Ready to elevate your breakfast game? Today, we’re diving into one of my all-time favorites: a scrumptious, homemade toasted granola. Bursting with flavor and incredibly simple to make, this granola not only beats the pre-packaged stuff but also allows you to craft a batch tailored to your taste. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a handy snack on-the-go, this recipe lets you store larger quantities, ensuring you have a delicious and healthy option ready whenever you crave it. Join me as I walk you through this delightful granola journey, turning basic ingredients into a batch of golden crunchiness that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Let’s get started!
The Ingredients and Preparation
Granola is often considered a staple in many households, especially for those who prefer a quick yet nutritious snack. The beauty of making your own granola is that you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to cater to your specific taste preferences and dietary needs. Our toasted granola recipe is easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and can last for weeks, making it an excellent addition to your pantry.
To start, you’ll need 150 grams of almonds. The key here is to roughly chop them instead of using a blender. Why, you ask? Because blenders can turn these nuts into powder or overly fine crumbs, while we want to maintain a nice, coarse texture that adds to the granola’s overall crunchiness. Simply lay the almonds on your bench, chop with a sharp knife, and ensure that there are no whole pieces left.
Mixing and Baking
Once your almonds are ready, combine them in a bowl with 425 grams of rolled oats, 65 grams of pepitas, 3 grams of ground cinnamon, and 5 grams of sea salt flakes. Mixing with clean hands rather than using utensils allows you to ensure that the cinnamon is evenly distributed and coats every ingredient, resulting in a consistent flavor throughout.
Now, it’s time to introduce the wet ingredients, which provide that subtle sweetness and help bind the dry ingredients. You’ll need 115 grams of melted coconut oil, 80 milliliters of real maple syrup, and 7 grams of vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly to achieve a cohesive, sticky base for your granola. The combination of coconut oil and maple syrup not only enhances the flavor but also adds a touch of sweetness that isn’t overpowering.
Spread the mixture onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. To ensure the paper doesn’t shift, a light spray of oil can help it stick. As you spread, make sure the mixture isn’t piled too high in any one spot to ensure even toasting. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 10 minutes.
Once the first 10 minutes are up, remove the tray and mix the granola, taking care to bring the less toasted parts from the bottom to the top. This process ensures an even toast and prevents any areas from burning. Return the tray to the oven for another 10 minutes.
Adding the Finishing Touches
At this stage, you’ll add 45 grams of shredded coconut. The reason for adding it later is its thinness, which can cause it to burn quicker than the other ingredients. Mix everything again, incorporating the shredded coconut evenly throughout the granola.
Finish the toasting process by placing the mixture back in the oven for a final 7 minutes. Afterward, let the granola cool for 30-40 minutes.
Once cooled, transfer your delightful mix into a mixing bowl and add 70 grams of dried cranberries. Use clean hands once more to mix, ensuring the cranberries are distributed equally and aren’t clumped together.
Enjoying Your Homemade Granola
This recipe yields approximately 900 grams of granola, which can be divided into individual servings of 180 grams each, equating to about 1 and 1/4 cups. For storage, simply place the granola in an airtight container once fully cooled. It can last in a cool, dark place for up to two weeks, though it’s likely you’ll finish it sooner given its irresistible taste.
When you’re ready to enjoy this scrumptious granola, the serving possibilities are endless. Pair it with yogurt for a creamy breakfast, sprinkle it over milk like cereal, or add fresh berries for an even more nutritious boost. Feel free to garnish it with mint leaves for a touch of elegance.
The Perfect Flavor Balance
Every ingredient in this granola has its purpose, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The sea salt enhances all other flavors, making your mouth water and eager for more. Coupled with the natural sweetness of maple syrup and the richness of coconut oil, this granola is the epitome of wholesome, homemade goodness.
This recipe not only promises great taste but also simplicity and adaptability, making it a must-try for anyone seeking to add a delicious, nutritious component to their daily meals. So, why not give it a try? You won’t be disappointed.
