This granola recipe is customizable, serving as a delicious foundation for any desired combination of dried fruits and nuts. Furthermore, this recipe is easy to make. Simply combine the dry ingredients, drizzle in the wet ingredients, and mix everything together. After baking for 30 minutes, it is ready to be enjoyed. This recipe is not only healthy and straightforward, but it is also undeniably delicious, guaranteeing that you will become a homemade granola enthusiast!

This granola recipe consists of four essential ingredients: whole rolled oats, maple syrup, cinnamon, and coconut oil. To enhance the flavor and texture, the following mix-ins are incorporated:

Almond butter: This crucial ingredient adds delectable nutty clusters to the granola, while providing a protein boost.
Chopped walnuts: These contribute a satisfying crunch, protein, and healthy fats. You can also substitute walnuts with other nuts or seeds, such as almonds, pecans, pistachios, cashews, or sunflower seeds.
Unsweetened coconut flakes: While optional for those who don’t enjoy coconut, it provides a toasty, buttery flavor and crispy texture to the recipe.
Dried cranberries: These add a delightful sweetness and chewy texture to the granola. If cranberries aren’t your preference, you can try goji berries, raisins, chopped dried apricots, dried currants, tart cherries, or blueberries. Alternatively, you could leave it out if you prefer your granola without dried fruit.

To enhance the quality of your granola, it is essential to prioritize the formation of larger clusters. Achieve this by compacting the mixture of oats into a 1-inch thick oval during the initial 15 minutes of baking. Subsequently, extract the pan from the oven and delicately separate the oval using a fork. Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, resulting in an abundance of delectable clusters.

Exercise patience and allow the granola to cool before indulging. During the cooling process, your homemade granola will acquire a desirable crispness. Although it may be tempting to consume it immediately after removing it from the oven, granting it a 15-minute rest on the sheet pan will yield an exceptionally crispy and toasted texture.

It is advisable to incorporate dried fruit into the granola after it has cooled. By doing so, you can ensure that any dried fruit you add will retain its soft and chewy consistency, rather than becoming hard. Additionally, consider the possibility of including a handful of chocolate chips at this stage for an added touch of satisfaction.

Recipe
The preparation time for this dish is approximately 10 minutes, and the cooking time is around 30 minutes. It is suitable for serving 4 to 6 individuals.

Ingredients:
170 grams of whole rolled oats,
59 grams of chopped walnuts,
42 grams of coconut flakes (optional),
2 teaspoons of cinnamon,
2 tablespoons melted coconut oil,
78 grams of maple syrup,
2 tablespoons almond butter
56 grams of dried cranberries (optional).

Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine the oats, walnuts, coconut flakes, and cinnamon in a medium sized bowl. Then, add the coconut oil, maple syrup and almond butter and stir until combined. Put the mixture on the baking sheet and press it into a 2.5 cm thick oval.
Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Half way through, after 15 minutes, rotate the pan and gently break the granola a bit apart with a fork. Sprinkle with dried cranberries, if desired. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

How to store homemade granola?
When storing granola, make sure it has cooled completely to avoid excess moisture. Place it in a sealed container or resealable bag and store it in your pantry or kitchen cupboard. In hot or humid climates, it may be better to store granola in the refrigerator. If your add-ins, like chocolate chips, are melting in the pantry, refrigeration can help. You can store granola in glass jars, airtight containers, or zip-top bags. Reusable mason jars are also a great option for storing granola.

Moreover, you can freeze granola to make it last longer. Homemade granola typically lasts for 1-4 weeks at room temperature, but freezing it can preserve it for up to 6 months. To freeze granola, make sure it has completely cooled. Then, place the granola in freezer bags or a freezer-safe container and put the packaged granola in the freezer. To use frozen granola, simply thaw it on the countertop for 30-60 minutes or enjoy it frozen.

Sources:
https://www.loveandlemons.com/granola/
https://thenessykitchen.com/granola-storage/