Granola is one of those staple breakfast items that’s always good to have around – as the base of your breakfast in some nut milk, topped on yogurt or as a snack. I found that most store-bought granola is overpriced and often contains a lot of unnecessary ingredients and sugars. When made at home with clean, simple ingredients, granola can be full of healthy fiber, fats, protein and micronutrients. After seeing that my favorite granola had FOUR different types of syrups, various oils and preservatives, I decided it was time to make my own in bulk.
I love this basic granola recipe! You can transform it into any flavor and add all sorts of other nutrient-dense ingredients, such as hemp seeds, maca powder, sunflower seeds, matcha, cacao, or a spice blend (chai, Mexican chocolate, pumpkin spice, etc.). Feel free to adjust the ratios. I sometimes add in puffed rice crisps or amaranth just to give it a little variety.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups organic rolled oats (not instant)*
- ½ cup ground flax
- 2 tbsp cinnamon*
- ¼ tsp pink or sea salt
- ¼ heaped cup coconut oil, softened
- ¼ cup unsweetened apple sauce*
- ¼ heaped cup almond butter
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup raw honey*
- ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins
- ¼ cup chopped dates
- Optional: ¼ cup chocolate chips
Notes:
- Sometimes I like to use a mix of oats and plain puffed rice crisps
- Instead of or in addition to cinnamon, feel free to add cacao or other flavors to change the overall taste of the recipe. I love the combo of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and a little ground clove
- I love using applesauce and less honey, but if you don’t like the flavor or have any, just use more coconut oil and almond butter
Other Items:
- Mixing bowl
- Parchment paper
- Baking tray
Directions:
- Preheat the over to 250F/120C
- Combine the dry ingredients
- Add the wet ingredients
- Stir well until mixed, adjusting to desired taste and texture*
- Fold in the raisins and dates
- Bake for about 45 minutes checking & mixing frequently
- Broil on low for the last 2-3 minutes
- Store in a mason jar or other glass container
Notes:
- For a more “clumped” granola, add more honey so the oats stick together better
- You want the mixture to be “wet”, but not soaked and not overly sticky or sweet
Enjoy!
