Granola is a nutritious and customizable snack or breakfast option that can be enjoyed in many ways.
Packed with oats, nuts, seeds, and a touch of sweetness, homemade granola is a healthier alternative to store-bought options that often contain added sugars and preservatives.
The best part about making your own granola is that you can tailor it to your taste with your favorite ingredients.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making delicious, crunchy homemade granola.
What Makes the Perfect Granola?
The perfect granola is crispy, golden-brown, and packed with a mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements. It should have a satisfying balance of oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, all roasted to perfection.
Granola should be lightly sweetened but not overly sugary, with a natural flavor coming from the ingredients like honey or maple syrup.
Ingredients for Making Granola
To make the perfect granola, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Old-fashioned rolled oats – 3 cups
- Nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans) – 1 cup (chopped)
- Seeds (such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds) – 1/2 cup
- Honey or maple syrup – 1/4 cup
- Coconut oil or olive oil – 2 tablespoons (melted)
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon – 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
- Dried fruit (such as cranberries, raisins, or apricots) – 1/2 cup (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Granola
Now that we have the ingredients, let’s walk through the process of making homemade granola.
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, and seeds. Stir to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil (or olive oil), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir to coat everything evenly. Make sure all the oats, nuts, and seeds are well-coated with the sweet syrup mixture.
5. Spread the Mixture on the Baking Sheet
- Transfer the granola mixture to the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out in an even layer. Press it down slightly with the back of a spoon to help it form clusters as it bakes.
6. Bake the Granola
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure it bakes evenly. Keep a close eye on it towards the end to avoid burning. The granola should be golden brown and fragrant.
7. Add the Dried Fruit (Optional)
- Once the granola is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet. If you’re adding dried fruit, sprinkle it over the granola after it has cooled.
8. Store the Granola
- Once cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Tips for Perfect Granola
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Spread the granola in an even layer to ensure it bakes evenly. If the granola is too thick, it may not crisp up properly.
- Stir halfway through baking: Stir the granola halfway through the baking time to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn’t burn.
- Customize the ingredients: Feel free to add or swap ingredients based on your preferences. You can add different nuts, seeds, or even coconut flakes for extra flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking the granola: Keep an eye on the granola towards the end of the baking time. Overbaking can result in burnt granola.
- Not letting it cool before storing: Granola needs to cool completely before storing, as it will continue to crisp up as it cools. If you store it while it’s still warm, it may become soggy.
Conclusion
Homemade granola is a healthy, customizable snack that’s easy to make and perfect for breakfast or as an on-the-go snack.
By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious and crunchy granola that’s packed with nutritious ingredients and free from added preservatives.
Whether you enjoy it with yogurt, milk, or just by the handful, homemade granola is always a tasty choice.