Simple Granola Recipe
I’m a huuge snacker and am constantly thinking of what to eat next. It’s a problem, and I know it. The worst is when you have cookies, cakes, breads hanging around that are easily accessible. Oh wait, that’s like all the time! On the flipside though, there are some better alternatives. A good example, is this simple granola recipe!
Granola is a pantry item recipe. You can make this if you have oats, some type of oil, a bit of sweetener and salt. That’s it! The rest is just some jazz. I love mine with all kinds of nuts. I don’t usually like dried fruit, but cranberries are a good exception to add into granola.
It takes like 25 minutes total to make this. If you can’t the cooling part maybe a bit longer, but trust me you want to wait so you can get the BEST part of the granola. The CLUMPS! I don’t mind loose granola, but the clumps are my favorite and there is a key way to do this.
Once you combined your ingredients, pour the granola mixture on a baking sheet and make sure it’s not spread out too thin where it will cause the granola to be loose. Instead, pack it tightly but not too thick! Halfway into backing, bring the pan back out and pat it down even more with a spatula. Once it’s done baking, let it cool 100%! It’s so important this step is not skipped, the cooling process allows the granola to crisp up on its’ own.
Enjoy this recipe on top of your favorite yogurt, top of a smoothie or acai bowl, or how I like it – all by itself! Snack away!
Simple Granola
Granola can be made in a pinch, with some things you already have in your pantry!
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cup oats
- 1 cup nuts (I used 1/3 of pumpkin seed, pecan, almonds)
- 2 tbsp ground flax seed (optional, for a health kick! )
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1-2 tsp cinnamon (If you love cinnamon go for the double!)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (maple syrup will definitely lend it's unique flavor, pair it with pecans and it is lovely! )
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla
Optional additions
- 1/3 cup dried fruit (I used cranberries, you can also use shredded coconut, chocolate nibs)
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F
Mix the dry ingredients, add in the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until everything is well incorporated.
Pour it on a baking sheet and make sure it's not separated, keep the granola all together! This is the first step to ensure you get clumps 🙂 Otherwise you can freely lay out the mixture.
Pop in the oven at 325 for 10-12 minutes. Take it out at this point and pat it down firmly with a spatula, to compact the granola mixture even more. This is the second key step to a crunchy clumpy granola 🙂 Back in the oven for another 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
When you pull the granola out of the oven, it might not be crunchy out the gate – it's ok. The third and final step to crunchy goodness is to NOT MESS WITH IT. Yes, let the granola be, and let it cool 100%. Don't toss it around. Leave it on your counter. I made these in the evening and left it over night on my counter!
Add in your dried fruits or chocolate or whatever your topping of choice. Serve it alone (like I do) or eat it with yogurt, top off your smoothie or acai bowl!
This is a great recipe! I love that there is no refined sugar in it! My family eats pretty healthfully so this would be a great addition for us!
Thanks so much, Fawn! Yes, honey goes a long way and it’s just as good w/o any sugar! Hope your family enjoys it!!
I am totally making this tonight! Such an easy recipe! Thanks for posting it!
Yess gotta love easy recipes amirite?!Thanks and I hope you like it!