If you are on the hunt for a crunchy, flavorful, and wholesome breakfast or snack, look no further than The Very Best Granola Recipe. This delicious granola blends the heartiness of oats with the crunch of sliced almonds and the natural sweetness of pure maple syrup, all enhanced with the tropical hint of coconut oil and the chewy surprise of dried fruits. It’s a simple yet satisfying treat that brings together texture, aroma, and taste in perfect harmony. Whether you sprinkle it over yogurt, enjoy it on its own, or use it in your favorite dishes, this granola never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating The Very Best Granola Recipe. Each one plays an important role, balancing flavor and texture to ensure a crunchy, sweet, and inviting granola that you’ll want to keep making again and again.
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats: The hearty base of granola that delivers wholesome texture and fiber.
- 1 cup sliced almonds: Adds a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the oats beautifully.
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that brings depth and caramel notes without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted): Imparts a subtle tropical aroma and helps bind the granola for perfect clumps.
- 1 cup dried fruit (raisins or cranberries): Offers bursts of chewy sweetness to balance the crunch.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and adds a subtle savory edge.
How to Make The Very Best Granola Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple prep sets you up for granola that bakes evenly and comes off the tray effortlessly.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the old-fashioned oats, sliced almonds, and sea salt. This dry mix forms the crunchy backbone of your granola, ensuring each bite has a balanced flavor and texture.
Step 3: Add the Liquid Sweeteners and Oils
Pour the melted coconut oil and pure maple syrup over the oat mixture. Fold everything gently but thoroughly until each oat and almond is well coated. This step is crucial to get that perfect golden color and clumpy texture after baking.
Step 4: Spread Evenly on the Baking Sheet
Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out in an even layer. This helps the granola bake uniformly, so every cluster is perfectly crisp and toasted.
Step 5: Bake and Stir Midway
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, making sure to stir the granola halfway through. Stirring is key here to prevent any burning and to encourage even browning that delivers that irresistible crunch.
Step 6: Cool and Add Dried Fruits
Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and let it cool slightly on the baking sheet. Then fold in your dried fruit of choice, like raisins or cranberries, for a chewy and sweet finish. The warmth of the granola will soften the fruit just enough, perfecting the final texture.
How to Serve The Very Best Granola Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a handful of fresh berries or a dollop of creamy yogurt on top of your granola for added freshness and flavor contrast. A drizzle of honey or a pinch of cinnamon can elevate it even further to suit your mood.
Side Dishes
This granola pairs wonderfully with a bowl of cold milk or a smoothie bowl loaded with fruits. It also makes a fantastic crunchy topping for oatmeal or chia pudding, adding texture and a subtle sweetness to these comforting dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the breakfast bowl! Use The Very Best Granola Recipe as a topping on ice cream, stirred into baked fruit crisps, or in homemade granola bars. You can even sprinkle it over roasted sweet potatoes for an unexpected twist on texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your granola fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps preserve that crunch and flavor for up to two weeks—perfect for quick snacks or breakfast boosts all week long.
Freezing
If you want to keep granola even longer, freezing is a great option. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and it will last up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture.
Reheating
While granola is usually eaten at room temperature or cold, you can lightly warm it in the oven or microwave if you prefer it slightly toasted. This also helps refresh that crunchy texture if it’s been stored for a while.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of sliced almonds?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or cashews work beautifully and add their own unique crunch and flavor, allowing you to customize The Very Best Granola Recipe to your taste.
Is it possible to make this granola vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use pure maple syrup and coconut oil, avoiding honey or butter. It’s a perfect plant-based breakfast option.
How do I get clumpier granola?
To achieve clumpier granola, press the mixture firmly into the baking sheet before baking and avoid over-stirring during the bake. Letting it cool completely without breaking it up too soon also helps form delightful clusters.
Can I add spices to the granola?
Yes! Cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of ginger can add warm, aromatic layers of flavor that complement the natural sweetness and nuttiness in The Very Best Granola Recipe.
How long does homemade granola keep fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, your granola can stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks. Beyond that, it may lose some crispness but will still taste great.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making The Very Best Granola Recipe at home—it’s simple, versatile, and packed with wholesome ingredients that taste amazing every time you enjoy them. Whether you’re starting your day or need a midday pick-me-up, this granola brings joy and energy to the table, and I can’t wait for you to try it yourself!
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The Very Best Granola Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Granola recipe offers a perfectly crunchy, naturally sweetened snack that’s easy to make, packed with wholesome oats, almonds, and dried fruit. It’s ideal for breakfast toppings, snacks, or on-the-go energy boosts.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
Add-ins
- 1 cup dried fruit (raisins or cranberries)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, sliced almonds, and sea salt, stirring until evenly mixed to distribute flavors.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the melted coconut oil and pure maple syrup over the dry mixture, folding gently until every oat and almond is well coated for a balanced sweetness and texture.
- Spread Mixture: Evenly spread the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in a thin layer to achieve consistent baking and browning.
- Bake and Stir: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning and prevent burning on the edges.
- Add Dried Fruits: Remove from oven and let granola cool slightly, then mix in the dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries to maintain their chewiness and add natural sweetness.
Notes
- Store granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks for optimal freshness.
- For extra crunch, bake a few minutes longer but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- You can substitute sliced almonds with other nuts like pecans or walnuts based on preference.
- Use gluten-free oats if you want a gluten-free version.
- Maple syrup can be swapped with honey, but note that honey is not vegan-friendly.
