Indulge yourself in a healthier snack option with this Homemade Granola Delight recipe. Full of crunchy nuts, seeds, and sweetened with honey, this granola can serve as a perfect breakfast or snack on the go. Packed with fiber and protein, every bite of this homemade granola will leave you wanting more.
While most of the ingredients like oats, nuts, and honey are likely to be available in your pantry, there might be some you need to look out for. Wheat germ might not be a common household ingredient, but you can easily find it in the cereal aisle of your supermarket. It's a nutritious part of the wheat kernel and gives the granola a delightful crunch. Similarly, unsweetened coconut and a variety of unsalted seeds may need a trip to the grocery store.
Ingredients for Homemade Granola Delight
old fashioned rolled oats: The base of your granola, providing a hearty texture and fiber.
almonds: Adds a delightful crunch and good source of protein.
pecans: These bring in a buttery texture and are packed with nutrients.
walnuts: Known for their earthy flavor and brain-boosting properties.
sunflower seeds: A great source of antioxidants and packed with Vitamin E.
sesame seeds: They add a nice crunch and are rich in calcium.
wheat germ: A powerhouse of nutrients like folate, magnesium, and vitamin E.
sweetened coconut: It gives a tropical twist to the granola and a dose of healthy fats.
cinnamon: Adds a sweet and woody flavor that complements the nuts and seeds.
salt: Balances out the sweetness from the honey and coconut.
vegetable oil: Helps to bind everything together and aids in browning during baking.
honey: Natural sweetener that also helps to bind the ingredients together.
dried fruits: They add sweetness and chewy texture to the crunchy granola.
One reader, Benedick Berman says:
This homemade granola delight recipe is a game-changer! The blend of nuts, seeds, and honey creates a delightful crunch and sweetness. It's so versatile - I've enjoyed it with yogurt, milk, and even as a snack on its own. Plus, it's healthier than store-bought granola. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Homemade Granola Delight
How to prepare the granola mixture: Combine the oats, almonds, pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, wheat germ, coconut, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl and mix well.
How to emulsify the honey and oil: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and oil until well combined.
How to bake the granola: Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 325 degrees F, stirring and re-spreading a few times with a spatula, until the entire mixture is medium golden brown.
How to mix in the dried fruits: Toss the baked granola with a spatula and mix in the dried fruits until well combined.
How to store the granola: Break the granola into large clusters and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
How To Make Homemade Granola
Homemade granola is a great snack to have around the house. This recipe has oats, dried fruits, and coconut and is great with some sweetened yogurt.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2½cupsold fashioned rolled oats
- ½cupunsalted almonds,sliced
- ½cupunsalted pecans,coarsely chopped
- ½cupunsalted walnuts,coarsely chopped
- ½cupunsalted sunflower seeds
- 2tbspsesame seeds
- ½cupwheat germ,toasted
- 1cupsweetened coconut,shredded
- ½tspcinnamon
- ½tspsalt
- ½cupvegetable oil
- ¾cuphoney
- 1cupdried fruits,such as cranberries, raisins, cherries, chopped apricots, currants, etc.
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a 13×18-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Combine the oats, almonds, pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, wheat germ, coconut, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl and mix well.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and oil until emulsified. Pour the mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well.
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Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring and re-spreading a few times with a spatula, until the entire mixture is medium golden brown.
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Toss the granola with a spatula and mix in the dried fruits. Spread and press into an even, compact layer, then let cool on a rack to room temperature.
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Break the granola into large clusters, serve with yogurt, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Nutrition
- Calories: 438.74kcal
- Fat: 25.28g
- Saturated Fat: 4.25g
- Trans Fat: 0.09g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13.75g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.78g
- Carbohydrates: 51.84g
- Fiber: 6.58g
- Sugar: 28.92g
- Protein: 7.79g
- Sodium: 121.79mg
- Calcium: 62.38mg
- Potassium: 421.38mg
- Iron: 3.03mg
- Vitamin A: 17.52µg
- Vitamin C: 1.25mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Granola Recipe
To ensure your granola is crispy and not burnt, it's crucial to stir it a few times during the baking process. This allows for even heat distribution and prevents the granola on the edges of the pan from burning. Also, pressing the granola into a compact layer after adding the dried fruits helps to create those desirable, crunchy clusters. Remember, the granola will continue to harden as it cools, so it's best to remove it from the oven when it's golden brown and still slightly soft.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Granola at Home
Prep ahead: Measure and prepare all your ingredients the night before to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal dishes and cooking equipment to save time on cleanup.
Batch cooking: Make a large batch of granola and store it in an airtight container for quick and easy breakfasts throughout the week.
Efficient organization: Keep your kitchen organized and tidy to minimize time spent searching for ingredients and tools.
Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and blenders to speed up the preparation process.
Multi-task: Look for opportunities to multitask, such as chopping vegetables while waiting for water to boil.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Granola Recipe
old fashioned rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes are a gluten-free alternative to oats and provide a similar texture and nutty flavor.
unsalted almonds - Substitute with cashews: Cashews have a similar creamy texture and mild nutty flavor, making them a great substitute for almonds.
unsalted pecans - Substitute with hazelnuts: Hazelnuts have a rich, buttery flavor and a similar crunch to pecans, making them a good substitute.
unsalted walnuts - Substitute with macadamia nuts: Macadamia nuts have a creamy texture and a rich, buttery flavor, which can replace walnuts in the recipe.
unsalted sunflower seeds - Substitute with pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds have a similar nutty flavor and crunchy texture, making them a suitable substitute for sunflower seeds.
sesame seeds - Substitute with chia seeds: Chia seeds provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor to sesame seeds, and they are also high in omega-3 fatty acids.
wheat germ - Substitute with ground flaxseed: Ground flaxseed can be used as a substitute for wheat germ, providing a nutty flavor and added nutritional benefits.
sweetened coconut - Substitute with unsweetened coconut flakes: Unsweetened coconut flakes can be used as a healthier alternative to sweetened coconut, with a similar flavor and texture.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg can replace cinnamon with its warm, slightly sweet flavor, adding a different but complementary taste to the granola.
vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a substitute for vegetable oil, adding a hint of coconut flavor to the granola.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can replace honey as a sweetener, adding a rich, caramel-like flavor to the granola.
dried fruits - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries can be used as a substitute for other dried fruits, adding a tart and sweet flavor to the granola.
Presenting Your Delightful Granola Creation
Elevate the plating: When presenting the homemade granola delight, ensure that the granola is neatly arranged on the plate, creating an appealing and appetizing presentation. Use a circular mold to create a uniform shape and carefully remove it to reveal a perfectly formed granola stack.
Incorporate edible flowers: Add a touch of elegance to the dish by garnishing with delicate edible flowers. The vibrant colors and unique shapes of the flowers will enhance the visual appeal of the granola delight, impressing the culinary professionals with a sophisticated and artistic presentation.
Utilize contrasting textures: Create a visually dynamic presentation by incorporating contrasting textures. Consider serving the granola delight alongside a quenelle of creamy Greek yogurt to provide a smooth and luscious element that complements the crunchy texture of the granola.
Highlight seasonal fruits: Elevate the dish by incorporating fresh, seasonal fruits as a visually striking accompaniment. Consider arranging a medley of vibrant berries or thinly sliced tropical fruits alongside the granola delight to showcase the beauty of seasonal produce.
Artful drizzling: Elevate the presentation by drizzling a delicate stream of honey over the granola delight just before serving. The artful drizzling of honey adds a touch of sophistication and creates an enticing visual appeal, demonstrating attention to detail and culinary finesse.
Essential Tools for Crafting Homemade Granola
Oven: The oven is used for baking and roasting food items. It provides consistent and even heat distribution, making it essential for cooking a wide range of dishes.
Parchment paper: Parchment paper is a non-stick baking paper that is used to line baking sheets and pans. It prevents food from sticking to the pan and makes for easy cleanup.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is a kitchen essential for combining ingredients, marinating, and mixing batters. It comes in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic.
Spatula: A spatula is a versatile kitchen tool used for flipping, spreading, and smoothing food. It comes in different shapes and sizes, and is essential for tasks such as stirring granola during baking.
Whisk: A whisk is used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients. It is particularly useful for emulsifying mixtures, such as combining honey and oil in this granola recipe.
Rimmed baking sheet: A rimmed baking sheet, also known as a sheet pan, is used for baking and roasting. The raised edges prevent food and liquids from spilling over, making it ideal for making granola.
Parchment sheets: Parchment sheets are pre-cut sheets of parchment paper that can be used to line baking pans and sheets. They offer the same non-stick and easy cleanup benefits as parchment paper rolls.
Aluminum foil: Aluminum foil is a versatile kitchen item used for wrapping, covering, and lining pans. It can be used in conjunction with parchment paper for easy cleanup and added protection during baking.
Cooling rack: A cooling rack is used to cool baked goods and other dishes. It allows air to circulate around the food, preventing sogginess and ensuring even cooling.
Airtight container: An airtight container is used for storing food items to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. It is essential for storing homemade granola and extending its shelf life.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Granola Delight
Once the granola has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This will help maintain its crunchiness and prevent it from absorbing moisture from the air.
For optimal freshness, store the granola in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A pantry or cupboard shelf is ideal.
If you prefer your granola to have a slightly softer texture, you can store it in the refrigerator. This will also help extend its shelf life.
Homemade granola can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
To freeze granola, place it in a freezer-safe airtight container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Granola can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy the frozen granola, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. You can also reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore its crunchiness.
If you've added any dried fruits to your granola, keep in mind that they may become slightly softer after freezing and thawing.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid freezing and thawing the granola multiple times. Portion it out into smaller containers or bags before freezing, so you can thaw only what you need each time.
How To Reheat Leftover Granola
The best way to reheat leftover homemade granola delight is to spread it out on a baking sheet and bake it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until it's warm and slightly toasted. This method will help restore the granola's crunchiness and bring out the flavors of the nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
Another option is to reheat the granola in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir the granola constantly to prevent burning and ensure even heating. This method is quicker than the oven method and can help create a slightly more toasted flavor.
If you prefer a softer texture, you can microwave the leftover granola in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-60 seconds, stirring every 15-20 seconds to ensure even heating. Be careful not to overheat the granola, as it can become chewy or rubbery.
For a quick and easy breakfast or snack, you can simply add cold milk or yogurt to the leftover granola without reheating it. The contrast between the cold dairy and the room-temperature granola can be quite enjoyable and refreshing.
If you want to add a bit of extra flavor and sweetness to your reheated granola, consider drizzling a small amount of honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar over the top before serving. This can help enhance the overall taste and make the granola feel fresher.
Interesting Trivia About Homemade Granola
The homemade granola delight recipe is a nutritious and versatile dish that can be customized with various nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. It's a great source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, making it a perfect breakfast or snack option. Plus, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, providing a convenient and delicious option for busy mornings or on-the-go snacking.
Is Making Granola at Home Cost-Effective?
This homemade granola delight recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The use of affordable ingredients like oats, nuts, and seeds makes it a budget-friendly option. The versatility of the recipe allows for customization based on ingredient availability, further enhancing its cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it an economical choice. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10, considering its nutritional value, flavor, and cost-effectiveness.
Is Homemade Granola Healthy or Unhealthy?
The homemade granola delight recipe is a relatively healthy option, offering a mix of nutritious ingredients:
- Rolled oats provide fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates
- Nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts) offer healthy fats, protein, and minerals
- Sunflower and sesame seeds add healthy fats, protein, and micronutrients
- Wheat germ is a good source of vitamin E, folate, and minerals
- Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and may help regulate blood sugar
- Dried fruits provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved:
- The recipe uses a significant amount of honey and sweetened coconut, which can increase the sugar content
- Vegetable oil is used, which may not be the healthiest fat option
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of honey and replace some of it with natural applesauce or mashed bananas for sweetness
- Use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened to lower the sugar content
- Replace the vegetable oil with healthier options like coconut oil or olive oil
- Add a scoop of protein powder or collagen peptides to boost the protein content
- Experiment with adding other nutrient-dense ingredients like chia seeds, flax seeds, or pumpkin seeds
- Use a variety of dried fruits to increase the diversity of vitamins and minerals, such as goji berries, mulberries, or unsweetened tart cherries
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Granola Recipe
The homemade granola delight recipe is a delightful and wholesome treat. The combination of oats, nuts, seeds, and honey creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The addition of dried fruits adds a burst of sweetness, making it a versatile and satisfying snack. The recipe's simplicity and versatility make it a great option for breakfast or a quick energy boost. It's a wonderful way to enjoy a healthy and delicious homemade granola.
Enhance Your Homemade Granola Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Granola Delight
Ideal Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with Granola Delight
Why trust this Homemade Granola Recipe:
This homemade granola delight recipe offers a perfect balance of nutritious and delicious ingredients. The combination of old fashioned rolled oats, unsalted nuts, and seeds provides a hearty and satisfying crunch, while the addition of honey and dried fruits brings a natural sweetness. With a careful baking process, this recipe ensures a golden brown, crispy texture. The use of wheat germ adds a boost of fiber and nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for breakfast or snacking. Trust in this recipe for a delightful, homemade granola experience.
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