Description
This easy homemade granola recipe is a wholesome and delicious snack made with rolled oats, natural peanut butter, and maple syrup, flavored with cinnamon and a hint of sea salt. Perfect for breakfast or a healthy treat, it’s baked to crispy, golden perfection and can be enjoyed in clusters or as a topping for yogurt or smoothie bowls.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup natural peanut butter
- ¼ cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and fine sea salt, stirring them together evenly and setting the mix aside.
- Melt Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, gently melt the natural peanut butter and maple syrup together. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the warm peanut butter and maple syrup mixture into the bowl with the oat mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the oats are coated evenly.
- Shape on Baking Sheet: Spread the mixture evenly into a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Use a flat spatula to press down firmly, helping the granola to form cohesive clusters once baked.
- Bake and Flip: Bake the granola for about 15 minutes. Halfway through the baking, gently flip the mixture to ensure even baking and to achieve a crunchy texture. Watch closely toward the end to avoid burning.
- Press and Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and while the granola is still hot, press down on the mixture again with the spatula. Allow it to cool completely in the pan without disturbing it, helping it to set into clusters.
- Serve: Once cooled, break the granola into clusters and enjoy as a healthy snack or breakfast topping.
Notes
- Use natural peanut butter for a smooth and wholesome flavor; avoid crunchy or heavily salted peanut butter for best results.
- Maple syrup adds natural sweetness; you can substitute with honey if preferred.
- Pressing the granola firmly before and after baking helps form clusters that hold together better.
- Store the cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Optionally, add nuts, seeds, or dried fruit after baking for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American