Your choice for additional texture and flavor.
- 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds: These little gems pack a nutritious punch and add lovely crunch.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut: Brings a tropical flavor and chewy texture to the mix.
- 1 cup dried fruit: Use your favorite—raisins, cranberries, or even chopped apricots work great.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, enhancing the overall taste.
- 1/2 tsp sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
How to Make Homemade Granola Recipe
Preheat the oven: Start by setting your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Whisk the egg white: In a bowl, whisk the egg white vigorously until it looks frothy. If you prefer an egg-free version, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds with 3 tablespoons of water, letting it sit for about 10 minutes to thicken like a fluffy egg.
Chop the nuts: Toss the walnuts and almonds into a food processor, pulsing a few times until coarsely chopped. If you don’t have a processor, use a sharp knife—carefully chop them to the desired size.
Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped nuts, 3 cups of gluten-free rolled oats, 1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds, 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut, 2 tsp of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp of sea salt. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of avocado oil, 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup, 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp of pure almond extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients along with the whisked egg white or flax “egg.” Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Spread on baking sheet: Transfer the granola mixture onto the lined baking sheet. Use your hands to press it down firmly into an even layer—this helps create the ultimate crunchy clusters.
Bake until golden: Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are a lovely golden-brown. It’s the aroma that will draw everyone to the kitchen!
Cool and mix in dried fruit: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to rest for an hour; this crucial step allows the granola to set. After cooling, mix in 1 cup of your favorite dried fruit.
Store: Transfer your homemade granola to a large zip lock bag or an airtight jar. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 10 days. Enjoy with fresh fruit, yogurt, or your choice of milk for a delightful breakfast.
Storing & Reheating
For best results, keep your granola in a cool, dry place at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 10 days. If you’d like to extend its life, you can refrigerate it for about two weeks. Alternatively, freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months. If you prefer it warm, simply reheat in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-10 minutes, but remember, the texture may slightly change after freezing. A quick refresh in the oven will bring back some of that crunch!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure to not skip the cooling step after baking; it’s essential for achieving those beautiful clusters.
- For best results, use room temperature egg whites; this helps them whip better for binding.
- Avoid burning—check your granola in the last few minutes, as it can go from perfect to overdone quickly.
- Feel free to customize flavors by adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom to shake things up.
- Consider making a double batch; homemade granola makes a fabulous gift and is always a crowd-pleaser.
Homemade granola is not only a splendid way to start your morning, but it also gives you flexibility to experiment with flavors while monitoring what goes into your food. There’s a world of combinations waiting to be discovered, from adding in nuts you love to swapping in different dried fruits. Enjoy this wholesome delight as a nourishing snack or a sweet topping that can elevate any breakfast. Embrace the customization, get creative, and above all, have fun while whipping up your batch of granola!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this granola nut-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the nuts with seeds such as sunflower seeds or add more pumpkin seeds instead. You can even include more coconut or oats, based on your preference.
How can I make this granola vegan?
Simply replace the egg white with a flax “egg” (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). The rest of the recipe stays the same—easy as pie!
Can I alter the sweetness of this granola?
Definitely! You can reduce the amount of maple syrup to your liking or substitute it with honey (if not strictly vegan). Just keep in mind that it might change the overall texture slightly.
How do I know when my granola is done baking?
Watch for those lovely golden-brown edges. It’s best to check in the last few minutes to avoid burning. Once you remove it from the oven, it should feel firm and crunchy when cooled, ensuring perfect 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 combines irresistible flavors with simple preparation. Loaded with nuts, oats, and delightful sweetness, it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.
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 in a bowl until frothy, or prepare a flax 'egg' as an egg replacer.
- Chop the almonds and walnuts coarsely in a food processor or with a knife.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped nuts, oats, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and sea salt.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and almond extract before mixing it into the dry ingredients along with the egg.
- Spread the mixture evenly on the lined baking sheet, pressing it down with your hands.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes until edges are golden brown. Let it cool for one hour before breaking into clusters and mixing in dried fruit.
- Store the granola in a zip lock bag or jar for up to 10 days and enjoy with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For a vegan version, replace the egg white with a flax egg.
Add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or seeds for added flavor.
Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
