Customizable Crunchy Granola Delight
This delectable granola recipe, inspired by my dear friend Nina, is a healthy and versatile addition to your breakfast routine. With a base of nutritious oats, you can easily modify it to suit your personal flavor preferences—swap wheat germ for flax meal, skip the coconut if it’s not your thing, or include a variety of dried fruits! Featuring only 1/3 cup of brown sugar, it's a guilt-free option that's perfect for meal prep or snacking throughout the day. Enjoy it plain, with yogurt, or as a topping for your favorite smoothie bowl! I’d love to hear your variations and how you enjoy this granola!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
oatmeal
6 cups (Rolled oats)
brown sugar
1/3 cup (Packed)
honey crunch wheat germ
3/4 cup (Or flax meal)
coconut
1 cup (Shredded)
nonfat dry milk powder
1/2 cup (Regular or nonfat)
honey
1/2 cup (Raw or regular)
water
2 tablespoons (Plain)
dried cherries
1 1/2 cups (Or any dried fruit you like)
dried almonds
1 cup (Or any nuts you prefer)
vegetable oil
2/3 cup (Or coconut oil)
vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (Pure)
cinnamon
1 tablespoon (Ground)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the oats, brown sugar, wheat germ (or flax meal), coconut, nuts, and nonfat dry milk powder until thoroughly combined.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, vegetable oil (or coconut oil), water, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4
Slowly pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients, gently stirring to ensure all the oats are evenly coated.
5
Spread the granola mixture evenly across two large shallow pans (such as cookie sheets).
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring twice during baking to promote even toasting.
7
Once done, remove from the oven and stir occasionally while cooling to avoid clumping.
8
Once cool, fold in the dried cherries (or your dried fruit of choice) and transfer the granola to tightly sealed containers or bags for storage.
9
Enjoy your crunchy granola as a snack, breakfast, or topping!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Customizable Crunchy Granola Delight?
It is a healthy and versatile granola recipe featuring oats, nuts, and dried fruit, inspired by a recipe from a friend named Nina.
How many ingredients are in this granola recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients including oatmeal, brown sugar, honey, and various mix-ins.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 300°F (150°C).
How long does the granola need to bake?
The granola should bake for 20 to 25 minutes until toasted.
What can I use instead of wheat germ?
You can easily swap the wheat germ for flax meal if you prefer.
Is the coconut mandatory?
No, you can skip the coconut if it is not to your liking.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
You can use either vegetable oil or coconut oil.
When should I add the dried fruit?
Add the dried fruit only after the granola has been baked and has completely cooled.
How much brown sugar is in this recipe?
This recipe uses only 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar.
How many oats do I need?
The recipe requires 6 cups of rolled oats (oatmeal).
Can I use different types of nuts?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of almonds or any other nuts you prefer.
How often should I stir the granola while it is in the oven?
You should stir the granola twice during the baking process to ensure it toasts evenly.
Why should I stir the granola while it is cooling?
Stirring occasionally during the cooling process helps prevent the granola from clumping.
How should the finished granola be stored?
Once cool, transfer the granola to tightly sealed containers or bags for storage.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is a great option for meal prep as it can be easily stored and snacked on throughout the week.
Can I use raw honey in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe allows for either raw or regular honey.
What kind of dried fruit is suggested?
The recipe suggests 1 1/2 cups of dried cherries, but you can use any dried fruit you like.
What is the purpose of nonfat dry milk powder?
It adds extra nutrition and contributes to the unique crunchy texture of the granola.
How much vanilla extract is required?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract.
How much cinnamon should I add?
You should add 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon to the dry mixture.
Can I eat this granola with yogurt?
Yes, it is excellent as a topping for yogurt or smoothie bowls.
Is this granola recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy option featuring nutritious oats and a relatively low amount of sugar.
Does the recipe require water?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of plain water are mixed with the wet ingredients.
How many pans are needed for baking?
The mixture should be spread across two large shallow pans, such as cookie sheets.
What kind of wheat germ is specified?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of honey crunch wheat germ.
Can I use coconut oil?
Yes, coconut oil is a perfectly acceptable substitute for vegetable oil in this recipe.
What are the main categories for this recipe?
Common tags include granola, healthy, breakfast, snack, and customizable.
Is there a specific preparation for the oats?
The recipe uses rolled oats for the oatmeal base.
Can I skip the nuts?
While the recipe calls for almonds, it is customizable, so you can omit them if necessary.
What is the first step in making this granola?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).