Granola is a nutty and delicious breakfast food you can easily make with this healthy recipe. This basic recipe with old-fashioned rolled oats, assorted nuts and seeds is simple and versatile. I call this dried apricot and cranberry granola medley my “Morning Mix” and just love this homemade granola for breakfast with creamy yogurt or almond milk. Making granola at home is a healthy way to enjoy this wonderful snack food. You can use your favorite ingredients and adjust the sweetness to your preferences. Add your favorite dried fruit and nuts to create different flavor blends. The yummy possibilities are endless. Enjoy the recipe!
Notes on the Homemade Granola Recipe, Tips and Tricks
Use old-fashioned rolled oats. Do not use instant oats which is partially cooked and will be too soft for the granola. Do not use steel-cut oats which are coarsely cut and too thick for the granola.
I love the taste and aroma of coconut oil but you can substitute with a vegetable oil like canola or corn.
Use any syrup sweetener of your choice. My favorite is Kirkland’s organic blue agave nectar. Other good choices are honey, maple syrup, coconut nectar, or brown rice syrup.
Rotate the baking sheets and stir the granola during baking for even browning. This will ensure the granola is nice and crunchy.
Enjoy the healthy homemade granola for breakfast with your choice of milk or homemade yogurt. (Check out my Instant Pot Yogurt recipe.) Toss a handful in a bag and have a ready-to-eat snack anytime!
One of my favorite granola combinations is aptly named Piña Colada with dried shaved coconut and pineapple chunks. It’s really wonderful!
Homemade Granola – RunAwayRice Morning Mix
Granola - Homemade and Healthy!
Granola is a nutty and delicious breakfast food you can easily make with this healthy recipe. This basic recipe with old-fashioned rolled oats, assorted nuts and seeds is simple and versatile. I call this dried apricot and cranberry granola medley my "Morning Mix" and just love this homemade granola for breakfast with creamy yogurt or almond milk. Making granola at home is a healthy way to enjoy this wonderful snack food. You can use your favorite ingredients and adjust the sweetness to your preferences. Add your favorite dried fruit and nuts to create different flavor blends. The yummy possibilities are endless. Enjoy the recipe!
* Recipe adapted from Bobby Flay's recipe for Granola.
Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds , raw
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds , raw
- 3/4 cup almonds , raw and slivered
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/3 cup agave nectar
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup dried apricots , chopped
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 325 F (163 C). Have ready 2 non-stick 12 x 18 inch baking sheets.
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In a large bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and slivered almonds.
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In a heat-safe cup or bowl, add the coconut oil, agave nectar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon powder, nutmeg powder and salt. Stir to moisten the ingredients. Microwave for 35-45 seconds or the mixture becomes liquid. Remove from the microwave and stir until smooth.
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Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix together, combining well. Make sure everything is evenly coated with the wet mixture.
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Transfer the granola mixture into the 2 baking sheets, spreading the mixture evenly.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy. Stir the granola occasionally for even browning.
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Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let cool for 20 minutes.
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Transfer the cooled granola into a large bowl. Add the chopped dried apricots and cranberries and combine together.
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Store the granola in air-tight jars in a pantry for up to 1 month.
Notes, Tips & Tricks
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats. Do not use instant oats which is partially cooked and will be too soft for the granola. Do not use steel-cut oats which are coarsely cut and too thick for the granola.
- I love the taste and aroma of coconut oil but you can substitute with a vegetable oil like canola or corn.
- Use any syrup sweetener of your choice. My favorite is agave nectar. Other good choices are honey, maple syrup, coconut nectar, or brown rice syrup.
- Rotate the baking sheets and stir the granola during baking for even browning. This will ensure the granola is nice and crunchy.
I just made this! OMG so good! I did add dark chocolate to mine though 😀
Dark chocolate sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing this!
Love this granola recipe as it’s not overly sweet. My kids love the apricots and cranberries, a nice combo of sweet and tart. No more buying granola. This is so easy and healthy. Thanks!
Hi Jessy,
I am glad you enjoy this recipe! I love that it’s not too sweet like the store bought variety as well. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂