Homemade Granola Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Customizable

Granola is the perfect blend of crunchy, sweet, and wholesome goodness. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a topping for your favorite yogurt, homemade granola is an easy and cost-effective option. Plus, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Here’s a simple recipe to make your own homemade granola:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of rolled oats
• 1 cup of nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts work great)
• 1/2 cup of seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, or chia seeds)
• 1/2 cup of dried fruits (cranberries, raisins, or apricots)
• 1/3 cup of honey or maple syrup
• 1/3 cup of coconut oil or vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts, seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan, warm the honey (or maple syrup), coconut oil, and vanilla extract over low heat until the mixture is smooth and combined. Remove from heat.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the warm honey mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
5. Spread on Baking Sheet: Evenly spread the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Press it down lightly for chunkier granola.
6. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through for even toasting. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
7. Cool and Add Dried Fruit: Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cooled, stir in the dried fruit.
8. Store: Transfer your homemade granola to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Tips for Customization:

• Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less honey/maple syrup.
• Add-Ins: Sprinkle in extras like shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or spices (like nutmeg) after baking.
• Texture: For extra clusters, don’t stir the granola while it’s cooling.

How to Enjoy Your Granola:

• As a topping for yogurt or smoothie bowls.
• Mixed with milk for a crunchy breakfast cereal.
• On its own as a grab-and-go snack.

Making homemade granola is incredibly rewarding. Not only is it healthier than many store-bought options, but it’s also a fun way to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Give it a try and share your favorite combinations in the comments below!