Homemade Honey Almond Granola (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 -
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 -
1 cup sliced almonds, not roasted
03 -
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
04 -
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 -
1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
06 -
1/3 cup honey (or agave for vegan option)
07 -
1/4 cup coconut oil
08 -
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
09 -
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
→ Optional Add-ins
10 -
Toasted coconut flakes
11 -
Dried banana chips
12 -
Dried papaya
13 -
Dried blueberries or strawberries
# Instructions:
01 -
Position a rack right in the middle of your oven and preheat to 300°F. This moderate temperature will help your granola toast evenly without burning.
02 -
In a spacious bowl, toss together the rolled oats, sliced almonds, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until everything is well mixed. The brown sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness while the cinnamon brings warmth to the flavor profile.
03 -
Grab a small microwave-safe bowl and add your honey and coconut oil. Heat for just 20-30 seconds until the honey loosens up - you don't want it too hot! Stir in both the vanilla and almond extracts, which add incredible aromatic depth. Pour this fragrant mixture over your dry ingredients and fold everything together until all the oats are glistening with the honey-oil coating.
04 -
Spread your coated mixture in a single, even layer on a nonstick baking sheet or one lined with a silicone mat. Don't use parchment paper as it will absorb the precious oils that help create those perfect clusters.
05 -
Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove and give everything a good stir with a spatula to ensure even toasting.
06 -
Return your granola to the oven and continue baking until it reaches a beautiful light golden brown color, about 5-15 more minutes. Check and flip the granola every 5 minutes for perfect, even browning. You'll know it's done when your kitchen fills with a nutty, sweet aroma.
07 -
Allow your freshly baked granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. Don't worry if it seems a bit soft when it first comes out - it will crisp up beautifully as it cools. Once completely cool, transfer to an airtight container where it will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks (or longer in less humid environments).
# Notes:
01 -
This homemade granola tastes remarkably similar to Nature's Valley granola bars but with a fresher flavor and customizable ingredients.
02 -
It makes a perfect topping for yogurt, can be enjoyed with milk like cereal, or eaten by the handful as a satisfying snack.
03 -
Package this delicious granola in mason jars with a pretty ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will love.