Our easy method for making granola has stood the test of time. We’ve been making this recipe for over 20 years! There are a million ways to customize it. This is a base recipe for how to make granola that is great as is, or to get creative with.
First off- what exactly is granola? Granola is a popular and versatile breakfast food that consists of rolled oats, nuts, seeds, sweeteners, and sometimes dried fruits. It’s often baked until it becomes crisp and golden brown. Granola is known for its crunchy texture and sweet, nutty flavor. It can be enjoyed in various ways, such as with yogurt, milk, or as a topping for yogurt or smoothie bowls.
How to Make Granola
Making granola at home is a simple and customizable process. It’s healthy and flavorful. All you need are basic pantry staples, and I guarantee once you try it, you’ll never buy store bought again. Making it yourself allows you to control the ingredients and avoid excess sugars or additives often found in store-bought versions. Bonus? It makes your house smell delicious!
For this basic recipe we use a simple mixture of oats, almond slices, raisins (mixed with almond butter/maple syrup/cinnamon). Here’s the basic formula for granola!
Ingredients for Homemade Granola
- Oats: Rolled oats are a staple ingredient in granola. They provide a hearty and chewy texture.
- Nuts and Seeds: Common choices include almonds, thick shredded coconut, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. Nuts and seeds add crunch, protein, and healthy fats to the mix.
- Sweeteners: We like ours just a little sweet. Honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup are often used to sweeten granola. These natural sweeteners contribute to the golden color and help bind the ingredients together, giving you large clusters of yummy granola!
- Fat/Oil: Coconut oil or Almond/Peanut Butter can be used to coat the dry ingredients and aid in the baking process.
- Flavorings: Use a little vanilla extract and some spices to add flavor but still keep it healthy. Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and clove are great options.
- Salt: We use a regular table salt, sea salt can be a little overpowering.
- Dried Fruits: Dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, apricots, candied ginger, or chopped dates are great for added sweetness and chewiness. Some recipes call for adding dried fruits after it cooks, but I like it to all bake together for added flavor.
In a large bowl, mix together the oats, raisins, nuts and coat them in a mixture of almond butter, maple syrup, honey and a small splash of vanilla. I also like to add a little salt for the salty sweet effect. Stir everything together, making sure it all gets coated well.
Spread the granola mixture onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake it at 300 degrees fahreneheit for 15 minutes. Give it a good stir, and then bake for another 15 minutes. Wait for it to cool, serve and enjoy!
It’s impossible not to pick at this granola as it sits on the counter and cools down. That’s okay, we don’t judge around here. Honestly I think I ate about a cup and a half of it. If you do happen to have some leftover and need to know how to store it, here are some tips!
Storing Homemade Granola
- Cool Completely: Before storing, make sure your homemade granola has cooled completely. This is crucial to prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can lead to sogginess.
- Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container. This could be a glass or plastic container with a tight-sealing lid. A mason jar or a resealable plastic bag also works well. The airtight seal helps prevent moisture from getting in and keeps the granola crispy.
- Freezing (Optional): Granola can also be frozen for longer storage. Place the granola in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature or reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore its crispiness.
- Separate Dried Fruits: If your granola includes alot of dried fruits, it’s a good idea to store them separately from the granola, especially if you plan to store it for an extended period (more than a couple days). This helps prevent the dried fruits from becoming too soft and sticky which can result in excess moisture.
If you like this easy breakfast recipe, here’s a few more we love:
Hope you like this recipe as much as our family does! – Kathi and Rachel
How to Make Granola
Ingredients
- 2 cups oats
- 3/4 cup nuts of choice (we used sliced almonds)
- 3/4 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 2 tbsp almond butter (or coconut oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine oats/raisins/nuts. Stir to combine.
- In a small separate bowl, combine maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla and cinnamon. Whisk well to combine.
- Pour maple syrup mixture over oat mixture and stir until everything is fully coated. Spread over parchment lined baking sheet.
- Bake granola for 15 minutes. Stir. Bake for another 15 minutes, or until granola is golden brown. Allow to fully cool before enjoying/storing.
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