– 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
– 1 cup nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
– ½ cup seeds (e.g., pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds)
– ½ cup honey or maple syrup
– ½ cup coconut oil or vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
– 1 cup dried fruits (e.g., cranberries, raisins, or apricots)
– A pinch of salt
Creating your own homemade granola is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt together.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the honey or maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the oats and nuts are evenly coated.
5. Spread on Baking Sheet: Transfer the mixture onto the lined baking sheet, spreading it evenly into a thin layer.
6. Bake: Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
7. Cool: Once golden and crispy, remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool on the baking sheet. This will help it become crunchy.
8. Add Dried Fruits: Once cooled, mix in the dried fruits. Stir to distribute them evenly throughout the granola.
9. Store: Transfer your homemade granola to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks!
These steps will enable you to create your very own granola in a great way with minimal fuss.