Homemade Granola

Homemade granola is a versatile and nutritious breakfast option that can also serve as a snack or topping for yogurt and smoothie bowls. This recipe yields a crunchy and flavorful granola packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, and honey. Customize it with your favorite dried fruits or spices for a personalized touch!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups rolled oats

• 1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, pecans, and walnuts), roughly chopped

• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots) (optional)
  
  

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, mixed nuts, shredded coconut, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything together until the oats and nuts are evenly coated with the honey mixture.

Step 5: Spread on Baking Sheet
Transfer the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly in a thin layer, pressing it down slightly with the back of a spoon or spatula.

Step 6: Bake
Bake the granola in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and crispy, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking.

Step 7: Cool and Add Optional Ingredients
Once the granola is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. If desired, stir in the dried fruits at this point.

Step 8: Store
Once the granola has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or resealable bag for storage. It will keep at room temperature for up to 8 weeks, or you can store it in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

Step 9: Enjoy!
Serve your homemade granola with milk or yogurt for a delicious and nutritious breakfast, or enjoy it on its own as a crunchy snack.

Tip: Feel free to customize this granola recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add different nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or spices to create your own unique flavor combinations!