Simple Granola

This granola strikes the perfect balance between sweet and salty, crispy and chewy, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—enjoy it as a breakfast cereal, sprinkle it over yogurt, or grab a handful for a quick snack. It’s also great for meal prep, staying fresh for up to 10 days in an airtight container.

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Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 3 cups

Why You’ll Love Making It

  • Perfectly Balanced Texture – A combination of crispy clusters and chewy bites makes every spoonful satisfying.
  • Beginner-Friendly – Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps make this a no-fail recipe.
  • Healthier Than Store-Bought – No preservatives, and you control the sweetness.
  • Meal-Prep Friendly – Stays fresh for up to 10 days, making it perfect for busy mornings.
  • Customizable – Swap out nuts, dried fruit, or sweeteners to fit your preferences.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats – Provides a hearty, chewy texture. Avoid quick oats, as they cook too quickly and won’t hold up.
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed – Adds caramel-like sweetness and helps create crisp clusters.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted – Binds the granola and gives it a subtle, nutty flavor. Can be substituted with canola or avocado oil.
  • 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon honey – Natural sweetness that helps create those irresistible clusters. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as an alternative.
  • 2/3 cup raisins – A mix of golden and regular raisins adds natural sweetness and chewiness. Substitute with dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or dried cherries if preferred.
  • 2/3 cup mixed nuts – Choose from pecans, pistachios, pepitas, flaxseeds, almonds, or walnuts for crunch and depth of flavor.

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with a Silpat mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, and salt. Stir until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour the melted coconut oil and honey over the oat mixture. Stir well to evenly coat the oats and ensure every bite has a balance of sweetness and crunch.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Sheet

Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in a compact, even layer about 3/4 inch thick. Keeping the granola together (rather than spreading it too thinly) helps form clusters.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Avoid stirring during baking to allow clusters to form. Check at the 25-minute mark to ensure the edges don’t brown too quickly. The granola is ready when it looks golden brown and smells fragrant.

Step 6: Coat the Raisins in Honey

While the granola bakes, place the raisins in the original mixing bowl and toss them with the reserved tablespoon of honey. This step prevents the raisins from drying out and keeps them plump.

Step 7: Mix and Cool

Once the granola is done baking, carefully remove it from the oven and immediately transfer it back to the mixing bowl with the honey-coated raisins. Stir gently to incorporate the raisins. Then, return the mixture to the baking sheet, spreading it out again into a single layer.

Step 8: Let It Set

Allow the granola to cool on the baking sheet, undisturbed, for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour. As it cools, it will crisp up and form crunchy clusters.

Step 9: Store and Enjoy

Once completely cooled, break the granola into clusters and store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for 7-10 days at room temperature. Serve with yogurt, milk, or as a snack on its own!

FAQs

How Do I Make This Granola Extra Crunchy?
For an even crunchier texture, reduce the oven temperature to 275°F and bake for 40-45 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Let it cool completely before breaking it into clusters.

Can I Make This Granola Nut-Free?
Absolutely! Replace the nuts with additional seeds like sunflower seeds, pepitas, or shredded coconut. You can also add more dried fruit for extra texture.

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