I love granola. I eat homemade yogurt almost every morning with fresh fruit, and I absolutely love topping it with granola. But buying granola at the store can be kinda expensive. And even the “healthy” varieties still have extra ingredients added to extend the shelf life. And I often find them overly sweet. As someone who tries to avoid these unnecessary ingredients and sweeteners, I went on a search for a good (but also easy) homemade granola.
AND I FOUND IT!!!
After some tweaking and experimentation, I have a recipe that my family absolutely loves. It was a really big sacrifice having to make (and eat) granola all the time to figure out the best combo, but it was one I was willing to make. And the best part about the end result…a healthy and simple recipe that is easy to make! It’s gluten free (if you use gluten-free oats) and dairy free. This recipe uses energy-rich oats, almonds, coconut oil, and honey for a natural sweetness. But, you can totally play with the recipe to create some really great alternatives. Try adding in some of the below for additional flavor, nutrients, and texture:
- Dried fruit – just try to buy dried fruit that doesn’t have added sugar
- Nuts/seeds – almonds, pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or other nuts you enjoy
- Unsweetened dried coconut – highly nutritional and adds a powerful flavor punch
- Flax seed – whole, not milled
- Chia seeds – excellent source of calcium, omega-3, fiber, and iron
- Hemp hearts – excellent source of protein and omegas
Customize it to your preferences or dietary needs!
I have this granola almost every morning on a bowl of my homemade yogurt and fresh fruit. Such a satisfying, filling, and healthy way to start your day! But it’s also good as a snack by itself, or in a bowl with your favorite milk poured over the top. So, without further ado, here is the recipe!
Simple Homemade Granola
Simple Homemade Granola
Dry Ingredients:
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup nuts, chopped (my favorite is almonds and pecans)
Wet Ingredients:
½ cup raw honey
2 teaspoon melted coconut oil
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Spread the oats and almonds out on a baking sheet (line with parchment paper for easy cleanup) and place in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, stirring once or twice.
While the oat mixture is toasting, combine the wet ingredients.
After the oat mixture is toasted (they should be very aromatic), place it in a large mixing bowl. If you’re going to add any add-ins, now is the time to do it. Drizzle the honey mixture over the top and stir until well combined.
Pour back onto the parchment paper and spread out to form a single layer. Place the baking sheet back in the oven and turn the oven to OFF. This will allow the granola to finish toasting without burning. Let it sit in the oven for 20-30 minutes. Leave the door closed for the first 15, and then crack the door for the remainder of the time. And, if you happen to forget about the granola after you crack the oven door, and it happens to stay in there for a hour or two…that’s totally okay! That may or may not have happened a few times.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely before breaking into smaller pieces. I like to leave it in fairly large chunks like below because it inevitably breaks into smaller pieces in my storage container. Plus, that makes it easier for my kids (or myself if we’re being honest) to grab a piece to snack on!
Once you give it a try, share your favorite ingredient combo below! This particular time I used a mixture of almonds and pecans. SO GOOD!
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