Granola: the breakfast staple, the snack-time savior, the crunchy delight that can be enjoyed in endless ways. But often, store-bought granola is laden with refined sugar, artificial flavors, and questionable ingredients. Fear not, fellow granola lovers! This recipe offers a delicious, wholesome alternative that’s packed with natural sweetness and healthy goodness.
Ingredients:
Oats: The base of our granola, choose rolled oats for a hearty texture. (2 cups)
Nuts & Seeds: Add flavor and healthy fats with your favorites – almonds, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds. (1 cup total)
Dried Fruit: For natural sweetness, choose unsweetened dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, dates, or apricots. (½ cup)
Coconut Flakes: For a touch of tropical sweetness and added texture. (¼ cup)
Honey: A natural sweetener that adds a touch of caramel flavor. (¼ cup)
Maple Syrup: Another natural sweetener for added depth of flavor. (¼ cup)
Vanilla Extract: A touch of warmth and aroma. (1 teaspoon)
Cinnamon: Warm, fragrant, and incredibly healthy. (1 teaspoon)
Salt: To balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors. (Pinch)
Instructions:
1. Preheat: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine: In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and coconut flakes.
3. Sweeten: In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Pour: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir well to coat everything evenly.
5. Bake: Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even browning.
6. Cool & Enjoy: Once the granola is golden brown and fragrant, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Break it into chunks and enjoy!
Tips & Variations:
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the recipe to your taste. Add or omit ingredients, experiment with different types of nuts and seeds, and use your favorite dried fruit.
Storage: Store your homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Serving Ideas: Enjoy your granola with yogurt, milk, or even as a crunchy topping for smoothies, salads, or desserts.
Get Creative! This recipe is just a starting point. Explore different flavors and textures to find your perfect granola blend. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert, this healthy and delicious granola will surely satisfy your cravings.
