How to Make Homemade Granola

Homemade Granola

Home-made granola will be just right for that versatile and healthy snack, crunching simply or as a topping on yogurt, smoothie, or oatmeal. The homemade kind gives room to use ingredients of choice according to taste and diet needs. Herein is the basic guide on how to prepare delicious homemade granola right in your kitchen.

 Ingredients

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup nuts, chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
• 1 cup seeds Sunflower or pumpkin seeds work well.
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut is optional.
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil or olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dried fruit, chopped raisins, cranberries, or apricots.

   
 Instructions
 

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat if desired for easy clean-up.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a big mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped nuts and seeds, and shredded coconut. Whisk it around so that everything gets distributed.

3. Wet Ingredients

In a teeny saucepan over ultra-low heat, whisk honey with coconut or olive oil until melted and well combined. Let cool slightly, then whisk in vanilla, ground cinnamon, and salt.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix really well so that the oat mixture is very well coated with the liquid. This will help form clusters in your granola.

5. Spread and Bake

Now, spread this granola mixture on a prepared baking sheet. At this point, take a spatula and press gently on the mixture to help in clumping. Then, bake in a preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking. Your granola shall turn into a golden brown color. It shall be fragrant.

6. Cool and add dried fruit.

Completely cool on the baking sheet. It will crisp up upon cooling. Once cooled, add in the dried fruit and stir to combine.

7. Store

Transfer the cooled granola into a sealed container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the fridge for up to 1 month.

Tips and Variations

• Customise flavours: Add nuts, seeds, or dried fruit. A sprinkle of nutmeg or ginger to taste.
• Sweeten Up: Mix in a small handful of mini chocolate chips, or drizzle with a little extra honey after it's baked if you're feeling like needing a touch more sweetness in your life.
• Nut-Free Version: Replace nuts with extra seeds or dried fruit if you need to make this a nut-free granola.

While homemade granola isn't exactly rocket science, it very nearly is—being one of the most personalized ways to have something delicious and healthy crunching away. Just a few ingredients and steps put you crunching on full-of-flavor granola—tummy's in high spirits now, refueled with that extra nutritional boost to kick off any day just right. Enjoy your homemade granola on top of favorite breakfasts or as a great treat on its own!