Description
This homemade granola recipe combines old-fashioned oats, nuts, seeds, and coconut flakes sweetened with maple syrup and infused with vanilla and cinnamon for a delicious, crunchy breakfast or snack option. Baked to a perfect golden brown, it can be customized with your choice of dried cranberries or raisins to add a touch of natural sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup pepitas
- 1/2 cup coconut flakes (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (163 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to prepare for baking the granola.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the oats, chopped almonds, chopped pecans, pepitas, coconut flakes, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt until evenly distributed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted coconut oil, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract over the dry mixture. Stir well until all the dry ingredients are fully coated with the wet mixture, ensuring an even consistency for baking.
- First Bake: Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove from the oven, use a spatula to stir the granola for even browning.
- Second Bake: After stirring, press the granola back into an even layer on the baking sheet. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the granola turns a light golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, as oven temperatures vary.
- Cooling: Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet without stirring, which allows clusters to form naturally.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooled, break the granola into clusters and gently stir in the dried cranberries or raisins if using. Store in an airtight container for freshness and enjoy as a breakfast topping or snack.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Adjust nuts and seeds according to preference or what you have on hand.
- For chunkier granola, avoid stirring while cooling.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey, but this will alter the flavor.
- Store granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: granola recipe, homemade granola, baked granola, healthy breakfast, crunchy snack
