switching to healthy homemade granola empowers you to break free from the constraints of unhealthy and processed cereals available in stores. with a homemade granola recipe, you take control of the ingredients, flavours and nutrition, ensuring that every bite aligns with your dietary needs. all it takes to switch is your desire for a healthier and customisable breakfast option. if that’s what bought you here, this homemade granola recipe will help you redefine your breakfast routine.
what is granola?
granola is a versatile and nutritious food that serves as an amazing brekkie or snack option. it’s made from a combination of rolled oats, nuts, seeds, sweeteners and often dried fruits. this mixture is typically baked to get crisp and golden brown granola. the ingredients in a granola recipe are highly customisable, making it easy to achieve the desired taste and texture.
granola is often enjoyed with yogurt, milk or as a topping for smoothies. its uses extend to granola bars, trail mixes and even as a crunchy addition to baked goods – a mix of textures, from small to large clusters, creates a satisfying crunch.
how to make granola?
opting to learn how to make granola is a wise choice, and we're here to assist you every step of the way with our healthy granola recipe. our comprehensive, step-by-step guide will furnish you with all the essential instructions on homemade granola from scratch, guaranteeing you a wholesome and nutritious breakfast option.
Total Servings:
8-10
Preparation Time:
5 Minutes
Cooking Times:
25 minutes
Nutritional Value:
342 calories, 22g fat, 31g carbs, 10g protein
Recipe Category:
Snacks
Cuisine:
American
equipment
- oven
- bowl
- saucepan
- baking tray
below are all the ingredients that go into the healthy granola recipe.
ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 cup mixed nuts
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds
- ½ cup raisins (or other dried fruits)
- ½ cup sweetener (like maple syrup or honey)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
let’s walk through each of the steps of our granola recipe.
instructions
preheat & prep: before we start creating the flavours of our homemade granola, set the stage by preheating your oven to 150°c.
mix dry ingredients: you’d need a big bowl to assemble your key dry ingredients – oats, coconut, ground cinnamon, mixed nuts and pumpkin seeds. the combination of textures, from the creamy oats to the crunchy nuts and the flaky coconut, will create a delightful mix. this combination of ingredients works well but feel free to mix and match nuts if you would like to change something.
prepare the sweet mixture: now get a saucepan to melt the coconut oil and your preferred sweetener over low heat until they form a smooth blend. to add some more flavour to this blend, stir in the vanilla extract. this mixture will infuse your healthy granola with a touch of sweetness and depth.
combine wet & dry: now, pour the sweet mixture over your dry mixture. using a wooden spoon, mix them up until the oats, nuts and seeds are evenly coated. you'll see how the sweet mixture beautifully entwines with all the ingredients, creating a lovely fusion of flavours and textures.
spread & bake: now, let's lay the ground for baking the granola. get a baking tray, line it up with baking paper and spread the granola mix. just place the sheet in the preheated oven and let the granola bake for 20-25 minutes, but don't forget to toss it halfway through the process. you want every bit to toast evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown colour.
cool & add fruit: you’re almost through with the healthy granola recipe. once the granola is baked golden and crispy, the oven time is up; it just needs to be cooled down. when the temperature is normal, you can mix in the raisins or any other dried fruits that you like. they add a sweet and chewy contrast to the overall texture.
store: if you’ve made a large batch, store your homemade granola in an airtight container. it will stay fresh and ready to serve for a couple of weeks. although it's doubtful it will last that long with its irresistible flavour.
different variations of granola
clumpy granola: instead of the loose granola for which we shared the guide earlier, you can make clumpy granola – which some of us prefer for its texture. it’s also convenient to have on the go. there are only a few changes that you must make in our granola recipe for this version, like adding egg whites that act as binding agents. also remember not to stir while it’s being baked.
gluten-free granola: use gluten-free oats to make this variation. catering to gluten-sensitive individuals, gluten-free granola uses oats that have not been cross-contaminated with gluten. you can buy certified gluten-free oats and a mix of gluten-free grains like quinoa, rice or buckwheat for your granola recipe to make this healthy variation.
oil-free granola: perfect for those seeking a lower-fat alternative, oil-free granola skips the traditional addition of oils like coconut or olive oil. instead, the oats and other ingredients are mixed with the sweetener and baked.
secret tips and tricks to make your granola crunchy
feel free to get creative with these tips and customise them to match your homemade granola’s ideal texture. it's all about understanding how to make granola perfectly crunchy!
- low and slow baking: one of the keys to a crunchy granola is baking it low and slow. preheat your oven to around 150°c and be patient. the gradual toasting process allows the moisture to evaporate, leaving you with beautifully crunchy clusters. stirring your granola halfway through the baking time ensures even browning.
- use oil: to make your granola extra crispy, consider adding a bit of oil or melted butter to the mix. these fats coat the ingredients of your granola recipe and work their magic during baking, making your granola beautifully browned and super crunchy.
- the binder factor: using ingredients like egg whites, which act as binders, can make a significant difference in your granola's crunch. whip the egg whites until frothy and incorporate them into the mixture before baking.
- sweetener proportions: have some more sweetener in the mixture as it can be instrumental in turning your granola into a crispy wonder, as it bakes and gets all caramelised. but don't get carried away with the sweetener as it can make it stickier instead of crunchier. so, find that perfect balance and sweeten the deal!
- even spreading: when you spread your granola mixture on the baking sheet, make sure it's evenly distributed. overcrowding can cause uneven cooking, resulting in some parts being too crispy and others not crispy enough.
- before storage: remember not to rush it. after taking your granola out of the oven, give it some time to cool down completely before you move it into an airtight container. this cooling process is like a magic trick that turns your granola super crunchy. so, let it chill for the perfect crunch!
conclusion
switching to homemade granola opens a world of options. while the health benefits are plenty, the possibilities for customisation are also almost limitless. whatever your preferences, you can easily craft your granola to align them. simply select the right ingredients for your granola recipe, as the making process doesn’t change much.
the best part is that you don’t have to make a batch too frequently. a one-time effort results in a substantial batch that will provide you with a ready supply of healthy breakfast or snack options for approximately two weeks. the little time invested in making homemade granola pays rich dividends in overall well-being.
faqs on a granola recipe
Q. what are the ingredients used in granola?
A. granola typically includes rolled oats as the base, along with a combination of ingredients like nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts), seeds (e.g., pumpkin, sunflower), sweeteners (e.g., honey, maple syrup), dried fruits (e.g., raisins, cranberries) and often spices (e.g., cinnamon, gingerbread mix). these components are mixed and baked. you can easily customise them in your granola recipe before baking.
Q. why is my granola not crunchy?
A. if your granola lacks crunchiness, several factors might be at play. high humidity, inadequate baking, excessive moisture in ingredients or improper cooling can soften it. one solution is adding frothy egg whites, which help form clusters and achieve that delightful crunch upon baking. adjusting these elements can revive your granola’s crispness.
Q. how long does homemade granola last?
A. homemade granola typically lasts for about 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. however, factors like the ingredients used and how effectively it's sealed can affect its shelf life. refrigerating it can extend its freshness for longer.
Q. can you use instant oats for granola?
A. using instant oats for granola can present a challenge. their quick-cooking nature may not align with the traditional slow-baking method, resulting in a less crunchy outcome compared to rolled oats. for a granola with a satisfying texture, rolled oats are the preferred choice for a healthy granola recipe.
