Homemade granola is so easy to make and well worth! It is healthy, wholesome and so delicious! This is the BEST gluten-free granola recipe I have made! It is naturally sweetened with honey, maple syrup and figs. The chunky pieces are great as a snack or top with yogurt or plant-base milk for breakfast!
How do you like your granola? Do you like it loose or chunky, do you like it golden and crispy or light and less crispy? Well, if you like it golden, crispy and with chunks throughout then you will love this granola recipe! I much prefer a granola that is chunky with lots of texture.
WHY MAKE HOMEMADE GRANOLA?
For me there are a few reasons why I like to make my own granola…
- It is much more convenient
- It is less expensive when making it from scratch, like most things today
- You can personalize your granola to your liking and dietary needs and restrictions
- So many options when it comes to fruit, nuts, sweeteners, seeds etc
LET'S LOOK AT VARIATIONS
OATS
Are so healthy for the gut, high in fiber and heart healthy. Whole grain or rolled oats is what I used for this recipe since they keep their shape.
NATURAL SWEETENERS
They are many to choose from and for me I prefer less sugars if all possible. The shredded coconut I added to this granola was unsweetened. The beauty of honey and maple syrup is they are natural sweeteners and both I bought were local. Both are excellent natural choices!!
NUTS AND SEEDS
So many options, this recipe I added almonds and pecans and don’t hestitate to add cashews, pistachios, peanuts, macadamia nuts, pumpkin seeds, ground flaxseed or sunflower seeds.
FRUIT
Always add it once the granola is baked. I bought dried figs and wanted to use them up. I do find dried figs quite sweet but the granola itself helped balance out the sweetness. Other dried fruits can be added are dried cranberries, raisins or dried apricots.
OILS
I used coconut oil for it’s flavour and keeping this recipe a plant-based vegan granola. Other options are avocado, peanut oil, olive oil and sunflower oil.
SEASONINGS AND SPICES
By adding a little of vanilla extract, cinnamon and sea salt will enhance the flavours and the end result is so yummy!
LET'S MAKE THIS HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS GRANOLA...
First, preheat oven to 300℉ (150℃) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using a large bowl, combine oat, coconut, almonds, pecans, cinnamon, flaxseed and sea salt. In a liquid measuring cup, add honey, maple syrup, coconut oil and vanilla. Whisk together until well combined. Pour over the dry ingredients and stir until moistened.
Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes. After 20 minutes of baking, stir the granola so the granola browns evenly.
Remove from oven and place on cooling rack. Crumble granola once it started to cool, then add the figs and toss. Serve with yogurt, plant-base milk or dairy of your choice.
Store in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.
If you haven’t made your own homemade granola, I would suggest you must give it try. It is so easy, all it takes it measuring some dry ingredients into a large bowl, add the liquids and stir!! Lay out on a prepared baking sheet and bake it for 35 minutes and then once it is cooling, add the dried fruit and there you have it, 5 cups of your own personal crunchy, healthy and delicious granola !!!
Easy Healthy Homemade Granola
Equipment
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup almonds, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup pecans
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup chopped dried figs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300℉ (150℃). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a large bowl, combine oat, coconut, almonds, pecans, cinnamon, flaxseed and sea salt.
- In a liquid measuring cup, add honey, maple syrup, coconut oil and vanilla. Whisk together until well combined. Pour over the dry ingredients and stir until moistened.
- Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes. After 20 minutes of baking, stir the granola so the granola browns evenly.
- Remove from oven and place on cooling rack. Crumble granola once it started to cool, then add the figs and toss. Serve with yogurt, plant-base milk or dairy. Store in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.
