This homemade granola recipe is a perfect blend of crunchy oats, nuts, and a touch of sweetness from maple syrup. It's a versatile and healthy snack that can be enjoyed on its own, with yogurt, or as a topping for smoothie bowls. Making your own granola allows you to customize the ingredients to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
If you don't typically have coconut oil or maple syrup in your pantry, you might need to pick these up at the supermarket. Coconut oil is often found in the baking or health food aisle, while maple syrup is usually located near the breakfast foods. These ingredients add a unique flavor and texture to the granola, making it worth the extra effort to find them.
Ingredients For Granola Recipe
Rolled oats: The base of the granola, providing a hearty and chewy texture.
Chopped nuts: Adds crunch and a rich, nutty flavor. You can use almonds, walnuts, pecans, or any nuts you prefer.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that gives the granola a subtle sweetness and helps it clump together.
Melted coconut oil: Binds the ingredients 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.
Dried fruit: Optional, but adds a chewy texture and bursts of sweetness. You can use raisins, cranberries, apricots, or any dried fruit you like.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure your granola clusters together nicely, press the mixture down firmly onto the baking sheet before placing it in the oven. This helps create those delightful clumps that make for a satisfying crunch. Additionally, if you prefer a chewier texture, reduce the baking time slightly and keep a close eye on the granola to prevent over-browning.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes provide a similar texture and are also gluten-free, making them a great alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.
Chopped nuts - Substitute with seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, chia): Seeds offer a similar crunch and nutritional benefits, making them a good option for those with nut allergies.
Maple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar has a similar sweetness and consistency, making it a suitable vegan alternative.
Melted coconut oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a similar fat content and helps bind the granola, while also adding a subtle flavor.
Vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste of the granola.
Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar salty flavor but with additional trace minerals.
Dried fruit - Substitute with freeze-dried fruit: Freeze-dried fruit offers a similar sweetness and texture but with a longer shelf life and more intense flavor.
Alternative Recipes You Might Like
How to Store or Freeze Your Granola
- Allow the granola to cool completely before storing. This ensures it maintains its delightful crunch and prevents any unwanted sogginess.
- Transfer the cooled granola into an airtight container. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids or resealable plastic bags work wonderfully.
- Store the container in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Properly stored, your granola can stay fresh for up to two weeks.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the granola. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing 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 enjoy, simply take out the desired amount and let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes. It will retain its delicious crunch and flavor.
- To add a burst of freshness, mix in some dried fruit or fresh berries just before serving. This adds a delightful contrast in texture and taste.
- If you prefer a warm granola, you can briefly reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will revive its crispiness without compromising its flavor.
- Enjoy your homemade granola as a topping for yogurt, a mix-in for smoothie bowls, or simply as a delightful snack on its own.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the granola evenly on a baking sheet and bake for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This method will help restore the crunchiness without burning it.
- Use a toaster oven set to 300°F (150°C). Place the granola on a baking tray and heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even reheating.
- For a quick fix, spread the granola on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Be cautious as this method can sometimes make the granola a bit chewy rather than crispy.
- If you prefer a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the granola and stir continuously for 3-5 minutes until it’s warmed through and slightly toasted.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the granola at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining the oats and nuts together.
Small saucepan: Used to warm and combine the coconut oil and maple syrup over low heat.
Spatula: Useful for stirring the wet mixture into the dry ingredients to ensure even coating.
Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to spread the granola mixture evenly for baking.
Parchment paper: Optional but helpful for lining the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the oats, nuts, maple syrup, and coconut oil.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities like vanilla extract and salt.
Wooden spoon: Handy for stirring the granola halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
Airtight container: Important for storing the cooled granola to keep it fresh.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients like rolled oats, nuts, and maple syrup before you start. This will streamline the process.
Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and store extra granola in an airtight container. This saves time for future use.
Quick cooling: Spread the granola thinly on the baking sheet to cool faster, allowing you to store it sooner.
Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven before you begin mixing to save waiting time.
Granola Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups Rolled oats
- 1 cup Nuts (your choice) chopped
- ½ cup Maple syrup
- ¼ cup Coconut oil melted
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Dried fruit (your choice) optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats and nuts.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the coconut oil and maple syrup until melted and combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well until all oats and nuts are coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely. Stir in dried fruit if using. Store in an airtight container.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Gochujang Salmon Recipe30 Minutes
- Ganache Recipe15 Minutes
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe30 Minutes
- Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe25 Minutes
- Soy Sauce Recipe15 Minutes
- Sour Cream Recipe10 Minutes
- Ricotta Cheese Recipe10 Minutes
- Garlic Yogurt Dip Recipe10 Minutes
Leave a Reply