If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying snack or breakfast topper, you’ve got to try this Simple Homemade Granola Recipe. It’s a wonderful blend of toasted oats, nuts, and just the right touch of natural sweetness that feels both nourishing and indulgent at the same time. Making granola at home is incredibly rewarding — not only does it fill your kitchen with that warm, inviting aroma, but you also control every ingredient, tailoring it perfectly to your taste and dietary needs. Trust me, once you make this Simple Homemade Granola Recipe, you won’t want to go back to store-bought again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Simple Homemade Granola Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each one plays its part, whether adding crunch, sweetness, or a cozy hint of spice that makes every bite memorable.
- 3 cups Rolled Oats: The hearty and wholesome base of your granola, providing that perfect chew and fiber boost.
- 1/2 cup Honey or Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that also acts like glue to hold everything together beautifully.
- 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil: Adds richness and ensures your granola toasts to a golden, crispy finish.
- 1 cup Mixed Nuts: Chopped for easy munching and loaded with protein to keep you energized.
- 1/2 cup Dried Fruits: Sweet, chewy bursts that add color and natural flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Brings out and balances the flavors in every delicious bite.
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm, comforting depth that’s simply irresistible.
How to Make Simple Homemade Granola Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because a steady, moderate oven temperature helps the granola toast evenly, developing that lovely golden color and rich flavor without burning.
Step 2: Combine Oats and Nuts
In a large mixing bowl, toss together your rolled oats and chopped mixed nuts. This combo creates the perfect crunchy texture and a hearty base for your granola’s layers of flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Sweet and Rich Mixture
In a small saucepan, gently warm honey or maple syrup, vegetable oil, and salt, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This warm blend will coat the oats and nuts, providing that delightful sweetness and helping everything stick together beautifully.
Step 4: Mix It All Together
Pour your warm syrup mixture over the oat and nut blend, folding the ingredients carefully to ensure every flake and chunk is fully coated. This step guarantees even toasting and flavor in every bite of your Simple Homemade Granola Recipe.
Step 5: Spread and Bake
Spread the granola evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This gives it room to toast up crisp and golden. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent burning and promote even color and crunch.
Step 6: Cool and Add Fruits
Once your granola emerges beautifully toasted, let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Cooling helps it crisp up even more. When cool, gently fold in your dried fruits, adding a sweet, chewy contrast that elevates the whole mix.
How to Serve Simple Homemade Granola Recipe
Garnishes
You can sprinkle fresh berries, chopped bananas, or a drizzle of yogurt on top of your granola for a refreshing and creamy twist. These garnishes naturally complement the nutty sweetness and add vibrant color and nutrition.
Side Dishes
Pair your granola with fresh fruit smoothie bowls or alongside a steaming bowl of warm oatmeal. The crunchy texture always adds a wonderful contrast and an extra punch of flavor that enhances any simple bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Simple Homemade Granola Recipe layered with yogurt and fruit in a clear glass parfait or as a crunchy topping on baked apples or pumpkin dessert. It’s a versatile treat that dazzles both on the breakfast table or as a charming snack for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and crisp for up to two weeks. This convenience means you can make it ahead and enjoy a quick, wholesome snack anytime.
Freezing
If you want to keep your granola longer, freezing works well. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it will stay fresh for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Granola is best enjoyed at room temperature or cold, but if you prefer a warm touch, simply spread it on a baking sheet and toast briefly in a low oven for a few minutes. Be sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in the Simple Homemade Granola Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with almonds, pecans, walnuts, or even seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Each swap brings its own unique texture and flavor, making your granola truly your own.
Is it necessary to add oil in the granola?
The oil helps with even roasting and adds richness, but you can substitute with melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical note or reduce it slightly if you prefer a lighter granola. Just keep in mind it also helps with texture.
Can I omit the dried fruits?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of dried fruits or want to avoid the extra sweetness, simply leave them out or replace with other mix-ins like dark chocolate chips or coconut flakes once the granola cools.
How crunchy will the granola be?
This recipe yields a wonderfully crunchy granola with chewy bits from the dried fruit. Baking until golden and fully cooling ensures the best texture, giving you that satisfying crunch in every bite.
Can I make this granola vegan?
Definitely! Use maple syrup instead of honey to keep the recipe fully plant-based. It’s just as delicious and makes the Simple Homemade Granola Recipe accessible for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Making this Simple Homemade Granola Recipe is genuinely a joy, from the comforting smells filling your kitchen to the endless ways you can enjoy it afterward. I hope you give it a go and discover just how effortlessly delicious homemade granola can be. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a beloved staple, bringing a little crunchy happiness to your mornings and snack times alike.
Print
Simple Homemade Granola Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Simple Homemade Granola recipe offers a wholesome and customizable breakfast or snack option, combining toasted rolled oats, mixed nuts, and dried fruits sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and a touch of salt, this granola is baked to golden perfection for a crunchy texture that can be enjoyed on its own or with yogurt and milk.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups Rolled Oats
- 1 cup Mixed Nuts, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Honey or Maple Syrup
- 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil
- 1/2 cup Dried Fruits
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the granola.
- Combine oats and nuts: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the rolled oats and chopped mixed nuts thoroughly.
- Prepare the sweet mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the honey or maple syrup, vegetable oil, and salt. Warm while stirring until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Coat the oat mixture: Pour the warm honey-oil mixture over the oats and nuts, folding gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Spread the coated granola mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet to ensure even toasting.
- Bake the granola: Bake the granola in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote uniform browning.
- Cool the granola: Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet; this will allow it to crisp up.
- Add dried fruits: Once cooled, mix in the dried fruits for added sweetness and chewiness without compromising the crunch.
- Store properly: Transfer the granola to an airtight container and store it at room temperature for up to two weeks for freshness.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can toast the mixed nuts separately before mixing.
- If you prefer a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup.
- Feel free to customize your granola with other nuts or seeds like almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds.
- Store granola in an airtight container to maintain crispness and freshness.
- The granola can be enjoyed as a topping for yogurt, smoothie bowls, or eaten as a snack.
