Are you looking for a delicious and healthy breakfast or snack that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This high-fiber granola recipe is the perfect solution for those busy mornings or afternoon cravings. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, this homemade granola is far superior to store-bought options, letting you control the sweetness and ingredients for a truly personalized treat. It's a quick dinner idea if you're looking for a lighter meal, too! Get ready to ditch the sugary cereals and embrace the satisfying crunch of this homemade goodness!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- 1 cup mixed nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds – choose your favorites!)
- ½ cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots – experiment with different combinations!)
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey, agave nectar)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, coconut, and chia seeds. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
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Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
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Mix Everything Together: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated. Make sure all the oats are nicely moistened.
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Spread & Bake: Spread the granola mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding; this ensures even baking and crispy granola.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Ovens vary, so adjust baking time as needed.
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Cool & Enjoy: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break it into smaller clusters. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Tips for the Best Granola:
- Customize Your Mix: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences and dietary needs. Try adding dark chocolate chips, different spices like cardamom or nutmeg, or even some dried fruit powder.
- Control the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup (or your chosen sweetener) to your liking. You can even omit it entirely for a less sweet granola.
- Nut-Free Option: Easily make this recipe nut-free by substituting the nuts with extra seeds or even puffed rice cereal.
- Toasted Nuts & Seeds: For enhanced flavor, toast your nuts and seeds in a dry pan before adding them to the granola mixture.
Variations:
- Spiced Granola: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a warm and comforting flavor.
- Chocolate Granola: Stir in ½ cup of dark chocolate chips during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Berry Granola: Use a mix of dried blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries for a vibrant and fruity granola.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, but a typical serving of this high-fiber granola provides a good source of fiber, healthy fats, and protein. It's a fantastic way to start your day or fuel your afternoon! For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredient choices.
This high-fiber granola is a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver on both taste and health benefits. It's a simple, delicious way to enjoy homemade cooking and add some extra fiber to your diet. Enjoy!