Description
This healthy granola recipe combines old-fashioned rolled oats with raw nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners for a nutritious and delicious breakfast or snack option. Baked to golden perfection and mixed with dried fruit, this granola is versatile, easy to make, and perfect for enjoying at home or on the go.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free granola)
- 1 ½ cup raw nuts and/or seeds (e.g., 1 cup pecans and ½ cup pepitas)
- 1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt (reduce to ¾ teaspoon if using standard table salt)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup dried fruit, chopped if large (e.g., dried cranberries)
Optional Mix-ins
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup coconut flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, raw nuts and/or seeds, sea salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all dry elements.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted coconut oil or olive oil, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract. Mix well until every oat and nut is lightly coated with the wet mixture, ensuring an even flavor and texture throughout.
- Spread and Bake: Transfer the granola mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a large spoon or spatula to spread it out into an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 21 to 24 minutes, stirring halfway through baking. For extra clumpy granola, press the granola down with your spatula after stirring to create an even layer.
- Cool and Add Fruit: Remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool completely and undisturbed for at least 45 minutes. Once cooled, top with the dried fruit and optional chocolate chips or coconut flakes if desired. Break into pieces by hand for chunky granola or stir with a spoon for a looser texture.
- Store: Store the finished granola in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks. For longer storage, keep it in a sealed freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. If frozen with dried fruit, let it warm to room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use certified gluten-free oats to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust salt quantity depending on the type of salt used.
- Use coconut oil for a tropical flavor or olive oil for a more neutral taste.
- For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Dried fruit and optional mix-ins like chocolate chips can be customized to your preference.
- Pressing the granola during baking helps create clusters.
- Letting granola cool completely is essential for crispiness.
- Store granola in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 21-24 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
