There is something undeniably comforting about the aroma of homemade granola wafting through the kitchen. That toasty, nutty scent, with accents of cinnamon and honey, has a way of making any morning feel a little more special. While store-bought granola can be convenient, nothing beats the fresh, customizable, and wholesome goodness of making your own.
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Whether you prefer it chunky or crumbly, sweet or slightly savory, homemade granola offers endless possibilities. Plus, it is quite easy to make, requiring just a handful of pantry staples and minimal effort.
Why Make Granola at Home?
Sure, you can grab a bag of granola at the store, but homemade versions have several advantages:
Healthier Ingredients – No mystery additives, artificial flavors, or excessive sugars.
Customizable – Adjust the sweetness, crunch, and mix-ins to your liking.
Cost-Effective – Making granola in bulk is often cheaper than buying prepackaged varieties.
Freshness – Freshly toasted oats and nuts create an aroma and flavor that store-bought granola simply can’t match.
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Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup nuts and/or seeds (almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, etc.)
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots, etc.)
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Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix The Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, seeds, coconut, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients – In a small saucepan, warm honey (or maple syrup) and coconut oil over low heat until melted. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Coat & Spread – Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated. Spread the mixture onto the baking sheet in an even layer.
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5. Bake – Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown.
6. Cool & Add Dried Fruit – Remove from the oven and let cool completely before mixing in dried fruit. The granola will crisp up as it cools.
7. Store & Enjoy – Keep in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Enjoy with yogurt, milk, or straight from the jar!
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What do you think?