Easy Homemade Granola
Granola has become a staple in many households, offering a delicious and nutritious start to the day or a satisfying snack. Whether you enjoy it with yogurt and fresh fruit, or simply munch on it by the handful, making your own granola at home allows you to customize the flavors and ingredients to your liking. Today, I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Easy Homemade Granola. This delightful blend of oats, nuts, and dried fruits is not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile!
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
There are countless reasons to love this Easy Homemade Granola. First and foremost, it’s made with wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about. No artificial preservatives or excess sugars here! You can easily swap in your favorite nuts or dried fruits, making it a truly customizable recipe. Plus, it’s budget-friendly—homemade granola is often cheaper than store-bought varieties, and it allows you to create large batches to last throughout the week.
Gather These Ingredients
To make your own Easy Homemade Granola, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats (not quick oats)
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup sliced almonds (or any other nut you prefer, such as pecans or walnuts)
- 3 tablespoons honey or real maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (or extra virgin olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries (or other dried fruit such as raisins, apricots, or cherries)
What You’ll Need (Gear)
Before you dive into the cooking process, gather the following gear:
- Baking sheet: A large rimmed baking sheet will help spread the granola evenly.
- Mixing bowl: A big bowl to combine all your ingredients.
- Spatula: For mixing and spreading the granola on the baking sheet.
- Oven: Preheat it to 325°F (163°C) to toast the granola perfectly.
- Storage container: An airtight container to keep your granola fresh.
Easy Homemade Granola in Steps
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures that your granola will toast evenly and become nice and crunchy.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3 cups of old-fashioned oats, 1 cup of shredded coconut, 1 cup of sliced almonds, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir them together until everything is well mixed.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3 tablespoons of honey (or maple syrup), 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil (or olive oil). Make sure the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Use your spatula to stir everything together until all the oats and nuts are evenly coated.
Step 5: Spread on Baking Sheet
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the granola mixture evenly across the baking sheet. Press it down lightly with the spatula to help it clump together.
Step 6: Bake the Granola
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Stir the granola halfway through to ensure even toasting. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, as ovens can vary.
Step 7: Add Dried Fruit
Once the granola is golden brown, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Once slightly cooled, stir in the 1 cup of dried cranberries or your choice of dried fruit.
Step 8: Cool and Store
Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container for storage. Enjoy it within two weeks for the best freshness.
If You’re Out Of…
You can easily adapt this Easy Homemade Granola recipe based on what you have on hand:
- If you’re out of honey or maple syrup, you can use agave nectar or brown rice syrup.
- No coconut oil? Use melted butter or another neutral oil like canola.
- If you don’t have sliced almonds, try using walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds.
- Don’t have dried cranberries? Use any other dried fruit, such as raisins, chopped apricots, or apple slices.
Don’t Do This
Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when making your Easy Homemade Granola:
- Don’t skip the cinnamon and salt; they enhance the flavor and balance the sweetness.
- Avoid using quick oats; they won’t give you the same chewy texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; this can lead to uneven baking.
- Don’t forget to stir the granola halfway through baking to prevent burning.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
Planning ahead is key when it comes to homemade granola. Here are a few tips:
You can make a large batch of Easy Homemade Granola and store it in an airtight container for up to two weeks. If you want to keep it fresh even longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it.
- Prepare granola on the weekend for easy breakfasts during the week.
- Mix in different dried fruits or nuts each time to keep things interesting.
- Consider portioning out servings into small bags for on-the-go snacks.
Reader Questions
Can I use gluten-free oats in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to choose oats that are labeled gluten-free to ensure they are processed in a gluten-free environment.
How can I make granola clusters?
To achieve those delicious clusters, press the granola mixture firmly onto the baking sheet before baking. The more you pack it down, the larger the clusters will be!
What can I serve granola with besides yogurt?
Granola is versatile! Enjoy it with milk, sprinkle it over smoothie bowls, or mix it into pancakes or muffins for added texture.
How can I reduce the sugar content?
You can cut back on the brown sugar and honey by using less than the recommended amounts. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce.
Bring It Home
Making Easy Homemade Granola is not only a rewarding kitchen project but also a way to enjoy a healthy and customizable snack. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a delicious granola that rivals any store-bought version. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and start blending your way to a tasty treat that you’ll want to enjoy again and again. Happy baking!
Easy Homemade Granola
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, shredded coconut, sliced almonds, cinnamon, and salt.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), brown sugar, and melted coconut oil (or olive oil).
- Step 4: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until all are evenly coated.
- Step 5: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the granola mixture evenly across it.
- Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Step 7: Once golden brown, let it cool for about 10 minutes, then stir in the dried cranberries.
- Step 8: Allow to cool completely, then store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Store granola in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to two weeks.
- Mix and match nuts and dried fruits for different flavors.
- Press the granola mixture firmly onto the baking sheet for clusters.
