Nothing beats the satisfying crunch of homemade granola, especially when it’s packed with wholesome oats and sweetened with natural honey. This oat and honey granola recipe is not only easy to make, but it’s also completely customizable with your favorite mix-ins, from nuts to dried fruits. Perfect as a topping for yogurt, a snack on its own, or a delicious breakfast cereal, this granola is both nutritious and irresistibly delicious. Let’s dive into how you can make this crunchy, sweet treat in just a few simple steps.
Key Information
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Number of Servings: 6-8 servings
- Serving Size: ½ cup
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 10g
Ingredients List
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups (240g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup (60g) raw almonds, chopped (or any other nut of choice)
- ¼ cup (30g) sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
- 1 tsp (2g) ground cinnamon (optional for extra flavor)
- ¼ tsp (1g) salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (60ml) honey
- ¼ cup (60ml) coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup (75g) dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots
- ½ cup (60g) dark chocolate chips (optional)
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, chopped almonds, sunflower seeds, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the honey and coconut oil. Heat over low heat until the coconut oil has melted and the mixture is well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Toss Together: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the oat mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure it’s evenly distributed to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring the granola every 10 minutes to ensure even toasting. The granola is done when it’s golden brown and fragrant. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning, especially towards the end.
- Cool and Add Add-ins: Once the granola is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, stir in any dried fruits or chocolate chips, if using.
- Store and Serve: Transfer your cooled granola to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Serve with yogurt, milk, or enjoy it by the handful as a snack!
Tips for Culinary Success
- For Extra Crunch: If you like extra crunch in your granola, press the mixture down lightly with a spatula before baking. This will help the oats clump together and form larger clusters.
- Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to experiment with different nuts and seeds. Walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, or chia seeds are great options to mix in.
- Storage Tips: Store granola in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer shelf life, you can refrigerate it for up to a month.
- Sweetness Level: If you prefer a sweeter granola, increase the amount of honey or add a couple of tablespoons of maple syrup to the wet mixture.
- Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar, and use coconut oil for the fat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I add other fruits to the granola?
A: Yes! Fresh fruits should be added after baking, such as sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries. Dried fruits, like raisins, cranberries, and apricots, work best when mixed in after baking for the best texture.
Q: Can I make granola without nuts?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer a nut-free granola, simply omit the almonds and substitute them with additional seeds like chia, flax, or hemp seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
Q: How can I make my granola more clumpy?
A: To get those perfect clusters, gently press down the granola with a spatula before baking, and avoid stirring it too frequently while it’s baking. Let it cool completely before breaking it apart into clusters.
Q: Can I make this granola gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oats. Be sure to check the labels on your other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
This oat and honey granola is a versatile and delicious way to start your day or enjoy as a healthy snack. With a crunchy texture, the natural sweetness of honey, and the goodness of oats, it’s a wholesome treat you can feel good about. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins to suit your taste. Once you try homemade granola, you may never go back to store-bought!
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