This healthy granola is packed with crunchy oats, nuts, and seeds, making it a perfect start to your day. It’s lightly sweetened and filled with tasty bits!
I love enjoying it with yogurt or milk, and sometimes I just snack on it straight from the jar. It’s so good, it feels like a treat! 😄
Making this granola is super easy! Just mix the ingredients, bake, and you have a delicious snack or breakfast ready in no time. It’s a win-win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Old-fashioned rolled oats: These are perfect for granola because they add that crunchy texture. If you have quick oats, they can work but the texture will be softer. Steel-cut oats aren’t ideal since they don’t cook the same way.
Nuts: Almonds and hazelnuts add a nice crunch. You can swap them for any nuts you like—walnuts, pecans, or even pistachios work great! Just be mindful of allergies.
Seeds: Pumpkin seeds (pepitas) are a healthy addition. You can replace them with sunflower seeds or chia seeds if you prefer! This will still maintain that delightful crunch.
Coconut flakes: Unsweetened coconut adds flavor and chewiness. If you’re not a fan of coconut, feel free to leave it out or try using some other dried fruit instead.
Dried fruit: Cranberries or cherries add a touch of sweetness. You can also use raisins, apricots, or dried figs for variety. Just chop them up a bit if they are large.
How Do I Get My Granola Crunchy?
To achieve that perfect granola crunch, the key is even baking. Here’s how to do it well:
- Spread the mixture in a thin, even layer on the baking sheet—this helps it cook evenly.
- Stir halfway through baking to avoid burning and ensure that all parts brown nicely.
- Let it cool completely on the baking sheet after baking. This is crucial because the granola will harden as it cools, giving it that delightful crunch.
By following these tips, your granola will turn out beautifully crunchy each time! Enjoy your homemade treat!
Healthy Granola
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup raw hazelnuts or walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes or chips
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted (or olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake. After that, let the granola cool for a bit, and you’ll have a delicious and healthy snack ready in about 35-40 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the granola from sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, hazelnuts or walnuts, pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes, ground cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir so everything is mixed evenly.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir it all together until every piece is coated. This helps to ensure that the granola doesn’t clump together.
5. Spread and Bake:
Spread the granola evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to make sure it bakes evenly. Look for a golden-brown color to indicate it’s ready!
6. Cool and Add Dried Fruit:
Once it’s baked, remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will become crunchy. Once cool, mix in the dried cranberries or cherries for added sweetness!
7. Store and Enjoy:
Transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to two weeks. Enjoy it with yogurt, milk, or just as a tasty snack on its own!
Feel free to customize this granola with your favorite nuts and dried fruits. Enjoy your healthy treat! 😊
Can I Use Different Nuts or Seeds in This Granola?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in any nuts or seeds you prefer. Pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds work well. Just make sure to chop larger nuts to ensure even cooking!
How Can I Make This Granola Vegan?
You can easily make this granola vegan by substituting honey with maple syrup or agave syrup. Both will add a lovely sweetness without any animal products!
How Should I Store the Granola?
Store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it in a sealed bag for up to three months!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! You can add other mix-ins like chia seeds, flaxseeds, or even chocolate chips once the granola has cooled. Just be sure that any additional ingredients do not exceed the total volume to maintain the texture!