Ingredients
- Rolled Oats (5 cups): The heart of our granola. Opt for old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant oats. Rolled oats provide a wonderful chewy texture and are a great source of fiber. Look for certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- Raw Nuts (2 cups, mixed or single type): Nuts add crunch, healthy fats, and protein. A mix of your favorites works best for a complex flavor profile. Consider including:
- Almonds: Complement the almond butter and provide a satisfying crunch.
- Pecans: Offer a buttery sweetness.
- Walnuts: Bring a slightly bitter and earthy note.
- Cashews: Provide a creamy texture and mild flavor.
- Hazelnuts: Offer a unique, toasted flavor (can be toasted separately for enhanced flavor).
- Seeds (1 cup, mixed or single type): Seeds contribute extra crunch, nutrients, and healthy fats. Great options include:
- Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): Add a delightful nutty flavor and green color.
- Sunflower Seeds: Offer a mild, nutty taste and are readily available.
- Chia Seeds: Boost the nutritional value with omega-3 fatty acids and a slight thickening effect.
- Flax Seeds: Another excellent source of omega-3s and fiber.
- Sesame Seeds: Bring a subtle nutty flavor that enhances the overall profile.
- Almond Butter (¾ cup, creamy or crunchy): The star ingredient! Use your favorite almond butter. Creamy almond butter will create a smoother granola, while crunchy almond butter will add extra texture. Ensure it’s natural almond butter with just almonds and maybe salt as ingredients, avoiding added sugars or oils if possible for optimal health and flavor.
- Maple Syrup (½ cup): Our natural sweetener. Pure maple syrup adds a warm, rich sweetness and helps the granola clump together beautifully. You can substitute with honey or agave nectar, but maple syrup provides a distinctive flavor that pairs perfectly with almond butter.
- Coconut Oil (¼ cup, melted): Provides healthy fats, helps with browning and crisping, and adds a subtle coconut flavor. Melt the coconut oil before adding it to the mixture. You can substitute with olive oil or another neutral oil if you prefer a less pronounced coconut taste.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth. Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best taste.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon, ground): A classic spice that complements almond butter and oats perfectly, adding warmth and a touch of sweetness. You can adjust the amount to your preference.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors. Use sea salt or kosher salt for the best taste.
- Optional Add-ins (after baking and cooling): Consider these to customize your granola further:
- Dried Fruit (½ – 1 cup): Raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots, or cherries add chewiness and sweetness. Add after baking and cooling to prevent them from becoming hard.
- Chocolate Chips or Chunks (½ – 1 cup): Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate chips can be added for a decadent touch. Add after cooling to prevent melting.
- Shredded Coconut (½ cup, unsweetened): Toasted or untoasted, shredded coconut adds texture and a tropical flavor. Toasting beforehand will enhance the coconut flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, nuts, seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Toss everything together to ensure the spices and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients. This even distribution is key to balanced flavor in every bite.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate, microwave-safe bowl, combine the almond butter, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil. Microwave for 30-45 seconds, or until the almond butter is slightly softened and the mixture is easier to stir. This step helps to ensure the wet ingredients blend smoothly and coat the dry ingredients evenly. Stir in the vanilla extract into the wet mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Using a spatula or large spoon, mix everything together thoroughly until all the oats, nuts, and seeds are evenly coated with the almond butter mixture. Make sure there are no dry patches of oats left at the bottom of the bowl. This ensures every piece of granola will be flavorful and bake evenly.
- Spread Granola on Baking Sheet: Spread the granola mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to press it down slightly into a relatively compact layer. This helps the granola to clump together nicely during baking, creating those desirable clusters. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet; if necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure even baking and prevent steaming.
- Bake in Stages, Stirring Occasionally: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes. Stirring is crucial to ensure even browning and prevent burning, especially around the edges. The granola is ready when it’s lightly golden brown and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it during the last 10 minutes of baking as it can go from golden to burnt quickly.
- Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. This is important because the granola will crisp up as it cools. Resist the temptation to stir it while it’s still warm, as it will be soft and crumbly. As it cools, it will harden and form clusters. Cooling on the baking sheet also allows for maximum crispness.
- Break into Clusters (Optional): Once completely cool, break the granola into desired-sized clusters. You can leave it in larger chunks for a chunkier granola or break it into smaller pieces for a finer texture, depending on your preference and how you plan to serve it.
- Add Optional Mix-ins (if desired): Now is the time to add any optional mix-ins like dried fruit, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut. Gently stir them into the cooled granola to distribute them evenly.
- Store Properly: Store your homemade almond butter granola in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored granola will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 2-3 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Ensure it’s completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Sugar: 8-12 grams
- Sodium: 50-75 mg
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5-7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
- Fiber: 3-5 grams
- Protein: 6-8 grams