Granola With Oats And Honey

This wholesome granola recipe has transformed my morning routine from rushed cereal to a nourishing ritual. The perfect balance of crunchy oats, toasty nuts, and sweet dried fruits creates a versatile base for breakfast or snacking that you can easily customize to suit your taste preferences.

I first created this recipe when trying to break my family's expensive granola habit. What started as a money saving experiment has become our Sunday tradition, with my children now eagerly helping to mix the ingredients and choose new flavor combinations each week.

Ingredients

• Rolled oats: form the hearty base providing fiber and that classic granola texture
• Mixed nuts: add protein and healthy fats choose a variety for different flavors and textures
• Honey or maple syrup: naturally sweetens while helping form those desirable clusters
• Vegetable oil: helps achieve the perfect golden crispness without drying out
• Vanilla extract: adds warmth and complexity to the flavor profile
• Salt: enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly
• Cinnamon: brings warm spice notes that complement the nuts and sweeteners
• Dried fruit: adds chewy texture and natural sweetness add after baking to prevent burning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350°F and ensure the rack is in the middle position. The moderate temperature allows the granola to toast evenly without burning the delicate nuts and oats.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, add your rolled oats, chopped nuts, salt, and cinnamon. Ensure you have enough space to mix thoroughly so every oat gets coated with the flavorings. The uniform mixing at this stage creates consistent flavor throughout.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a separate smaller bowl, combine your honey or maple syrup, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well incorporated. The oil helps distribute the sweetener evenly and contributes to the crispy texture.

Combine Everything:

Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly with a sturdy spoon or spatula. Continue mixing until no dry spots remain and every oat cluster is glistening with the sweet mixture.

Bake to Perfection:

Spread the mixture in an even layer on a parchment lined baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper air circulation. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even browning and prevent the edges from burning.

Cool Completely:

Allow the granola to cool untouched on the baking sheet. This crucial step is where the magic happens the granola will crisp up as it cools and form those delightful clusters everyone loves.

Add Dried Fruit:

Once completely cooled, gently fold in your choice of dried fruits. Adding them after baking prevents them from becoming hard and unpleasantly chewy.

Store Properly:

Transfer to an airtight container where it will stay fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature if it lasts that long in your household!

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The humble cinnamon is secretly the star ingredient in this recipe. My grandmother always insisted on using Ceylon cinnamon rather than the more common Cassia variety. Its delicate, complex flavor brings warmth without overpowering the other ingredients. When my children smell cinnamon wafting through our home on Sunday mornings, they know exactly what treat awaits them at breakfast.

Making It Your Own

The beauty of homemade granola lies in its adaptability. Try swapping the vegetable oil for coconut oil to add a tropical note, or use brown butter for a nutty depth. Experiment with different sweeteners like brown sugar or agave nectar to discover your perfect balance. The recipe welcomes creativity so feel free to add chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving.

Storing For Maximum Freshness

For optimal crispness, ensure your granola is completely cool before storing. Any trapped heat will create condensation and lead to soggy granola. I keep mine in glass jars with tight fitting lids rather than plastic containers, which helps maintain the perfect texture for weeks. For longer storage, portion into freezer bags and freeze for up to three months with no noticeable change in quality.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious straight from the jar, this granola truly shines when paired thoughtfully. Layer it with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a protein packed parfait. Sprinkle over ice cream for a crunchy dessert topping. My personal favorite is serving it with cold milk and sliced bananas, allowing the granola to soften slightly while still maintaining that satisfying crunch. For a special weekend treat, try it warm from the oven over vanilla ice cream.

Common Queries

→ Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup for honey, resulting in a slightly different but equally delicious sweetness.

→ How can I make the granola crunchier?

Spread the mixture evenly and stir halfway through baking to ensure even browning and added crunch.

→ What nuts work best in granola?

Almonds, walnuts, and pecans are commonly used, but you can mix in your favorites based on taste and texture.

→ How should I store homemade granola?

Let it cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

→ Can I add chocolate chips or seeds?

Absolutely! Add them after baking to prevent melting and for added variety in flavor and texture.