Blueberry Walnut Granola Recipe

Rolled oats: The base of the granola, providing a hearty and nutritious foundation.

Walnuts: Adds a crunchy texture and a rich, nutty flavor.

Dried blueberries: Brings a chewy texture and a burst of sweet-tart flavor.

Maple syrup: Acts as a natural sweetener, giving the granola a subtle caramel-like taste.

Coconut oil: Helps to bind the ingredients together and adds a hint of coconut flavor.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

To enhance the flavor and texture of your granola, consider toasting the walnuts separately before mixing them with the other ingredients. Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become fragrant and slightly golden. This step will bring out the natural oils and deepen the nutty flavor, adding an extra layer of complexity to your Blueberry Walnut Granola.

• rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes provide a similar texture and are also gluten-free, making them a great alternative.

• walnuts - Substitute with almonds: Almonds offer a similar crunch and nutty flavor, and they are also rich in healthy fats and protein.

• dried blueberries - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries have a similar chewy texture and tart-sweet flavor, making them a suitable replacement.

• maple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar has a similar sweetness and consistency, and it is also a natural sweetener.

• coconut oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a similar moisture content and healthy fats, though it has a slightly different flavor profile.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the granola.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides the same salty flavor but with a slightly different mineral content, which can add a subtle complexity.

• Allow the granola to cool completely before storing. This ensures that it remains crunchy and doesn't become soggy.
• Transfer the granola to an airtight container. Mason jars, resealable plastic bags, or any container with a tight-fitting lid will work perfectly.
• Store the container in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard, away from direct sunlight. This will keep the granola fresh for up to two weeks.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the granola. Place it in a resealable freezer bag or a freezer-safe container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. Frozen granola can last up to three months.
• When ready to use, simply take out the desired amount and let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes. The granola will retain its crunch and flavor.
• Avoid storing granola in the refrigerator, as the moisture can make it lose its crispness.
• If the granola becomes soft or loses its crunch over time, you can refresh it by spreading it on a baking sheet and baking it at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes. Let it cool completely before storing again.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the granola evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 5-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until it’s warmed and slightly crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

• Microwave Method: Place a portion of granola in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Stir and check the temperature. If needed, heat for an additional 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as the nuts can become too hot.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add the granola and stir continuously for about 3-5 minutes until it’s warmed through and slightly toasted. This method can enhance the flavors of the walnuts and oats.

• Toaster Oven Method: If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Spread the granola on a small baking tray and heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring once or twice, until it’s warmed and crispy.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Place the granola in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method gives a quick and crispy result.

• Oven: Used to bake the granola at a consistent temperature of 325°F (165°C).

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining the oats, walnuts, and salt together.

• Whisk: Helps to thoroughly mix the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.

• Separate bowl: Needed to whisk together the wet ingredients before combining them with the dry ingredients.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to spread the granola mixture evenly for baking.

• Parchment paper: Prevents the granola from sticking to the baking sheet and makes for easy cleanup.

• Spatula: Useful for stirring the granola halfway through the baking process to ensure even browning.

• Airtight container: Keeps the granola fresh for up to two weeks after it has cooled completely.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use a large mixing bowl: A larger bowl makes it easier to mix oats, walnuts, and salt quickly and evenly.

Melt coconut oil in microwave: Save time by melting coconut oil in the microwave instead of on the stove.

Line baking sheet with parchment: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup faster.

Stir halfway through baking: Stirring the granola halfway ensures even baking and saves you from having to watch it constantly.