Homemade Breakfast Granola Recipe
Welcome to a delicious and wholesome breakfast experience that’ll not only kickstart your day but leave you feeling nourished and energized. This homemade breakfast granola recipe is a simple, nutritious alternative to store-bought cereals, made from wholesome ingredients you can trust. Whether you enjoy it with milk, fresh fruit, or yogurt, this homemade granola offers the perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and heart-healthy fats. It’s a dish the whole family can enjoy—easy to prepare, customizable, and so satisfying. You won’t look back once you’ve tasted this delectable, crunchy goodness!
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rolled Oats | 4 cups (or instant oats if preferred) |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 1 cup |
| Whole Almonds (Badam) | 1/2 cup, finely chopped |
| Walnuts | 1/2 cup, finely chopped |
| Cocoa Powder | 1/2 cup |
| Apple Puree | 1/2 cup (or substitute with orange juice) |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Honey | 1/2 cup |
| Oil (vegetable or coconut) | 1/3 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cranberries | 1/2 cup |
| Sultana Raisins | 1/4 cup |
| Sunflower Seeds | 1/4 cup |
| Dates (chopped) | 1/2 cup |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 70 minutes
Allergen Information
This Homemade Breakfast Granola recipe contains the following common allergens:
- Tree Nuts: Walnuts and almonds are used, so be cautious if you or anyone you serve this to has a nut allergy.
- Coconut: Fresh coconut is used in this recipe, which may be a concern for those with coconut sensitivities.
If any of these ingredients are problematic for you or your family, feel free to substitute accordingly. For example, you can opt for oat-based granola with seeds and dried fruits, excluding nuts and coconut for a more hypoallergenic option.
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian: This granola recipe is completely vegetarian, making it a perfect choice for those following a plant-based diet.
- Dairy-Free: It can easily be adapted to be dairy-free by pairing with plant-based milk (almond, oat, or coconut milk) and dairy-free yogurt.
- Refined Sugar-Free: The granola relies on natural sweetness from honey and fruit, making it free from refined sugars.
- Gluten-Free: For those following a gluten-free diet, ensure that you use certified gluten-free oats.
Feel free to get creative with your additions or substitutions based on dietary needs and preferences!
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 165°C (or 330°F). This is the perfect temperature to create a perfectly toasted and crunchy granola without burning. While the oven heats up, grab a large mixing bowl. In it, combine:
- Rolled oats
- Grated fresh coconut
- Chopped almonds
- Chopped walnuts
- Cocoa powder
These ingredients form the base of your granola, providing fiber, healthy fats, and a rich chocolatey flavor.
Step 2: Make the Wet Mixture
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:
- Apple puree (or orange juice if you prefer a tangy twist)
- Oil (vegetable oil, coconut oil, or any neutral oil of your choice)
- Honey
- Cinnamon powder
- Vanilla extract
These ingredients will not only help bind the oats and nuts together but also infuse the granola with a natural sweetness and aromatic flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Coat
Pour the wet mixture over the dry oat and nut mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, stir everything together thoroughly. Ensure that the oats and nuts are evenly coated with the honey-oil-cinnamon mixture. This step is crucial to achieve an evenly baked granola with a rich flavor.
Step 4: Spread and Bake
Once everything is mixed well, spread the granola mixture out evenly onto a large baking sheet (13×18 inches or something similar). The even spread will ensure the granola bakes uniformly and turns out perfectly crunchy.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally (every 15 minutes or so) with a spatula to prevent burning and to ensure the granola crisps up evenly. The granola is ready when it turns a light golden brown and has a deliciously crisp texture.
Step 5: Cool and Add the Dried Fruits
Once the granola is baked and crispy, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely. During the cooling process, stir occasionally to help it break into clusters.
Once the granola is cool, it’s time to mix in your dried fruits and seeds:
- Cranberries
- Sultana raisins
- Sunflower seeds
- Chopped dates
These fruits and seeds add a burst of natural sweetness and texture, making every bite more exciting!
Serving Suggestions
This Homemade Breakfast Granola is incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple ways. Here are a few of our favorite serving ideas:
-
With Fresh Milk and Fruit: Serve a generous portion of granola with your favorite milk (dairy or plant-based), and top with freshly cut fruits like bananas, strawberries, or apple slices for added sweetness and nutrients.
-
With Yogurt and Fruit Compote: Pair this granola with a creamy layer of Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt, and top with a fruit compote or fresh berries. This combination will keep you full and satisfied for hours.
-
As a Snack: It also makes for a great snack! You can snack on it by itself or mix it into smoothies for extra crunch and flavor.
Tips and Variations
- Customization: Feel free to switch up the nuts and seeds in this recipe. You can add pecans, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, or flaxseeds for extra health benefits.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or maple syrup according to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet option, you can also reduce the amount of honey.
- Spices: Experiment with adding other spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for a different flavor profile. A pinch of salt can help balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
- Storage: Store the cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. You can also store it in the fridge for longer shelf life. Granola can become a staple in your pantry when made in larger batches!
Conclusion
Homemade Breakfast Granola is a simple yet satisfying breakfast option that combines the best of crunchy oats, hearty nuts, and dried fruits. Not only is it packed with fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness, but it’s also versatile enough to be enjoyed in various ways. Perfect for busy mornings or for serving at a relaxed brunch, this granola is an excellent alternative to the sugary, processed cereals found on supermarket shelves. Plus, it’s made with love, and that’s always the best ingredient! Enjoy a bowl today, and start your day off right with this wholesome homemade treat.
