Description
Homemade Crunchy Granola is a delicious, nutritious, and satisfying snack or breakfast option made from simple pantry staples. This customizable recipe combines rolled oats, nuts, seeds, natural sweeteners, and spices for a perfectly balanced, fiber-rich, protein-packed, and crunchy treat that stays fresh for weeks. Ideal for sprinkling over yogurt, adding to smoothies, or eating straight from the jar.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 2 cups rolled oats
Nuts & Seeds
- 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
Sweetener & Oil
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (or honey or brown sugar)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (or avocado oil)
Spices
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
Dried Fruits
- 1/2 cup dried raisins (or cranberries or chopped apricots)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and cinnamon or vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly for an even distribution of flavors and texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup (or chosen sweetener) and coconut oil (or avocado oil) until well blended. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and gently toss to coat every piece evenly.
- Spread and Bake: Transfer the granola mixture onto the lined baking sheet, spreading it out evenly in a single layer. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure consistent golden crunch.
- Cool and Add Dried Fruit: Remove from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, fold in the dried raisins (or your choice of dried fruits) gently to maintain the crunch.
Notes
- Mix wet and dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even coating and toasting of every oat and nut.
- Keep an eye on your granola during the last few minutes of baking, as ovens can vary and granola can burn quickly.
- Stirring halfway through baking helps achieve an even crunchy texture.
- Allow granola to cool completely on the pan to crisp up fully.
- Store in an airtight glass jar or container to maintain freshness and crunchiness for up to two weeks.
- For longer storage, freeze granola in an airtight bag or container for up to three months.
- Reheat granola briefly in a dry skillet or low-heat oven to refresh crispiness before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (about 50g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: homemade granola, crunchy granola, healthy snack, gluten free breakfast, homemade snack, granola recipe, easy granola
