Healthy Granola (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free granola)
02 -
1 ½ cup raw nuts and/or seeds (such as 1 cup pecans and ½ cup pepitas)
03 -
1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt (or ¾ teaspoon table salt)
04 -
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
→ Wet Ingredients
05 -
½ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
06 -
½ cup maple syrup or honey
07 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Mix-ins
08 -
⅔ cup dried fruit, chopped if large (such as dried cranberries)
09 -
Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips or coconut flakes
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 -
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, nuts and/or seeds, salt, and cinnamon. Stir everything together until well mixed.
03 -
Pour the melted coconut oil (or olive oil), maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract over the dry mixture. Stir thoroughly until every oat and nut is lightly coated with the liquid ingredients.
04 -
Pour the granola mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and use a large spoon or spatula to spread it into an even layer.
05 -
Bake for about 21 to 24 minutes, or until the granola is lightly golden. Stir the granola halfway through baking. For extra-clumpy granola, press the stirred granola down with your spatula after stirring to create a more even, compressed layer.
06 -
Remove from the oven and let the granola cool completely, undisturbed, for at least 45 minutes. The granola will continue to crisp up as it cools.
07 -
Once completely cooled, top the granola with dried fruit (and optional chocolate chips, if using). If you want to keep large chunks intact, break the granola into pieces with your hands. If you prefer a looser texture, simply stir with a spoon.
08 -
Transfer the finished granola to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks, or in a sealed freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.
# Notes:
01 -
This granola is naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey instead of refined sugars, making it a healthier breakfast or snack option.
02 -
For coconut lovers: stir coconut flakes into the granola halfway through baking to get them perfectly toasted.