Pin this Last Sunday, my kitchen smelled like warm honey and toasted nuts while a rainstorm tapped against the windows. I'd been craving something crunchy to sprinkle over my morning yogurt, something that felt like a treat but still managed to feel wholesome. That afternoon experimentation yielded these golden clusters that have since displaced every store-bought version in my pantry.
My sister visited last month and proceeded to eat nearly half the batch straight from the cooling tray, claiming she was just quality control testing. Now she texts me weekly asking if I've made more, threatening to fly across the country just for breakfast.
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: These provide the perfect hearty base and toast up beautifully without turning to dust
- Mixed nuts: Almonds, pecans, and walnuts add crunch and rich flavor that keeps you satisfied
- Shredded coconut: Adds subtle sweetness and irresistible crispy edges when baked
- Pumpkin or sunflower seeds: These little gems bring extra nutrients and a delightful crunch
- Ground cinnamon: Just enough warmth to make everything taste cozy and familiar
- Fine sea salt: The secret ingredient that makes all the flavors pop and taste complete
- Honey or maple syrup: Creates those coveted crispy clusters while adding natural sweetness
- Coconut oil: Helps everything brown evenly and adds a hint of tropical richness
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and makes your kitchen smell incredible
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F:
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup becomes effortless
- Combine the dry ingredients:
- Mix oats, nuts, coconut, seeds, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until evenly distributed
- Whisk the wet mixture:
- Blend honey, melted coconut oil, and vanilla in a separate bowl until smooth and pourable
- Bring everything together:
- Pour the liquid over the dry ingredients and stir until every piece is coated and small clumps begin forming
- Spread and press:
- Evenly layer the mixture on your prepared baking sheet, then gently press down with a spatula to encourage clusters to form
- Bake until golden:
- Let it bake for 22 to 25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until everything smells deeply toasted and turns golden brown
- The patience step:
- Cool completely on the baking sheet without disturbing it at all, as this crucial moment lets the clusters set properly
- Break and customize:
- Once fully cooled, break into satisfying clusters and fold in any dried fruit or chocolate chips your heart desires
Pin this My neighbor kept asking what smelled so amazing coming through our shared wall. I finally brought over a small mason jar, and now we have a standing Sunday morning granola swap that I genuinely look forward to all week.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of homemade granola lies in its adaptability. I've added orange zest during winter, swapped in pecans for walnuts when that's what I had on hand, and even stirred in tahini for a rich, nutty variation that my brother still talks about months later.
Storage Wisdom
This granola keeps beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, though I've never had a batch last longer than five days in my house. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer bags and it will stay perfectly crisp for months.
Serving Ideas Beyond Breakfast
Sprinkle it over roasted sweet potatoes for a surprising crunch, layer it between yogurt and fresh fruit for an impressive dessert parfait, or simply eat it by the handful when you need something satisfying.
- Try crumbling it over oatmeal for extra texture contrast
- Mix it into cookie dough for a delightful surprise
- Gift it in pretty jars tied with twine for the simplest homemade present
Pin this There's something deeply satisfying about making your own granola, like you're reclaiming a tiny piece of domestic magic from the grocery store shelves. Happy baking.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I get my granola to form big clusters?
Press the mixture firmly onto the baking sheet before baking and avoid stirring after it comes out of the oven. Let it cool completely undisturbed so the honey and oil can set and bind the clusters together.
- → Can I make this without honey?
Yes, substitute maple syrup in equal amounts for a vegan version. The clusters will form just as well and have a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
- → How long does homemade granola stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a month or freeze for up to 3 months.
- → Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for texture and cluster formation. Quick oats tend to become too soft and won't create the same crunchy clusters.
- → What nuts work best for granola clusters?
Almonds, pecans, and walnuts are excellent choices. You can use any combination you prefer or have on hand. Chop them coarsely so they integrate well with the oats and help form clusters.
- → Why is my granola not crunchy enough?
Make sure to bake until golden brown and let it cool completely before breaking it up. If it's still soft, return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes and ensure it's stored in an airtight container.