This Healthy Granola is a tasty mix of oats, nuts, and honey that makes breakfast fun and easy! It’s crunchy, sweet, and packed with energy to start your day right.
Plus, I love that I can add my favorite fruits and yogurt on top. It’s like a breakfast party in a bowl! 🎉 You can make a batch and snack on it all week long!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for granola because they hold up well during baking. If you’re gluten-free, make sure to choose certified gluten-free oats.
Nuts: I love using cashews for their buttery flavor, but feel free to swap in almonds or walnuts depending on your preference or allergies.
Pumpkin Seeds: These add crunch and nutrition! If you’re looking for an alternative, sunflower seeds work nicely too.
Coconut Flakes: Unsweetened coconut adds a great texture. If you don’t like coconut, you can leave it out or replace it with more nuts.
Maple Syrup or Honey: They both add natural sweetness. Use maple syrup for a vegan option, or opt for honey if you prefer its flavor. Agave syrup is another alternative!
Coconut Oil: This gives the granola a lovely richness. Olive oil is a fine substitute, but it will change the flavor slightly.
Dried Fruits: I often use cranberries for their tartness, but raisins or cherries work great too. You can also add fresh fruits when serving!
What’s the Best Way to Bake Granola for Perfect Crunch?
Getting that crunchy, golden granola is all about the baking steps! Here’s how to perfect it:
- Preheat your oven to ensure even cooking from the start.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Spread the mixture in an even layer on the baking sheet. Crowded granola won’t crisp up.
- Stir halfway through baking to ensure all parts get golden without burning.
- Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet before stirring in dried fruits. Cooling makes it crunchy!
Enjoy making granola fun and tailored to your taste!
How to Make Healthy Granola
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raw nuts (cashews, almonds, or walnuts), roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes or chips
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Toppings:
- 1 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, or chopped cherries)
- Optional: edible dried flower petals for garnish (like rose petals)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This healthy granola recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. Plus, it needs a bit of cooling time. Overall, you can have your homemade granola ready in just under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). While the oven is heating, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep the granola from sticking and make cleanup super easy!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds, and coconut flakes. Give it a good stir to mix everything evenly—this is where all the yummy flavors come together!
3. Prepare the Wet Mixture:
In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the maple syrup (or honey) along with the coconut oil until it’s just melted. Once melted, take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. This aromatic mixture will add a delicious sweetness to your granola.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the warm wet mixture over your bowl of dry ingredients. Stir everything well so that all of the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the sticky goodness. This step is key for that delicious crunch!
5. Bake the Granola:
Spread the mixture out evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Remember to stir halfway through baking to prevent burning and to ensure it’s golden brown all over!
6. Cool and Add Dried Fruits:
Once baked, take the granola out of the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. It will get crispier as it cools. After it has cooled, stir in your dried fruits and any optional edible flower petals for a pretty touch.
7. Store and Enjoy:
Your Healthy Granola is now ready to be enjoyed! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. It’s perfect to enjoy with yogurt, milk, or just on its own as a crunchy snack!
Happy snacking! 😊
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
It’s best to stick with rolled oats for granola as quick oats can become mushy and won’t provide that crunchy texture we love. If you don’t have rolled oats, consider adjusting the baking time for quick oats since they cook faster.
What Can I Substitute for Coconut Oil?
If you don’t have coconut oil on hand, you can use olive oil or vegetable oil instead. Keep in mind that it might alter the flavor slightly but will still work well.
How Should I Store My Granola?
Store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container!
Can I Customize the Dried Fruit?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match dried fruits to your liking. You can use raisins, chopped apricots, or even dried apples. Just keep the total amount to about one cup!