Name: Homemade Granola
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
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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There’s something truly special about the comfort of homemade granola. Picture a golden-brown, crunchy mix that not only fills your kitchen with a warm, toasty aroma but also satisfies hungry bellies throughout the day. This granola recipe brings together wholesome ingredients like gluten-free rolled oats, nuts, and seeds, all bound with a hint of maple syrup and a touch of vanilla and almond extracts. Whether you’re savoring it with yogurt and fresh fruits for breakfast or snacking on it straight from the jar, you’ll soon see why a Homemade Granola Recipe is a staple in so many households.

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

I distinctly remember the first time I made granola from scratch. It was on a lazy Sunday morning, when the thought of pouring another bowl of store-bought cereal felt mundane. I decided to experiment, and with just a handful of ingredients and a little creativity, I ended up with a delicious mixture that not only tasted better but was healthier too! This homemade version is packed with nutrients while being easy on the wallet. I’m thrilled to share this fantastic recipe with you—trust me, once you try it, you might never go back to the store-bought stuff!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This granola comes together in just 10 minutes of prep time and a mere 50 minutes in the oven.
Irresistible Flavor: With its rich maple sweetness and nutty crunch, every bite is a delightful flavor bomb.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden clusters and colorful bits of dried fruit make this granola as pretty as it is tasty!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even a topping for desserts—you can enjoy it any time of day.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjusted to be gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 egg white: A fun addition for creating clusters and adding protein. For a vegan alternative, use a flax “egg” made from 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water.
1/2 cup avocado oil: This oil lends healthy fats and prevents the granola from drying out. You can substitute with coconut oil or other neutral oils if you prefer.
1 tsp pure vanilla extract: This adds depth and sweetness. Always opt for pure extracts over imitation for the best flavor.
1/2 tsp pure almond extract: A hint of almond is aromatic and delicious; feel free to skip it if you don’t like almond flavor.
1/2 cup pure maple syrup: This is the sweetener and helps bind the granola together. Honey or agave syrup can also work.
3 cups gluten-free rolled oats: These provide the base and texture. Ensure they’re labeled gluten-free if needed.
1/2 cup raw walnuts: These add crunch and healthy fat; you can use any nuts you prefer, such as pecans or cashews.
1/2 cup raw almonds or sliced almonds or pecans: More nutty goodness! Mix and match based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds: These lend a delightful crunch and are packed with nutrients. Sunflower seeds are a great swap!
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut: For added texture and flavor that enhances the overall taste.
1 cup dried fruit: Whether it’s cranberries, apricots, or raisins, this brings a burst of sweetness—choose your favorites!
2 tsp ground cinnamon: A warm, fragrant spice that brings everything together beautifully.
1/2 tsp sea salt: This enhances the flavors and contrasts the sweetness.

How to Make Homemade Granola Recipe

Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier cleaning later.

Whisk Egg or Prepare Flax Egg: In a bowl, whisk one egg white until frothy. If you’re going for a vegan version, combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water in a small bowl, stirring to combine. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it thickens like an egg.

Chop Nuts: Take your raw walnuts and almonds and pulse them a few times in a food processor or blender until they’re coarsely chopped. If you don’t have a processor, a sharp knife works just fine for a rustic chop.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped nuts, 3 cups 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 well blended.

Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup avocado oil, 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract. Once mixed, pour this delicious blend into the bowl with your dry ingredients along with the frothy egg white or flax egg. Stir thoroughly until every piece is coated.

Spread and Press: Transfer the granola mixture onto your prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly. Use your hands to press the mixture down—this helps to form those beautiful cluster shapes we all love!

Bake: Place the baking sheet in the center rack of your preheated oven and let it bake for about 35 to 45 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn a lovely golden brown and enjoy the fragrant aroma that will fill your kitchen.

Cool and Add Fruit: Once baked, pull the granola out of the oven, allowing it to sit for an hour. This cooling time helps it set up, resulting in those perfect large clusters. After it’s cooled, mix in 1 cup of your favorite dried fruit, like cherries or cranberries.

Store: Transfer your delightful granola to a large zip lock bag or an airtight jar for storage. It keeps well at room temperature for up to 10 days. Enjoy it with fruit, yogurt, or your choice of milk!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your homemade granola fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days. For even longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months; just place it in a freezer-safe bag. If you want to refresh it after freezing, reheat it in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, but it will still be delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure to spread the granola mixture evenly to achieve even baking.
Avoid opening the oven door frequently while baking; this can lead to uneven cooking.
Experiment with different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits based on your taste preferences.
If you prefer crunchier granola, bake it a little longer, watching closely to avoid burning.
For more flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a handful of chocolate chips after the granola has cooled—yum!

The truth is, you’ll fall in love with the process of making your own granola. It’s satisfying to create something so delicious and nutritious to kick off your day. Not only can you enjoy it as a breakfast staple, but you can also experiment with various mix-ins and spices, making it truly your own.

The joy of making a homemade granola recipe lies in its adaptability and the warmth it brings to the simplest moments. So, roll up your sleeves and embrace the delightful crunch of your creation. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a new favorite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this granola nut-free?

Absolutely! Simply replace the nuts with extra seeds or add more coconut for crunch. It’ll still be equally delicious!

How do I make this granola sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter granola, increase the amount of maple syrup slightly or add a few tablespoons of brown sugar. Just remember to keep the consistency in mind.