Easy Homemade Granola
Homemade Granola is a quick breakfast that gives you all-day energy. The coconut oil renders a very nutty flavor, and the aroma is so invigorating to the senses. You’ll look at breakfast differently when making something from scratch. It makes you feel excited to wake up in the morning and look forward to this breakfast. This easy homemade granola is deliciously satisfying!
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Here’s what you need
- Old fashioned oats (option: gluten-free): If you’re looking for gluten-free granola, then use gluten-free oats. There are few types of oats. I used gluten-free rolled oats from Trader Joe’s. Rolled oats are very versatile, you can cook them on a stovetop, you can make energy bites, granola bars, even pancakes with them. Oats are nutritious, just like what the slogan says “it does a body good”!
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, cashews, walnuts, and pecans are the nuts I used to make this granola. Pick your favorite and use them. If you have allergies, just use the seeds you like (I used sunflower), it could be the sunflower, pepitas, or even pumpkin seeds. I love the creaminess of cashews, the nice bites from the rest of the nuts. They’re all roughly chopped for added crunchiness.
- Dried fruits: I love the contrast of sweet and tangy flavors from raisins and dried cranberries. Golden raisins are also a great choice to add to your granola. There are many dried fruits to choose from, add the ones that you love.
- Sweeteners: Maple syrup and brown sugar are the most common sweeteners used in making granola. Add a pinch of salt to bring the most taste and contrast the sweetness, this gives a balanced flavor to your homemade granola.
- Coconut flakes and Coconut oil: I used unsweetened coconut flakes that added crunchiness and nutty flavor. For the oil, you can use olive oil or avocado oil but I find that coconut oil blends well with the rest of the ingredients in this homemade granola recipe.
- Spices: Cinnamon and all-spice are the best combinations when you make granola. All-spice is a blend of spices that brings a big bold flavor to your granola. Ground cinnamon is important when making something sweet and nutty. It has a very earthy flavor that so warming and makes every homemade food taste great.
steps to making homemade granola
- Combine oats, nuts, seeds, and coconut flakes in a bowl. Use a bigger spatula to mix all the ingredients.
- Add the coconut oil and spices, continue mixing until well incorporated. Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Transfer the granola mixture to a prepared sheet pan. Spread them in a single layer for even baking. Bake for 15-20. minutes or until golden brown.
- Add the dried fruits while they’re hot.
Easy Homemade Granola
Sweet and nutty, with a nice crunchy texture that's ideal for morning breakfast. Add your favorite plant-based milk and berries to make it so deliciously satisfying. It's also great for snacking.
Equipment
- baking sheet pan
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mason jar
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats, old-fashioned oats
- 1 1/2 cup nuts, your favorite nuts
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon all-spice
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine oats, nuts, sunflower seeds, coconut flakes. Add cinnamon, all-spice, brown sugar, maple syrup, salt, and melted coconut oil. Continue stirring until all ingredients are well combined.
- Transfer to a prepared pan. Spread the granola mixture into a single layer for even baking. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Add the raisins and dried cranberries while the granola is still hot. Serve with plant-based milk and berries.
Notes
- If you want it sweeter, add more maple syrup or brown sugar
- Use a cutting board and knife to roughly chop the nuts versus placing them in a food processor
- Make sure you use unsweetened coconut flakes. The sweetened ones are way too sweet for your granola
- Pepitas or pumpkin seeds are a nice addition to your granola also
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ABOUT JEN
Welcome to my virtual home. I’m a mom of two wonderful girls and a Community Education Culinary Instructor. I love to prepare and cook home-cooked meals. Cooking and planning your meals might sound like another chore added to your already long list of things to do. Believe me, I’ve been there. However, cooking and prepping meals will save you money, time, and you know what goes into your food. Definitely worth the effort. Read more…