If you’re looking to boost your mornings with a delicious, crunchy, and nutritious treat, this Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe is here to delight your taste buds and fuel your day. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients like pure maple syrup, crunchy almonds, and old fashioned oats, it delivers that perfect balance of natural sweetness and satisfying texture. Whether you sprinkle it over yogurt, enjoy it plain, or use it as a topping for desserts, this granola is a versatile recipe that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to contribute not only vibrant flavor but also the perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and aroma. Together, they create a wholesome mix that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to your palate.
- Pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and helps bind the granola for those delicious clusters.
- Melted coconut oil: Provides a subtle tropical note and helps achieve that crisp, golden finish.
- Honey: Adds depth and reinforces the natural sweet profile of the granola.
- Pure vanilla extract: Imparts a warm, inviting fragrance that elevates the overall flavor.
- Sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the nutty flavors.
- Sliced almonds: Bring a lovely crunch and a mild, buttery flavor.
- Old fashioned rolled oats: The hearty base for the granola, providing fiber and that classic texture we all love.
How to Make Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 300 degrees F and adjusting the center oven rack up one level to the second position from the top. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. This simple prep sets the stage for perfectly even baking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, melted coconut oil, honey, pure vanilla extract, and sea salt. This mixture will serve as the sweet, flavorful binder that gives your granola clusters their irresistible texture and taste.
Step 3: Add Your Dry Ingredients
Fold in the rolled oats and sliced almonds gently into the wet mixture, ensuring every oat is beautifully coated. This step infuses the crunchy elements with the luscious syrup mixture, promising a toasty, well-seasoned granola.
Step 4: Press and Bake
Pour the granola mixture onto your prepared baking sheet using a silicone spatula. For those big, chunky clusters that make granola truly heavenly, press the mixture down firmly and evenly. Bake for 20 minutes, then rotate the pan 180 degrees for even baking. Return it to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes until you see that gorgeous golden brown color and hear that satisfying crunch forming.
Step 5: Cool to Crunch
Once baked, resist the urge to sample immediately! Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling time is crucial as it allows the granola to harden and develop the crunch we all crave. Your patience will definitely be rewarded.
How to Serve Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your granola over creamy yogurt or fresh fruit for an instant flair of texture and flavor. You can also mix in a handful of dried berries, shredded coconut, or even dark chocolate chips to add exciting bursts of color and taste.
Side Dishes
This granola pairs wonderfully with a bowl of chilled smoothie or a fresh fruit salad. It also makes a fantastic topping for warm oatmeal or even baked apples, adding that ever-satisfying crunch and wholesome goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your granola in mason jars layered with yogurt and fruit for a delightful grab-and-go breakfast. Alternatively, use it as a crunchy crust for desserts like cheesecake or parfaits, giving your dishes an irresistible homemade touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. This ensures it stays crisp and fresh, making it a perfect pantry staple to reach for whenever you need a quick snack or breakfast boost.
Freezing
If you want to extend its shelf life, granola freezes beautifully. Just place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it can last for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to regain that crunchy texture.
Reheating
While usually enjoyed at room temperature, if you want to revive any softened granola, pop it in a 300-degree F oven for a few minutes. This quick refresh will bring back that delightful crispness as if it was freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute the almonds with other nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap sliced almonds for walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts based on your preference or what’s available in your pantry. Each nut will add its own unique crunch and flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this granola vegan?
Yes! Since honey is included, replace it with additional maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it completely vegan-friendly while still maintaining that natural sweetness.
How do I get chunky granola clusters?
The key is to press the granola mixture firmly and bake it without stirring halfway through. Letting it cool undisturbed also helps the clusters to harden and stay intact.
Can I add dried fruits?
Sure thing. Add dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots after baking and cooling. Adding them before baking can cause them to dry out or burn.
What is the best way to enjoy this granola?
This Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe shines as a snack on its own, or paired with yogurt, milk, or fresh fruit. It’s also perfect as a topping on desserts or salads for an extra crunchy element.
Final Thoughts
Making your own granola at home is such a rewarding experience, and this Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe is as delicious as it is simple. It’s a brilliant way to control what goes into your breakfast bowl, filled with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes your go-to snack and breakfast staple—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe
This Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a crunchy, golden snack made with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, sliced almonds, and natural sweeteners. Baked at a low temperature to achieve perfect clusters, it’s perfect for breakfast or a nutritious snack.
- Total Time: 35-45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cups sliced almonds
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and position the center rack up one level so it is on the second rack from the top. This ensures even roasting of the granola.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Set it aside for later use.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, melted coconut oil, honey, pure vanilla extract, and sea salt until fully combined, creating a smooth and flavorful base for the granola.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Fold the rolled oats and sliced almonds into the wet mixture gently, making sure all dry ingredients are evenly coated without crushing the almonds.
- Spread the Mixture: Use a silicone spatula to transfer the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Press down firmly to create a compact and even layer, which encourages chunk formation as it bakes.
- Bake the Granola: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Then, rotate the pan 180 degrees to ensure even toasting. Continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the granola is golden and crispy to your preference. Do not stir the granola during baking to allow large clusters to form.
- Cool Completely: Remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. Cooling helps the granola develop its signature crunch and makes it easier to break into chunks for serving or storage.
Notes
- Pressing the granola mixture firmly before baking helps create large clusters that are delicious and satisfying.
- Ovens vary in temperature, so keep an eye on the granola to prevent burning and achieve your desired degree of golden color.
- Do not stir the granola during baking if you want chunkier clusters; stirring will produce finer granules.
- The granola will crisp up as it cools, so resist the urge to taste it immediately after baking.
- Store granola in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
