Citrus and Crunch Granola Delight
Indulge in this Citrus and Crunch Granola Delight, a perfect blend of sweet and savory elements that will elevate your snacking experience. This homemade granola features the zestiness of fresh oranges, the nutty crunch of almonds and cashews, and the natural sweetness from coconut and honey. Packed with wholesome ingredients like old-fashioned oats and sesame seeds, it's a nutritious choice for any time of the day. Enjoy it as a breakfast parfait, a topping for yogurt, or a quick snack on the go. Share it with friends and family, or keep it all to yourself—either way, it's a delicious treat you'll want to make again and again.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
shredded sweetened coconut
1 cup (Toast lightly in the oven.)
vegetable oil
1/2 cup (Combine with syrup ingredients.)
maple syrup
1/3 cup (Combine with vegetable oil and orange zest.)
large oranges
2 (grated for zest) (Grate for zest.)
old-fashioned oats
4 cups (Use rolled oats.)
sliced almonds
1 cup (Add directly to the mixture.)
unsalted cashews
1 cup (Coarsely chop before adding.)
honey
1/3 cup (Incorporate into dry ingredients.)
ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons (Add to the dry ingredient mix.)
freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (Add to the dry ingredient mix.)
sesame seeds
1/3 cup (Mix in with the dry ingredients.)
dried fruit (dates, apples, apricots, etc.)
1 cup (chopped) (Add after cooling.)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position racks in the center and upper third of the oven.
2
2. Spread the shredded coconut evenly on a baking sheet. Bake on the center rack for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly toasted. Once toasted, transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
3
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine vegetable oil, maple syrup, and grated orange zest. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally.
4
4. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a heavy-duty mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the old-fashioned oats, sliced almonds, chopped cashews, honey, ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, and sesame seeds. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are well incorporated.
5
5. Carefully pour the hot syrup mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Alternatively, use two large spoons to toss the mixture until combined.
6
6. Spread the granola mixture in a ½-inch layer across two large baking sheets, making sure it is evenly distributed.
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7. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, stirring often and switching the baking sheets' positions halfway through baking. Look for a golden-brown color.
8
8. Once done, remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, mix it into the toasted coconut along with the chopped dried fruit of your choice.
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9. Store the finished granola in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 1 month.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus and Crunch Granola Delight?
It is a homemade granola blend featuring orange zest, almonds, cashews, coconut, honey, and old-fashioned oats for a sweet and savory snack.
How long does it take to bake the granola?
The granola bakes for approximately 15 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the recommended oven temperature for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
Yes, you can use shredded unsweetened coconut, though the overall flavor will be less sweet.
What kind of oats are best for this granola?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are recommended for the best texture.
How do I prepare the orange zest?
Grate the zest of two large oranges and combine it with the maple syrup and vegetable oil.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil?
Yes, you could use coconut oil or another neutral-flavored oil as a substitute.
Is this granola recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is gluten-free as long as you ensure your old-fashioned oats are certified gluten-free.
What types of nuts are included in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for sliced almonds and coarsely chopped unsalted cashews.
Can I use different nuts if I have an allergy?
Yes, you can substitute the almonds and cashews with other nuts like walnuts or pecans, or omit them entirely.
How do I toast the coconut?
Spread the coconut on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until lightly toasted.
When should I add the dried fruit?
Mix the chopped dried fruit into the granola only after the granola has cooled completely.
How should I store the finished granola?
Store the granola in airtight containers at room temperature.
How long does the granola stay fresh?
The granola will stay fresh for up to 1 month when stored properly.
Can I use only maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, you can substitute the honey with an equal amount of maple syrup for a fully vegan-friendly sweetener option.
What kind of dried fruits work well with this granola?
Dried dates, apples, and apricots are all excellent choices for this recipe.
Can I add seeds other than sesame seeds?
Yes, you can add or substitute other seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.
Why do I need to switch the baking sheet positions?
Switching the positions halfway through ensures even browning and prevents the granola from burning in hot spots.
What should the granola look like when it's done?
The granola should have a golden-brown color when it is ready to be removed from the oven.
How do I make this granola vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the honey with maple syrup and ensure your shredded coconut is vegan-friendly.
Is this granola a good breakfast option?
Yes, it is a nutritious choice for a breakfast parfait or as a topping for yogurt.
How do I prevent the granola from burning?
Stir the mixture often during the 15-minute baking period and monitor it closely as it turns golden.
Can I omit the nutmeg?
Yes, you can omit the nutmeg if you prefer, though it adds a nice depth of flavor.
What is the purpose of boiling the syrup and oil?
Bringing the syrup, oil, and zest to a boil helps infuse the citrus flavor and ensures the dry ingredients are evenly coated.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe, but make sure not to crowd the baking sheets so the granola toasts evenly.
Does this granola have a crunchy texture?
Yes, the combination of toasted oats, nuts, sesame seeds, and coconut creates a satisfyingly crunchy texture.
Should I chop the cashews?
Yes, the cashews should be coarsely chopped before being added to the mix.
Can I use a mixer to combine the ingredients?
Yes, a heavy-duty mixer fitted with a paddle attachment can be used on low speed to incorporate the ingredients.
What is the best way to serve this granola?
It can be enjoyed as a quick snack, a cereal with milk, or a topping for yogurt and fruit.
Can I bake the granola at a lower temperature?
You can bake it at a lower temperature, but you will need to increase the baking time to achieve the desired crunch.