Homemade Granola
Nothing quite hits the spot like a bowl of homemade granola. Tender clusters filled with wholesome oats, crunchy nuts, and sweet dried fruits create a perfect breakfast or snack option that transcends anything you’ll find in a box. Plus, when you make your own, you can dictate precisely what goes in. Gone are the days of mystery ingredients—every bite can be entirely tailored to your taste!
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this homemade granola recipe during a lazy Sunday morning when I craved something both satisfying and nourishing. The allure of homemade granola—its warm, toasty aroma wafting through the kitchen—is hard to resist. Whether you enjoy it paired with yogurt, drizzled with some fruit, or simply munching on it straight from the jar, this homemade granola recipe will leave you yearning for another bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep time and around 50 minutes in the oven—perfect for a busy morning.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and toasty oats creates a delightful harmony of sweet and nutty flavors, with a hint of warmth from the cinnamon.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Clustered nuggets of granola look lovely in a clear jar or scattered over a colorful bowl of fruit.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it for breakfast, a midday snack, or even as a topping on desserts—it fits any occasion!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily vegan and gluten-free, it accommodates a variety of dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 egg white: Provides protein and helps bind the ingredients together for perfect clusters. If you’re looking for a vegan option, try a flax “egg”.
- 1/2 cup avocado oil: This oil is neutral in flavor and adds a beautiful crunch. You can substitute it with coconut oil or any mild oil, but avoid strong-flavored oils.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract: The vanilla elevates the flavor, making each bite a treat. Always opt for pure extracts for the best taste.
- 1/2 tsp pure almond extract: Adds a lovely, nutty aroma; ensure you use pure almond extract for an authentic flavor boost.
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup: Natural sweetness that also helps the granola crisp up nicely. Agave syrup can be used if you want a different sweetener.
- 3 cups gluten-free rolled oats: A friendly base for your granola; ensure they’re certified gluten-free if needed.
- 1/2 cup raw walnuts: These lend a rich, slightly bitter flavor and a delightful crunch. Pecans can be substituted for a sweeter profile.
- 1/2 cup raw almonds or sliced almonds or pecans: Another source of crunch and flavor. Feel free to mix and match with your favorite nuts!
- 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds: Great for adding extra nutrition. You can swap them for sunflower seeds or omit them if you prefer.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut: This gives your granola a tropical twist. Only use unsweetened to avoid extra sugar.
- 1 cup dried fruit: Choose your favorite, like dried cranberries, cherries, or apricots, for bursts of sweetness.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon: A dash of warmth that truly brings the whole mixture together; switch it up with nutmeg if you like a different spice.
- 1/2 tsp sea salt: Helps balance the sweetness. Always go with sea salt for a more refined flavor.
How to Make Homemade Granola Recipe
Preheat the oven: Set 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 one egg white until it’s foamy and frothy. If you’re opting for a vegan version, mix one tablespoon of ground flax seed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 10 minutes to thicken into a flax “egg”.
Chop the nuts: Place the almonds and walnuts in a food processor or blender. A few quick pulses will do—you’re looking for coarsely chopped nuts. Alternatively, you can chop them with a knife if you prefer a hands-on approach.
Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped nuts with the oats, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Mix these together until everything is evenly distributed.
Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup avocado oil, 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp pure almond extract. If you’re using the flax “egg,” include that in this mixture too before pouring into the dry ingredients.
Combine all ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well to ensure everything is well-coated—this is what makes it clumpy and luxurious!
Spread on baking sheet: Transfer the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using your hands, press it down into an even layer—this helps it bake into those crunchy clusters we all know and love.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the edges are a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning! Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and allow it to set and cool for about an hour—this is key for achieving chunky granola.
Mix in dried fruit: Once cooled, fold in 1 cup of dried fruit of your choice. The gentle heat from the granola will plump the fruit just a bit, so it stays nice and chewy.
Store: Transfer your granola to an airtight container, such as a zip lock bag or jar. Kept at room temperature, it lasts for about 10 days.
Storing & Reheating
To keep your granola fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days. If you want to keep it longer, it freezes beautifully for up to three months. Just make sure you let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat it in the oven for about 5-10 minutes at a low temperature to crisp it back up. Please note that freezing might alter the texture slightly, but you can refresh it with some heat!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Watch the granola closely while it bakes; it can go from golden-brown to burnt quickly.
- If your granola seems a bit clumpy at the end, give it a gentle stir and spread it out again before cooling.
- Room temperature egg whites whip up to a larger volume, so be sure to have them at the right temperature for those lofty clusters.
- Experiment with different nuts, seeds, or spices to find your perfect mix!
- For a fun twist, you can add a splash of coconut extract or sprinkle in some cocoa powder for a chocolatey treat.
Making this homemade granola recipe allows you to enjoy a wholesome, delicious breakfast that’s not only easy to prepare but a true delight for your taste buds. Every bite can be customized to your liking, making it the perfect addition to your morning routine or as a quick snack throughout the day. Enjoy the joy of making it when you crave a warm, satisfying treat!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this granola recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the nuts with more seeds or use different grains like additional oats or puffed rice for that delightful crunch.
How can I customize the sweetness of this granola?
You can adjust the amount of maple syrup to suit your taste, or even try honey or brown sugar as alternatives. Just remember that different sweeteners may affect the texture slightly.
Why does my granola not clump together?
If your granola isn’t clumping, it may be due to not pressing it down enough before baking or not enough binding ingredients. Ensure you mix in the egg white or flax gel well, and press firmly on that baking sheet!
How do I make this recipe more chocolatey?
For a chocolate twist, incorporate cocoa powder into your dry ingredients or mix in some chocolate chips after baking. Just be sure to let the granola cool first to avoid melting the chocolate completely!
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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: American
Description
Enjoy this Homemade Granola packed with heart-healthy nuts and seeds. With its delightful flavor and simple preparation, it’s a perfect healthy breakfast option. Ideal for topping with yogurt or enjoying by the handful!
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' by mixing ground flax seed with water and letting it sit until thick.
- Chop the almonds and walnuts coarsely using a food processor or knife.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped nuts, oats, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together avocado oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and almond extract. Add this mixture to the oats and nuts, along with the egg white or flax egg, and stir until well coated.
- Spread the mixture onto the lined baking sheet, pressing it down into an even layer.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until edges are golden brown. Allow to cool for an hour to form clusters before mixing in dried cherries.
- Store the cooled granola in a zip lock bag or jar for up to 10 days.
Notes
For a vegan option, use the flax ‘egg’ instead of egg white.
Feel free to customize the dried fruit based on your preference.
This granola pairs wonderfully with yogurt and fruits!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
