This is a granola recipe I have been using for years and I love how versatile and customizable it is. I will be giving you a basic recipe, and I suggest that you play around with it and add your own favourite ingredients. It’s a pretty forgiving recipe, so you can add or remove some sugar and/or oil depending on your preferences.

Making your own granola is worth it in my opinion. It is not only cheaper, but it also allows you to control the amount of fat, salt, and sugar added, which tend to be high in store-bought granola.

Ingredients

3.5 cups rolled oats
2.5 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (more if you really like cinnamon)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup dried fruit, diced*
1/2 cup nuts or seeds, chopped*

*When it comes to the dried fruits and nuts, you can really add whichever are your favourite. Personally I choose to add dried dates and cranberries, along with walnuts and almonds. But any combination of dried fruits and nuts/seeds will work. You can also add shredded coconut if that is something you enjoy.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F.
2. Combine oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl and stir to combine.
3. In a separate heat-proof bowl, microwave the honey for 20-30 seconds until it is very liquid. This will make it easier to incorporate with the other ingredients.
4. Add the oil and vanilla extract to the honey and stir to combine.
5. Pour the honey mixture over the oat mixture and stir until thoroughly coated.
6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone pad. Spread the granola mixture in a thin even layer on the baking sheet and put on the middle rack in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. The granola should be lightly browned.
   • Note: the granola has a tendency to burn quickly, so keep an eye on it during its last few minutes in the oven.
7. Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Add the dried fruits and nuts and mix to combine.

Storage

I find that this granola keeps well as long as it is stored in a jar or another type of air-tight container. It does not need to be refrigerated. It should keep for about a week and a half.

Eating and Snacking Suggestions

This granola makes for a really yummy breakfast or snack. For breakfast, you can add milk or yogurt, as well as fresh fruit. I recommend a serving size of about half a cup. Personally, I also choose to add some All Bran cereal to my granola in the mornings for added fibre and iron.

As a healthy snack this granola is perfect on its own or mixed in with some yogurt and fruit.

Nutrition Label