Crunchy Spice Granola Recipe 🥣
Overview:
This Crunchy Spice Granola is a delightful mix of wholesome ingredients that come together to create a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack option. Packed with nuts, dried fruits, and spices, it offers a burst of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you enjoy it with yogurt, milk, or simply by the handful, this granola is sure to become a favorite in your household!
🕒 Cooking Times:
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 2 hours | 2 hours 15 minutes |
🥘 Ingredients:
- 1 cup honey 🍯
- 1/2 cup applesauce 🍏
- 1/2 cup butter 🧈
- 2 tablespoons margarine
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 🌿
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 🎃
- 8 cups old-fashioned oats 🌾
- 1 cup toasted wheat germ
- 1 cup pecan pieces 🌰
- 1 cup walnut pieces
- 2 cups unsweetened dried shredded coconut 🥥
- 2 cups dried cranberries 🍒
- 2 cups raisins 🍇
- 3 cups dried currants
- 1-2 cups dried dates 🌴
- 1-2 cups banana chips 🍌
- Salt, to taste 🧂
📝 Instructions:
-
Prepare the Honey Mixture:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, applesauce, butter, margarine, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt.
- Simmer this mixture over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the spices if desired. Add more if your spices are on the older side.
-
-
Preheat and Combine:
- Preheat your oven to 175 degrees F (80 degrees C).
- In a very large oven-proof bowl, combine the oats, toasted wheat germ, pecan pieces, walnut pieces, half of the dried coconut, and half of the mixed dried fruit.
-
Mix and Bake:
- Toss the dry ingredients thoroughly with the warm honey mixture until everything is well coated.
- Spread this mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even baking.
- After 45 minutes, add the remaining coconut and dried fruit to the mixture, and continue baking for another 30 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- The granola should be golden brown and crunchy when done.
-
Cool and Store:
- Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and test for dryness. It should feel fairly dry to the touch.
- If needed, bake a little longer until desired dryness is achieved.
- Allow the granola to cool completely in the baking sheet.
- Once cooled, transfer the granola to airtight containers or plastic bags for storage.
🌟 Tips:
- You can adjust the amount of nuts and dried fruits to your liking. More nuts and fruits mean more flavor and texture!
- This recipe yields a large batch, perfect for storing.
- Enjoy the granola with yogurt, milk, or as a snack on its own.
- Store the granola at room temperature for weeks, in the refrigerator for months (bring to room temperature before serving), or freeze for longer-term storage.
🍽 Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with your favorite yogurt and fresh berries for a wholesome breakfast.
- Sprinkle over ice cream or oatmeal for added crunch and flavor.
- Pack in individual bags for a convenient on-the-go snack.
This Crunchy Spice Granola is not only delicious but also versatile, making it a perfect addition to your breakfast routine or a satisfying snack any time of the day! 🌞✨
