A great build-your-own granola recipe is a must in the world of healthy breakfast and snack options.
This blog post offers a detailed blueprint for creating a personalized granola blend that perfectly suits your tastes.
We’ll delve into essential ingredients, texture tips, and a variety of flavor profiles to cater to your personal preferences.
Whether you’re new to granola-making or a seasoned pro, you’re gonna love this recipe. I love to keep a container of this in my car console or a small bag in my purse. It really is the perfect snack for home or on the go.
Homemade granola also makes a great gift. And you will want to attach a recipe card with it because they will be asking for the recipe, Guaranteed!
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Special Tools for a Granola Recipe:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This recipe is perfect because you can customize it to your specific tastes and dietary needs. I’ve even gone so far as to make a granola “bar” at brunch. Allowing guests to create their own customized granola. Just toast up the oats as the recipe calls for, and let guests choose their addins.
Ingredients for a Granola Recipe:
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups rolled oats
- ½ cup coconut flakes (optional – I don’t typically add coconut)
- 1 ½ cups nuts of choice (cashews, macadamia, pistachios, walnuts, pecans) If the nuts are already roasted and salted, do not add them to the granola until after it has cooked and cooled completely.
- 3/4 cup seeds of choice (pepitas, chia, sunflower) If the seeds are already roasted and salted, do not add them to the granola until after it has cooked and cooled completely.
- ½ cup dried fruit of choice (apples, apricots, mango, pineapple)
- 1 ½ tsp spice of choice (cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice)
Wet Ingredients:
- ⅓ – ½ cup sweetener (maple syrup, honey, agave)
- ⅓ cup oil (avocado oil, melted butter, coconut oil)
- 1 ½ tsp flavoring spice (vanilla, almond, etc.)
Granola Clusters:
- 2 egg whites
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 275°
- Line a half-sheet baking tray with parchment paper.
- Combine wet ingredients (except egg whites) in a medium bowl
- Combine raw dry ingredients (except dried fruit) in a larger bowl – any nuts or seeds that you use that are roasted and salted should not be added until the very end to avoid overcooking them.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients
- Whisk egg whites until frothy
- Add egg whites to the granola mixture mixing well
- Spread granola on the prepared baking sheet
- Use a spoon to create a hole through the granola (see picture) – this is very important because it creates the toasty cluster everyone loves.
- Bake at 275° for 35-40 minutes
- Turn the oven off and allow it to cool until it reaches a darker color.
- Once it cools, you can break it apart and add dried fruit and roasted nuts.
- Store in an airtight container.
Combine wet and dry ingredients and stir until combined.
Place granola onto a half-sheet pan.
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Spread granola onto a sheet pan, leaving a hole in the middle so that it creates toasty brown on the edges.
Optional Addins for Customized Homemade Granola:
- Dried Fruits:
- Raisins
- Cranberries
- Apricots
- Cherries
- Blueberries
- Nuts:
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Cashews
- Pistachios
- Seeds:
- Pumpkin seeds (Pepitas)
- Sunflower seeds
- Chia seeds
- Flaxseeds
- Sesame seeds
- Sweeteners:
- Shredded coconut
- Chocolate chips
- White or dark chocolate chunks
- Cacao nibs
- Spices:
- Ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Allspice
- Ginger
- Flavor Extracts:
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract
- Coconut extract
- Grains and Cereals:
- Quinoa puffs
- Rice crisps
- Buckwheat groats
- Other Add-ins:
- Pretzel pieces
- Popcorn
- Crystallized ginger
- Protein powder (for an extra boost)
Feel free to mix and match these add-ins to create your own unique and delicious granola blend!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Homemade Granola
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for the best flavor and texture.
- Sweetener Variety: Combine honey, maple syrup, or agave for depth in sweetness.
- Binding Agent: Mix a binding agent like egg white or nut butter to enhance cluster formation.
- Spice It Up: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices for extra flavor.
- Even Coating: Ensure an even coating of wet ingredients on dry to promote cluster formation.
- Low and Slow: Bake at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for a longer time to avoid burning and promote even browning.
- Stirring Strategy: Stir less frequently to allow clusters to form.
- Cool Completely: Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet without stirring to set the clusters.
- Add-Ins After Baking: Mix in dried fruits, chocolate chips, or other extras after baking to prevent them from burning.
- Storage Technique: Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
See Also: Homemade Spicy Chex Mix
FAQ:
Is it cheaper to make homemade granola?
Making homemade granola can be more cost-effective than buying pre-packaged varieties. You can buy ingredients in bulk, control the quality of each component, and customize the recipe to suit your preferences. Additionally, homemade granola allows for greater flexibility and avoids the markup associated with packaged products.
Is homemade granola healthier?
Homemade granola can be healthier than store-bought options, as you control the ingredients. You can reduce sugar, limit unhealthy fats, and add nutritious elements like nuts and seeds. This customization minimizes additives and preservatives, promoting a wholesome snack or breakfast option with better control over nutritional content.
How do you keep homemade granola crispy?
To maintain homemade granola’s crispiness, ensure it cools completely before storing. Use airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption. Adding a small amount of oil or an egg white during preparation enhances crispiness. Store in a cool, dry place, and refrain from adding moisture-rich ingredients until serving to preserve the desired crunch.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats for granola?
While quick oats can be used in granola, they may result in a less textured and cohesive mixture than rolled oats. Rolled oats provide a heartier and crunchier texture. If using quick oats, monitor baking time closely, as they tend to cook faster. Adjust ingredients accordingly for desired consistency.
What ingredient makes granola clump?
To achieve clumps in granola, a binding agent is crucial. Egg whites, nut butters (like almond or peanut butter), or sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup serve as effective binders. Ensuring an even coating of these ingredients on the dry mixture promotes the formation of delicious clusters in the baked granola.
Should you freeze homemade granola?
Freezing homemade granola can extend its shelf life while preserving freshness. Spread it on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or bag to prevent freezer burn. Thaw before use or enjoy it straight from the freezer for a crunchy, chilled treat.
Do you add dried fruit to granola before or after baking?
Add dried fruit to granola after baking to prevent it from becoming overly dry or burnt. Mix in your preferred dried fruits—like raisins, cranberries, or apricots—once the granola has cooled. This maintains the fruit’s natural sweetness and texture, enhancing the overall taste of your homemade granola.
This Post was All About the Best Build Your Own Healthy Granola Recipe
Not only does homemade custom granola offer a healthier alternative to store-bought options by allowing you to control the sugar and additive content, but it also becomes a canvas for your culinary creativity.
Beyond the kitchen, sharing your homemade custom granola can become a heartwarming gesture, whether as a thoughtful gift or a means to bring people together.
In conclusion, venturing into the world of homemade custom granola is a rewarding and delightful journey for both your taste buds and overall well-being. Crafting your granola allows you to tailor it to your exact preferences, ensuring a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits.
The versatility of ingredients empowers you to experiment and discover unique combinations that cater to your individual tastes and dietary needs.
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