Description
This homemade chunky granola recipe combines wholesome oats, crunchy nuts, seeds, and sweet dried fruits to create a delicious, nutritious breakfast or snack. Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, it is a healthier alternative to store-bought granolas, offering a satisfying texture and natural sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- 1 cup seeds (pumpkin or sunflower)
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Final Addition
- 1 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly blended to build a flavorful base.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together honey or maple syrup, coconut oil or vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until fully combined, creating a sweet and smooth coating for the granola.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until all components are evenly coated, which helps the granola clump and brown evenly.
- Spread and Bake: Evenly spread the granola mixture on the parchment-lined baking sheet to allow uniform baking. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even browning and prevent burning.
- Cool the Granola: Remove the granola from the oven once golden brown and fragrant. Allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet, which helps it crisp up and form chunks.
- Add Dried Fruits: After cooling, stir in the dried fruit, breaking apart any large chunks gently to maintain a balanced texture.
- Store: Transfer the granola to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Notes
- Customize the granola by adding chocolate chips, different nuts, or other seeds according to your taste preferences.
- For a gluten-free option, make sure all ingredients, especially oats, are certified gluten-free.
- This granola is delicious on its own, mixed with yogurt, or sprinkled on smoothie bowls and desserts for added texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chunky granola, homemade granola, healthy granola, breakfast recipe, granola with nuts, granola with dried fruit
