Are you tired of eating store-bought granola filled with artificial ingredients and excessive amounts of sugar? Look no further because today, I will teach you how to make a delicious and nutritious homemade granola using simple, natural ingredients.
First on the list, we have whole oats, a staple ingredient in granola. Not only are they a great source of fiber, but they also contain important minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc.
Next, we have a variety of nuts including almonds, macadamia nuts, and pecans. These nuts not only give a satisfying crunch to our granola, but they also provide healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants.
Adding some pumpkin seeds to the mix not only gives a boost of deliciousness but also provides important nutrients like zinc, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, they add a lovely pop of green to our mix.
To spice things up a bit, we will be incorporating some warming spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric. Not only do they add a nice flavor, but they also have anti-inflammatory properties and can aid digestion.
For some fruity sweetness, we will be using the zest and juice of one orange. This ingredient not only adds a burst of citrus flavor but also provides vitamin C and antioxidants.
Now for some unexpected ingredients, we will be using cayenne and black pepper. Don’t worry, the granola won’t be spicy but these ingredients add depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
To bind everything together, we will be using a mixture of maple syrup, molasses, and coconut oil. These natural sweeteners add a rich sweetness to our granola without the use of refined sugars.
To finish off our mix, we will be incorporating some unsweetened coconut and golden raisins. These ingredients not only add texture but also provide extra nutrients such as healthy fats and iron.
To make this homemade granola, simply mix all the ingredients together, spread it out on a baking sheet, and bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through. Let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
Not only is this homemade granola much healthier than store-bought versions, but it’s also customizable. You can add your favorite nuts, seeds, or even dried fruits to make it your own.
Enjoy this homemade granola with your favorite milk, yogurt, or even as a topping for smoothie bowls. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a great way to start your day with a nutritious and wholesome breakfast. So, go ahead and give this homemade granola recipe a try and you’ll never go back to store-bought versions again!
Homemade Granola
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole oats
- 1½-2 cups raw nuts, chopped (almonds, pecans, walnuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, and/or hazelnuts)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds or a mix of both
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne optional
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- Zest of 1 orange
- 3/4 cup nsweetened coconut flakes
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 coconut oil
- Juice of 1 orange
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Stir In After Baking
- 1/2-3/4 cup dried fruit, such as
raisins, dried cranberries, dried cherries, chopped dried pineapple, dates, figs, or apricots
If using larger or stickier dried fruits like pineapple, dates, figs, or apricots, chop them into small pieces so they distribute evenly and don’t clump.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (163°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped raw nuts, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, cinnamon, ground ginger, turmeric, black pepper, salt, orange zest, and unsweetened coconut flakes. Stir to evenly distribute.In a small saucepan, gently heat the orange juice, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla over medium-low heat, stirring just until the coconut oil is melted and the mixture is smooth. Do not boil.Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well until everything is evenly coated.Spread the granola onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Press it down lightly if you prefer larger clusters.Bake for 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even toasting and to prevent the coconut from browning too quickly. After stirring, gently press the granola flat again.Remove from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. Do not stir while cooling, this helps it become crunchy and form clusters.Once fully cooled, stir in the dried fruit of your choice.Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.Enjoy over yogurt, with milk, or as a snack by the handful.