The Very Best Granola Recipe

I created The Best Homemade Granola blending hearty rolled oats with mixed nuts and dried fruit. Shredded unsweetened coconut, melting coconut oil, and pure maple syrup add delightful texture and subtle sweetness. I invite you to explore this twist on classic granola and savor every bite for a nourishing snack.

I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen for a while now and i think i’ve finally nailed a granola recipe that truly stands out. My Very Best Granola is made from hearty old fashioned rolled oats mixed with a cup of roughly chopped mixed nuts, giving it an awesome crunch that i just love.

I also toss in some shredded unsweetened coconut, a tad of melted coconut oil and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup to keep things naturally sweet. A bit of salt and a pinch of ground cinnamon add extra flavor, and i mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract for that hint of warmth.

In the end, i stir in dried fruit for a pop of tanginess. This homemade granola is not only healthy and low cal but also super versatile, perfect for a quick breakfast or an energizing snack when you need a boost.

Enjoy playing around with the recipe and making it your own.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it gives me that perfect mix of crunchy oats and chewy dried fruit which makes it really fun to eat. I also love that its naturally sweetened with maple syrup so i can enjoy a treat without feeling guilty. The fact that i can mix in my favorite nuts and even swap ingredients around lets me make it just the way i like it every time. Lastly, it fills me up and keeps me energized all day which is a big win in my book.

Ingredients

• Old fashioned rolled oats: a rich source of fibre and carbs that keeps you full.
• Mixed nuts: protein packed with healthy fats, boostin crunch and nutrtion in every bite.
• Unsweetened shredded coconut: adds subtle sweetness and extra texture while providin extra fibre.
• Coconut oil: natural fat that helps bind ingredients and gives a tropical flavor overall.
• Maple syrup: a natural sweetener that balances tart nuts and coconut flavor perfectly.
• Dried fruit: adds bursts of sweet tanginess and vitamins for a fun mix of flavors.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup mixed nuts (like almonds, pecans, walnuts) roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (or honey if you prefer)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries or chopped apricots)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a big bowl, mix together the 3 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of roughly chopped mixed nuts, 1/2 cup of shredded unsweetened coconut, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

3. In a separate bowl, stir together 1/3 cup of melted coconut oil, 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (or honey if you prefer) and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well so everything is evenly coated.

5. Spread the mix evenly onto your prepared baking sheet, pressing it down lightly with a spatula.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, giving it a stir halfway through so it bakes evenly.

7. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes to prevent burning, the granola should be a nice golden color when done.

8. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely right on the baking sheet, it will crisp up as it cools.

9. Once cool, mix in 1 cup of your favorite dried fruit like raisins, cranberries or chopped apricots.

10. Enjoy your very best granola by storing it in an airtight container for snacks or breakfast later on!

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven (set to 350°F)
2. Baking sheet and parchment paper
3. A large mixing bowl for the dry ingredients
4. A separate bowl for the wet ingredients
5. A spatula or a large spoon for mixing and stirring
6. Measuring cups and spoons

This list should cover the basic equipment youll need for making the granola.

FAQ

The Very Best Granola Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Coconut oil – if you don’t have coconut oil, try using melted butter or even a light olive oil. This might change the flavor a bit, but it generally works fine.
• Pure maple syrup – you can swap out the maple syrup for honey or even agave nectar if you prefer a different kind of sweetness or dont have maple syrup handy.
• Dried fruit – instead of raisins or cranberries, try using chopped dates or dried blueberries. They add their own twist to the granola.
• Old fashioned rolled oats – if you’re in a pinch, quick oats can be used, but keep in mind they might make the texture a bit softer than the crunchy original.

Pro Tips

1. When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, make sure to stir it well so that every oat and nut gets a good coating. I found that a few extra stirs can really make a difference in the crunchiness later on.

2. Keep a close eye on your granola while it’s baking. My oven tends to run a bit hot sometimes, so checking it a couple of times during baking can save it from getting burnt.

3. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet before you toss in the dried fruit. If you mix them in too early, the fruit can turn all hard and chewy, and you lose that nice texture.

4. Pressing the granola mixture down a bit before baking can help bond the ingredients together. This trick makes it easier to break it into chunks later, and it gives you a more satisfying crunch.