How To Bake Chewy Healthy Granola

Creating Chewy and Healthy Granola

Granola is a versatile and delicious snack that can be enjoyed on its own, with yogurt, or as a topping for smoothie bowls. While store-bought granola can be convenient, making your own allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. In this article, we’ll explore how to bake chewy and healthy granola at home.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the baking process, let’s gather the ingredients needed to make chewy and healthy granola:

• Old-fashioned rolled oats: These will serve as the base of the granola and provide a hearty texture.
• Nuts and seeds: Choose your favorites, such as almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds, for added crunch and nutrition.
• Coconut oil: This will help bind the ingredients together and create a satisfying chewiness.
• Maple syrup or honey: For natural sweetness and a hint of caramelization during baking.
• Dried fruit: Options like raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots can add a chewy and sweet element to the granola.
• Vanilla extract: For a touch of warmth and flavor.
• Cinnamon: This spice will infuse the granola with a cozy, aromatic note.
• Salt: A pinch of salt will enhance the overall flavor profile.

Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to bake chewy and healthy granola:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and a sprinkle of salt.
3. Prepare the wet mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and a dash of cinnamon.
4. Coat the dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated.
5. Spread the mixture: Transfer the granola mixture to the prepared baking sheet and spread it out into an even layer.
6. Bake to perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring the granola halfway through to ensure even browning.
7. Add the dried fruit: Once the granola is golden and fragrant, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the dried fruit over the top. Gently press the fruit into the granola and allow it to cool completely.
8. Enjoy and store: Once the granola has cooled, break it into clusters and transfer it to an airtight container for storage. It can be kept at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Customization and Serving Suggestions

One of the best things about making your own granola is the ability to customize it to your preferences. Here are a few ideas to personalize your chewy and healthy granola:

• Flavor variations: Experiment with different flavorings such as almond extract, nutmeg, or even a pinch of sea salt for a savory-sweet twist.
• Additional mix-ins: Consider adding shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or chia seeds for extra texture and flavor.
• Serving options: Enjoy your granola with milk or yogurt, sprinkle it over a smoothie bowl, or simply grab a handful as a satisfying snack on the go.

By following these simple steps and getting creative with your ingredients, you can bake chewy and healthy granola right in your own kitchen. Not only will you have a delicious snack at your fingertips, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what went into it. Happy baking!