This homemade oat granola is a nutritious and delicious snack or breakfast option. Packed with oats, nuts, and seeds, it provides a great source of energy and can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients.
The recipe is simple and requires minimal cooking skills. You can enjoy it with yogurt, milk, or as a topping for smoothie bowls.
Why Choose Homemade Granola?
Making your own granola offers a delightful way to control the ingredients and flavors.
You can customize it to suit your taste preferences, ensuring every bite is just right.
Homemade granola is not only healthier than many store-bought options, but it also allows you to avoid unnecessary additives and sugars.
Ingredients That Shine
The foundation of this granola is rolled oats, which provide a hearty base.
Adding a mix of nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pecans enhances the texture and adds healthy fats.
Seeds such as pumpkin and sunflower contribute essential nutrients, while honey or maple syrup brings a touch of sweetness.
Simple Preparation Steps
Preparing this granola is straightforward and quick.
Start by preheating your oven and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and whisk the wet ingredients in another before combining them.
Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet and bake until golden brown, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
Let it cool completely before adding any dried fruits for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This granola shines when paired with yogurt or milk, making it a perfect breakfast or snack option.
Top it with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast and a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
It can also be enjoyed on its own as a crunchy snack throughout the day.
Storage and Shelf Life
Once cooled, transfer your homemade granola to an airtight container.
It can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks, maintaining its crunchiness.
This makes it an excellent option for meal prep, allowing you to have a nutritious snack ready whenever you need it.
Nutrition Benefits
Homemade oat granola is not just tasty; it’s also packed with nutrients.
Each serving provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, making it a great energy booster.
With only 200 calories per half-cup serving, it fits well into a balanced diet.
Easy Oat Granola Recipe
This granola features rolled oats mixed with honey or maple syrup, 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) chopped
- 1/2 cup seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots) optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, oil, and vanilla extract.
- Combine: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- 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 Fruit: Remove from the oven and let it cool completely. If using, stir in the dried fruit once cooled.
- 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: 4 cups
- Calories: 200kcal per 1/2 cup serving
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
