Why You’ll Love This Homemade Granola Recipe
Granola lovers, you’re in for a treat! This homemade granola recipe has become my go-to for snacking and breakfast.
It’s incredibly easy to whip up and allows me to customize flavors to match my cravings. The combination of crunchy nuts, chewy dried fruits, and a touch of sweetness from honey makes every bite a delight.
Plus, I love knowing exactly what’s in it—no mystery ingredients here! It’s perfect for topping yogurt, adding to smoothies, or simply enjoying by the handful.
Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought granola in the first place!
Ingredients of Homemade Granola
Making your own granola isn’t just a fun kitchen project, it’s also a great way to start your day on a healthy note. The best part? You get to choose exactly what goes in it, so you can cater to your taste buds and dietary needs.
Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly baked granola wafting through your home. It’s like an invitation to breakfast that you just can’t resist. So, let’s explore the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this delicious homemade granola.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup almonds, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Now, while these ingredients are pretty standard for a tasty granola, feel free to switch things up a bit. Don’t have almonds? Walnuts or cashews work just as well. Prefer cranberries over cherries? Go for it!
This recipe is all about personal preference and what you have on hand. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you could reduce the brown sugar or use a natural sweetener. The coconut adds a nice chewiness, but if you’re not a fan, leave it out.
The beauty of homemade granola is that there’s really no one-size-fits-all approach. Just remember, the more you customize, the more unique your granola will be. Happy munching!
How to Make Homemade Granola
Making your own homemade granola is like creating a delicious masterpiece in your kitchen. First things first, you want to preheat your oven to 325 degrees. While that’s heating up, grab a rimmed baking sheet and give it a light coat of vegetable oil cooking spray. This little step is essential because it prevents your granola from sticking like that stubborn gum on your shoe. Trust me, nobody wants that.
Next, you’ll want to gather your big mixing bowl and combine 4 cups of old fashioned oats, 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped almonds, 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of dried cherries (chop ‘em up if they’re too big), 1/2 cup of sweetened flaked coconut, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and just a pinch of salt. Give it a good stir; you want everything to mingle nicely like old friends at a reunion.
Now, it’s time for the syrupy goodness. In a small saucepan, combine 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, 1/4 cup of honey, and 1/2 cup of light brown sugar. Bring it to a boil and then, like a magician, remove it from the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and watch the magic happen as the aroma fills your kitchen.
Drizzle this delightful syrup over your oat mixture, then toss everything together with a wooden spoon until it’s well-coated. You’ll want to spread this mixture evenly onto your prepared baking sheet. Bake it for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally so it gets that golden-brown color we all know and love.
When it’s done, let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, break it into chunks and store it in an airtight container. And voilà, you’ve just made granola! Now go ahead, enjoy the fruits of your labor, and maybe even treat yourself to a bowl with some yogurt or milk. You’ve earned it.
Homemade Granola Substitutions & Variations
When it comes to homemade granola, the beauty lies in its versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what’s on hand.
For nuts, try walnuts or cashews instead of almonds and pecans. Dried fruits like cranberries or apricots can replace cherries, while seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds add a nice crunch.
If you’re looking for a different sweetener, maple syrup works wonderfully in place of honey. Even the spices can change; add nutmeg or ginger for a new twist.
Get creative—your granola should reflect your taste and lifestyle!
What to Serve with Homemade Granola
Have you ever wondered what pairs perfectly with homemade granola? I love serving it with creamy Greek yogurt, which balances the crunch beautifully.
Fresh fruits, like berries or sliced bananas, add a burst of flavor and nutrition. You can also drizzle honey or maple syrup on top for extra sweetness.
If I’m in the mood for something warm, I enjoy granola with a bowl of hot oatmeal.
For a quick snack, I mix granola into smoothies for added texture.
Trust me, experimenting with different combinations can elevate your granola experience to a whole new level!
Additional Tips & Notes
To enhance your homemade granola experience, I suggest experimenting with different nuts and seeds based on your personal preferences or what you have on hand.
For a touch of sweetness, consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruits like apricots or raisins.
If you prefer a crunchier texture, bake it a few extra minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Store your granola in an airtight container to keep it fresh, and it should last for weeks.
Finally, don’t hesitate to adjust the spices; a little nutmeg or ginger can add a delightful twist to your granola blend!
Enjoy!