As a child, I fondly remember the holidays spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the warmth of the oven melded with the sweet aroma of her famous cookies baking away. Her traditional recipes always had a way of making each holiday memorable, and among them, her homemade granola stood out like a shiny ornament on a Christmas tree. Packed with oats, nuts, and a hint of warm honey, this granola was a staple in our family, enjoyed in bowls of milk, as a topping for yogurt, or simply on its own as a healthy snack.
As I reflect on those beautiful memories during this season of giving and gratitude, I’m excited to share my version of my grandmother’s granola. Not only does this recipe nourish the body, it also feeds the soul, connecting us to our roots. Perfect for crisp fall mornings or cozy winter afternoons, my homemade granola is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that’s sure to bring your family together. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you’ll find yourself whipping it up week after week, just like I do!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Granola
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to match your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Nutrient-Packed: A wholesome blend of oats, nuts, and seeds for a nutritious start to your day.
- Batch-Friendly: Perfect for making large batches to enjoy throughout the week.
- Easy to Store: Stays fresh for weeks in an airtight container.
- Kid-Approved: A healthy snack that kids love, either on its own or mixed with yogurt.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, mixed nuts, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir well, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
Bake
- Spread the mixture evenly onto the lined baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and fragrant.
Add Dried Fruit
- If using, remove briefly from the oven and stir in the dried fruit. Bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Cool and Store
- Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring it to an airtight container.
Tips & Variations
- Nut-Free: Swap nuts for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
- Add Spices: Experiment with flavors by adding nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick.
- Sweeten to Taste: Adjust the amount of honey or syrup based on your preferred sweetness.
- Fruity Twist: Include fresh fruit, like banana or apple, for an added flavor boost.
Storage Instructions
- Store your homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- For longer storage, keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw before consuming!
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 200 calories per serving
- Servings: 8
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this granola without nuts?
Yes! Simply omit the nuts and add extra seeds or grains like puffed rice.
Q2: How can I make this granola vegan?
Use maple syrup instead of honey, and make sure your coconut oil is vegan-friendly.
Q3: What should I do if my granola gets stale?
You can refresh it by spreading it on a baking sheet and reheating it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.
Q4: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While you can use quick oats, they won’t yield the same texture; rolled oats provide a heartier crunch.
Serving Suggestions or Pairings
- Serve with your favorite milk or yogurt topped with fresh fruits for a wholesome breakfast.
- Pair with a drizzle of honey or a spoonful of peanut butter for a nutritious snack.
- Consider enjoying it with a glass of almond milk or a warm chai latte.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about sharing a dish that holds a special place in your heart. I invite you to try this homemade granola and make it your own — adjust it, love it, and let it fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas. This recipe comes with the love of my grandmother’s legacy, and I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own. Share your versions or thoughts in the comments below, and let’s continue to celebrate the joy of cooking together!
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Homemade Granola
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful blend of oats, nuts, and warm honey, creating a perfect, customizable granola for any time of the year.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, mixed nuts, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until evenly combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly onto the lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- If using dried fruit, remove from the oven, stir in the dried fruit, and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
Notes
Store your homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg