This healthy oat granola is a nutritious and delicious breakfast option or snack. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and seeds, it provides a great source of energy and fiber to start your day.
The recipe is simple and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins such as dried fruits or chocolate chips. It’s perfect for making in batches and storing for a quick grab-and-go option.
Wholesome Ingredients for Your Granola
Creating a bowl of homemade oat granola starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Rolled oats serve as the base, providing a hearty texture and essential fiber.
Mixed nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans, add a satisfying crunch and healthy fats. Seeds like pumpkin and sunflower contribute additional nutrients, making your granola not just tasty but also nourishing.
Sweeteners like honey or maple syrup bring a touch of natural sweetness, while coconut oil helps bind everything together, creating those delightful clusters.
For an extra burst of flavor, a dash of cinnamon and a hint of vanilla extract enhance the overall taste profile, making each bite enjoyable.
The Baking Process
Once your ingredients are gathered, the next step is the baking process. Preheating the oven is essential to ensure even cooking.
Combining the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another allows for a thorough mix. Pouring the wet mixture over the dry ingredients ensures that every oat and nut is evenly coated, leading to a consistent flavor throughout.
Spreading the mixture on a baking sheet and allowing it to bake until golden brown transforms the raw ingredients into crunchy granola.
Stirring halfway through the baking time helps achieve that perfect golden color and texture.
Cooling and Storing Your Granola
After baking, letting the granola cool completely is crucial. This step allows it to harden and form those delightful clusters that make granola so appealing.
Once cooled, adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins introduces a sweet contrast to the nutty flavor, enhancing the overall experience.
Storing your granola in an airtight container keeps it fresh for up to two weeks, making it a convenient option for quick breakfasts or snacks.
Serving Suggestions
Granola is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serving it with yogurt creates a creamy contrast that complements the crunchy texture.
Adding fresh berries not only boosts the flavor but also adds a pop of color, making your breakfast visually appealing.
For those who enjoy a heartier meal, consider pairing your granola with milk or a dairy-free alternative.
Health Benefits of Oat Granola
This homemade oat granola is not just delicious; it also offers numerous health benefits. The oats provide a great source of fiber, which is essential for digestive health.
The combination of nuts and seeds contributes healthy fats and protein, helping to keep you satisfied throughout the morning.
Moreover, the natural sweetness from honey or maple syrup, along with the antioxidants found in dried fruits, makes this granola a wholesome choice for breakfast or a snack.
Customizing Your Granola
One of the best aspects of making your own granola is the ability to customize it to your taste.
Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits based on your preferences.
For a chocolatey twist, adding dark chocolate chips can elevate your granola to a new level of indulgence.
With endless possibilities, your homemade oat granola can be tailored to suit any palate, making it a delightful staple in your kitchen.
Easy Homemade Oat Granola
This granola is made with rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, and a variety of nuts and seeds, baked until golden and crunchy. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and yields approximately 4 cups.
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, etc.)
- 1/2 cup seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, etc.) optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, mixed nuts, seeds, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread and Bake: Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown.
- Cool and Add Fruits: Remove from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cooled, stir in the dried fruits if using.
- Store: Transfer the granola to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 200kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
