Description
This homemade granola is golden, crunchy, and perfectly sweetened with maple syrup. Packed with oats, nuts, coconut, and dried cranberries, it’s a versatile and customizable breakfast or snack staple.
Ingredients
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: 3 cups – The hearty base of our granola, they toast beautifully and bring nutty flavor.
- Raw Almonds: 1 cup, chopped – Add crunch and a toasty, rich nuttiness.
- Sunflower Seeds: 1/2 cup – A nutrient-dense addition with subtle flavor and satisfying texture.
- Unsweetened Coconut Flakes: 1/2 cup – Toasts up golden and adds a hint of tropical sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon – Adds warmth and cozy aroma.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Maple Syrup: 1/2 cup – Natural sweetness with caramel undertones and helps everything bind.
- Coconut Oil: 1/3 cup, melted – Gives crispness and richness without overpowering.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Deepens the overall flavor with a comforting note.
- Dried Cranberries: 3/4 cup – Stirred in after baking for chewy, tart contrast.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats, almonds, sunflower seeds, coconut flakes, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is evenly coated and clumps start to form.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Use a spatula to gently press it down to encourage clusters.
- Cook to Perfection: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through. Keep a close eye in the last few minutes—golden brown is the goal.
- Finishing Touches: Let the granola cool completely on the pan without touching it. Once cooled, break it into chunks and stir in the dried cranberries.
- Serve and Enjoy: Store in an airtight jar. Enjoy with milk, yogurt, or by the handful for an energizing snack.
Notes
- Let the granola cool undisturbed to keep clusters intact.
- Add dried fruit only after baking to avoid hard or burnt bits.
- Use parchment paper for easier cleanup and better baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: granola, homemade granola, vegan granola, healthy breakfast, crunchy granola