Name: Homemade Granola
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: General
Ingredients: 1 egg white; 1/2 cup avocado oil; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp pure almond extract; 1/2 cup pure maple syrup; 3 cups gluten-free rolled oats; 1/2 cup raw walnuts; 1/2 cup raw almonds or sliced almonds or pecans; 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds; 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut; 1 cup dried fruit; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp sea salt

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Nothing quite compares to the aroma of freshly baked homemade granola wafting through your kitchen. The combination of crunchy oats, nuts, and a touch of sweetness creates a nutty, fragrant blend that’s irresistibly comforting. This homemade granola recipe is not just a delightful breakfast, but a fantastic snack that can be enjoyed any time of the day. It’s infinitely customizable, so you can mix in your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, making it as unique as your taste buds.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Homemade Granola Recipe
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Homemade Granola

A few years ago, I decided to ditch store-bought granola after realizing how loaded it was with sugar and additives. Since then, I’ve embraced the joy of making this homemade version, offering a wholesome and nourishing option. What I love the most about this homemade granola recipe is how easy it is to put together. In less than an hour, you can have a fantastic, healthful treat ready to enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip this up in just 10 minutes of prep and only 50 minutes in the oven.
Irresistible Flavor: The nutty aroma of baking oats melds beautifully with sweet maple and aromatic spices.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden-brown clusters glisten, making it a beautiful addition to any breakfast spread.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, snacks on the go, or as a topping for yogurt and smoothie bowls.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily modified to be gluten-free, dairy-free, or completely vegan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 egg white: This helps bind the granola together for delightful clusters. For a vegan alternative, prepare a flax “egg” instead.
1/2 cup avocado oil: A heart-healthy option that helps achieve a golden crispiness; you can substitute with coconut oil or olive oil.
1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor; ensure it’s pure for the best taste.
1/2 tsp pure almond extract: This subtly enhances the nutty flavors; use sparingly if you prefer a milder taste.
1/2 cup pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that brings a warm, rich sweetness to your granola; agave syrup works as a great substitute.
3 cups gluten-free rolled oats: Heart of the granola, providing that perfect chewy, satisfying texture; regular rolled oats can be used if gluten is not a concern.
1/2 cup raw walnuts: Adds crunch and omega-3s; use pecans or more almonds if you prefer.
1/2 cup raw almonds: For extra crunch and flavor; sliced almonds work beautifully, too.
1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds: These boost nutrition and add a lovely crunch; you can substitute sunflower seeds or chopped pecans.
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut: Brings a delicious tropical note; feel free to skip if you’re not a coconut fan.
1 cup dried fruit: I recommend using dried cherries, cranberries, or raisins for sweetness and chew.
2 tsp ground cinnamon: Enhances the flavor profile by adding warmth; can substitute with pumpkin pie spice!
1/2 tsp sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.

How to Make Homemade Granola Recipe

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Whisk the Egg White: In a bowl, whip the egg white until frothy. If going for an egg-free option, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

Chop the Nuts: In a food processor or blender, add the raw walnuts and almonds. Pulse them a few times until chopped coarsely. If you prefer using a knife, chop them manually, but keep an eye on the size.

Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped nuts, 3 cups of gluten-free rolled oats, 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds, 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.

Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup avocado oil, 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract. Once that’s well combined, pour this mixture over the dry ingredients along with the whisked egg white or flax “egg.” Stir everything well until all the dry ingredients are coated nicely.

Spread the Granola: Transfer the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use your hands to press it into an even layer. This step creates those wonderful chunks that everyone loves.

Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and let it bake for 35 to 45 minutes. You want it to be golden-brown around the edges while the middle remains slightly soft. This is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.

Cool and Add Dried Fruit: After baking, remove the granola from the oven and let it cool for an hour. This cooling period lets it set and helps form those big clusters. Once cooled, fold in the 1 cup of dried fruit of your choice.

Store: Transfer your delicious creation to a large zip lock bag or a jar. This granola will keep well at room temperature for up to 10 days, ensuring you have a quick and nutritious option at hand whenever you need it!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your homemade granola fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days. For longer freshness, consider refrigerating it, which can extend its life to about two weeks in a well-sealed container. If you’ve made a large batch, feel free to freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, you can reheat it in a warm oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 10 minutes to revive its crunchiness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Use fresh nuts: Fresh nuts enhance flavor significantly. Staling can diminish taste, so check for freshness.
Don’t rush the cooling process: Allowing it to cool completely enables the clusters to form perfectly.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to switch out nuts or add spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a different profile.
Pay attention to baking times: Since oven times may vary, keep a close eye on your granola, particularly around the 30-minute mark.
Make a batch ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep—make it over the weekend for effortless breakfasts all week.

There’s something truly special about homemade granola. It’s simple, customizable, and it feels good knowing exactly what goes into it. You can tweak it to fit your tastes, whether you lean towards sweeter or heartier profiles. Enjoy experimenting with different nuts, seeds, and dried fruits! I hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your breakfast routine, just like it has in mine.

Recipe FAQs

How can I make this granola lower in sugar?

To reduce the sugar content, you can cut the maple syrup in half and replace it with unsweetened applesauce. This will keep the recipe moist while lowering total sugar.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Absolutely! Simply replace nuts with seeds like sunflower or even more pumpkin seeds, ensuring the granola remains crunchy and nutritious.

Is it possible to make this granola gluten-free?

Yes! Ensure that you use certified gluten-free oats. Regular oats may be cross-contaminated with gluten, so checking labels is essential.

How can I enhance the flavor of my granola?

Adding spices like nutmeg, ground ginger, or even a bit of cocoa powder can elevate the flavor profile. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend!