Easy Homemade Granola
Many people love to top their yogurt with a scoop of granola, but sometimes store-bought granola can be loaded with sugar and refined oils.
That’s why making your own is a great way to reduce sugar, while adding in tons of nutritious healthy fats. Plus it’s cheaper to make your own (it’s a win, win).
I also love that you can easily swap out ingredients to switch up the flavor, and include your children (if they’re old enough) in the granola making.
When it comes to making granola, there’s a couple of stable ingredients you’ll need:
Oats:
I use the gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats (I like the Bob’s Red Mill brand)
Raw Nuts & Seeds:
You can use any varieties you like such as pecans, walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds. Make sure they are raw and not already sweetened.
Natural Sweetener:
You’ll need a sweetener that’s sticky, so I love using real maple syrup in this recipe, but honey could be used as well.
Unrefined Oil/Fat:
This is needed to help add flavor and make the granola crisp. Unrefined cold-press coconut oil is used in this recipe, but you could also use grass-fed butter or ghee.
Spices:
Salt gives it a savory taste, while the cinnamon gives it a sweeter taste. You can also add additional spices such as nutmeg, or pumpkin spice.
Optional Add-Ins:
These should be added in after the granola is done cooking. Some options include:
· Unsweetened coconut flakes
· Dried fruit like cranberries, banana chips, or raisins
· Chocolate chips
· Cocoa powder
Storage:
Keep granola in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for a week. You can also freeze excess granola for later use.
Enjoy this delicious & easy homemade granola today!
Easy Homemade Granola
Ingredients
- 4 cups gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups of raw nuts/seeds of choice (½ cup slivered
almonds, ½ cup sunflower seeds, ½ cup walnuts, ½ cup pumpkin seeds) - 1/2 cup melted coconut oil (plus a little more if mixture is too dry)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- sprinkle of coarse salt
- Optional add-ins: unsweetened coconut flakes, chocolate chips, dried fruit, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients. Mix well until everything is well coated.
- Spread the granola mixture on the baking sheet.
- Bake in oven for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Stir mixture halfway through.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool undistributed for about 30 minutes. Granola will crisp up as it cools.
- Add additional add-ins if desired.
- Use for a topping for yogurt or on fruit.
Pingback: 6 Easy Ways to Clean Up Your Eating Habits | Autumn Enloe Nutrition