Home-made Granola

September 15, 2023
5 from 1 vote

Home-made granola is a delightful and nutritious treat that can be enjoyed as a breakfast cereal, a topping for yoghurt or smoothie bowls, or a satisfying snack on its own. This homemade version allows you to control the ingredients, flavours, and sweetness to create a personalised blend that suits your taste preferences.

The base of this granola is made with wholesome rolled oats, which provide a hearty and fibre-rich foundation. Rolled oats are not only nutritious but also give the granola a satisfying chewiness.

A variety of nuts are included in this recipe to add a delightful crunch and a dose of healthy fats. Almond flakes, whole almonds, pecans, cashews, and pistachios all contribute their unique flavours and textures, making the granola a truly satisfying treat.

Chia seeds are added for their nutritional benefits, including fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. They also lend a pleasant texture to the granola.

Coconut flakes add a touch of tropical sweetness and enhance the overall flavour profile. They also contribute a subtle crunch and hint of coconutty goodness.

To bring it all together, the granola is sweetened with maple syrup, which adds a natural sweetness and helps bind the ingredients. Coconut oil provides a slight richness and helps in achieving the desired crispness during baking. A hint of vanilla extract adds a delightful aroma and flavour.

Preparing homemade granola is simple and requires minimal effort. The dry ingredients are combined in a bowl, while the wet ingredients are mixed separately. The wet mixture is then poured over the dry ingredients and stirred until well coated. The granola is spread onto a baking sheet and baked until golden and fragrant, requiring just a few minutes of active time.

Once cooled, the homemade granola can be stored in an airtight container, preserving its freshness and crispness for several weeks. This makes it a convenient option for busy mornings or as a wholesome snack to grab on the go.

With its combination of wholesome ingredients and customisable flavours, homemade granola allows you to savour a nutritious and delicious treat. So, indulge in the joy of making your own granola and enjoy the delightful crunch, nutty flavours, and natural sweetness it offers.

Basic Ingredients for Home-made Granola

Rolled Oats: The base ingredient for granola, they’re full of fibre and give a filling, hearty texture.

Almond Flakes and Whole Almonds: They add a nice crunch and a pleasant nutty flavour. Almonds are also high in healthy fats and protein.

Pecan Halves: Similar to almonds, pecans contribute to the crunch and also add a buttery flavour.

Cashew Nuts: They offer a unique, sweet and buttery taste and an interesting texture contrast.

Pistachio Kernels: Pistachios lend a distinctive flavour and add colour to the granola.

Chia Seeds: These are a superfood packed with omega-3 fatty acids and fibre, and they give a fun little pop to the granola.

Coconut Flakes: They add a tropical flavour note and a chewy texture.

Salt: It helps balance the sweetness and enhances the overall flavour of the granola.

Maple Syrup: The primary sweetener, it also helps bind the granola together. It brings a rich, deep flavour.

Coconut Oil: It helps to bind the granola and gives it a crispy texture when baked.

Vanilla Extract: It provides a warm, comforting flavour that enhances the other ingredients.

alternative ingredients

Rolled Oats: You can use quinoa flakes as a gluten-free alternative.

Nuts: You can use any combination of nuts that you prefer, such as walnuts or hazelnuts.

Chia Seeds: These could be replaced with flax seeds or hemp seeds.

Coconut Flakes: If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can omit it or replace it with extra oats or nuts.

Maple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar can be used as a natural sweetener instead.

Coconut Oil: You can use other oils like canola oil or even melted butter.

Vanilla Extract: Almond extract could be used for a different flavour profile.

Preparation Tips for Home-made Granola

Make sure to mix your ingredients very well before baking to ensure the maple syrup and coconut oil evenly coat everything.
Keep a close eye on the granola in the oven, as it can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a short amount of time.
Let the granola cool completely before storing it to prevent it from getting soggy.

Serving Tips for Home-made Granola

Serve this granola with milk or yoghurt for a simple and nutritious breakfast.
You can also use it as a topping for fruit salads, smoothie bowls, or desserts for added texture and flavour.

storage tips

Store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for about 2 weeks.
You can also freeze granola. Just make sure it’s completely cool before you put it in the freezer. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.