Introduction
Granola is a versatile, wholesome treat, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or yogurt toppings. Its crunchy oats, nuts, and sweet honey create a satisfying blend of textures and flavors. Presented in a white ceramic bowl, garnished with dried fruit, or paired with yogurt and berries, this Granola offers a vibrant, inviting aesthetic. This recipe delivers a classic version, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a healthy, customizable dish.
Ingredients
For the Granola:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup raw pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1/4 cup chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/3 cup coconut oil or vegetable oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
For Serving:
- Optional: Extra dried fruit, fresh berries
- Suggested Accompaniments: Greek yogurt, milk, fruit smoothie
- Suggested Pairings: Coffee, herbal tea
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic bowl
- Suggested Equipment: Large mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper, spatula
Step-by-Step Process
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, almonds, pecans, coconut, chia or flaxseeds (if using), cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Mix and Coat: Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated.
- Bake Granola: Spread mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden brown and fragrant. Watch to prevent burning.
- Add Dried Fruit: Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet (this helps form clusters). Once cooled, stir in dried cranberries or raisins.
- Serve: Transfer granola to a white ceramic bowl. Garnish with extra dried fruit or serve with Greek yogurt, milk, or a fruit smoothie, paired with coffee or herbal tea.
Tips for Better Granola
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture; instant oats become mushy.
- Stir halfway through baking to ensure even toasting, but avoid overmixing to preserve clusters.
- Let the granola cool completely before breaking apart to maintain the crunch.
- Use raw nuts for better flavor; they toast during baking.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing honey to 1/3 cup if desired.
- Store in small portions for easy snacking or breakfast prep.
- Check oven temperature, as granola can burn quickly.
- Enhance aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic bowl, and garnish with vibrant dried fruit or fresh berries for a colorful look.
Variations and Customization
- Vegan Granola: Use maple syrup instead of honey; ensure all ingredients are plant-based.
- Gluten-Free Granola: Use certified gluten-free oats and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Low-Sugar Granola: Reduce honey to 1/4 cup or use a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit.
- Nut-Free Granola: Replace almonds and pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Tropical Granola: Swap dried cranberries for dried mango or pineapple and add 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes.
- Chocolate Granola: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to dry ingredients and 1/2 cup chocolate chips after cooling.
- Spiced Granola: Add 1/2 tsp ground ginger or nutmeg with cinnamon for extra warmth.
- Protein-Packed Granola: Mix in 1/4 cup hemp seeds or 1/2 cup chopped walnuts.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 weeks or in the fridge for 1 month.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container; no thawing needed.
- Serve as a breakfast cereal, yogurt topping, or snack on its own.
- Use leftovers in smoothie bowls, baked goods, or trail mix.
- Pair with creamy yogurt or milk to complement the crunch.
- Presented in a white ceramic bowl with garnishes for an inviting charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 12 servings (1/2 cup each):
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 6g
- Vitamin A: 0% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 0% Daily Value
- Calcium: 4% Daily Value
- Iron: 10% Daily Value
Note: Values vary by brand and ingredients. Moderate in fat and sugar; try low-sugar or nut-free versions. Serve with fruit for balance.
Conclusion
This Granola recipe offers a crunchy, wholesome treat perfect for any occasion. It transforms simple ingredients into a versatile classic. Its straightforward preparation and vibrant presentation make it a favorite. The toasty oats and sweet nuts, with colorful garnishes, delight every time. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its customizable appeal.
Granola Recipe: Crunchy and Wholesome
Crunchy Granola with oats, nuts, and honey.
Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raw almonds chopped
- ½ cup raw pecans chopped
- ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- ¼ cup chia seeds or flaxseeds optional
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- ⅓ cup coconut oil melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins
- Optional: Extra dried fruit berries
- Suggested Pairings: Yogurt coffee
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F; line baking sheet with parchment.
- Mix oats, nuts, coconut, seeds, cinnamon, and salt.
- Whisk honey, oil, and vanilla; combine with dry ingredients.
- Spread on a sheet; bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Cool, add dried fruit. Serve in a white ceramic bowl with yogurt and coffee.
Notes
- Use rolled oats for texture.
- Store in an airtight container for 2-3 weeks.
- Try a nut-free variation.
- Pair with milk.
