The BEST (Real Food) Granola Recipe

If you’re searching for a hearty, wholesome breakfast or snack that combines crunch, warmth, and natural sweetness, look no further than The BEST (Real Food) Granola Recipe. This granola is a delightful blend of toasted oats, crunchy nuts, and a touch of cinnamon, all perfectly kissed with maple syrup and coconut oil to create a satisfyingly golden and aromatic treat. Whether you sprinkle it over yogurt, enjoy it by the handful, or blend it into your smoothie bowls, this recipe brings you the comfort of homemade goodness with every single bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of The BEST (Real Food) Granola Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients that combine to create a perfect balance of texture, flavor, and nutrition. Each element enhances the granola’s wholesome character, ensuring it’s not just tasty but nourishing too.

• 4 cups old-fashioned oats: The hearty base that provides chewiness and fiber to this granola.
• 1 cup nuts: A crunchy surprise in every bite, choose your favorites like pecans and cashews or swap in walnuts or almonds for varied textures and taste.
• 1/2 cup flax meal: Adds a nutty flavor along with a boost of omega-3s and fiber, enhancing the nutritional profile.
• 2 tsp cinnamon: Infuses warmth and depth that pairs beautifully with the sweetness and earthiness of the other ingredients.
• 1/3 cup coconut oil: Gives a subtle tropical aroma and helps the granola clump together while roasting to a perfect crisp.
• 2/3 cup pure maple syrup: The natural sweetener that caramelizes gently during baking, adding a rich, complex sweetness.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the flavors of all the other ingredients.
• Optional add-ins: Sunflower seeds, pepitas, shredded coconut, or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can be stirred in after baking for extra color and flavor.

How to Make The BEST (Real Food) Granola Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit — a temperature that’s just right for toasting without burning, allowing all those lovely flavors to develop slowly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step makes cleanup easy and ensures your granola doesn’t stick, letting every chunk come out crisp and intact.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, flax meal, and cinnamon. This dry mix forms the framework of your granola, balancing textures and tastes. Taking the time to mix everything well here means each bite will have that perfect combination of crunch and spice.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Next, stir together the coconut oil, warmed maple syrup, and salt in a smaller bowl. Warming the syrup slightly is a key tip — it keeps the coconut oil from solidifying, resulting in a smooth, easy-to-pour mixture that coats your dry ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture over your dry ingredients and stir thoroughly. Make sure every oat and nut is gloriously coated — this is the magic that gives your granola its golden color and irresistible clumps after baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the mixture evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 40 minutes. During this time, the granola will toast to a light golden brown and develop that signature crunch. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid over-browning. Once done, take it out and let it cool completely — it will crisp up as it cools, transforming into the granola you’ll want to eat straight from the pan.

How to Serve The BEST (Real Food) Granola Recipe

Garnishes

This granola shines when topped with a dollop of creamy yogurt, a drizzle of honey, or fresh berries. The contrast of crunchy and creamy creates a textural delight that wakes up your palate first thing in the morning or as an afternoon treat. You can also sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes or extra nuts on top to elevate the flavors and make it look as enticing as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pairing your homemade granola with fresh seasonal fruit or a smoothie bowl can turn a simple snack into a vibrant meal. This granola’s nutty, lightly sweet profile complements tropical fruits like mango or pineapple beautifully, or classic combos like banana and strawberries. It also makes an excellent topping for warm oatmeal or chilled chia pudding for an extra nourishing punch.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t limit yourself to bowls — try layering this granola with yogurt and fruit in a glass parfait for a visually stunning breakfast or dessert. Alternatively, pack it into mason jars to gift a friend or to have a ready-made grab-and-go snack at your fingertips. You could even crush it up and use it as a crust topping for baked fruit crisps or smoothies for a crunchy surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your granola has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it stays fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks, making it a perfect pantry staple to brighten your mornings or snack times.

Freezing

If you want to keep your granola longer, freezing is a great option. Place it in a tightly sealed freezer bag or container, and it will maintain its quality for up to three months. When you’re ready, simply thaw at room temperature — the crunch will be just as delightful as on day one.

Reheating

Although granola is delicious eaten cold, warming it slightly in a dry skillet or in the oven for a few minutes can revive its aroma and crunch, making it feel like a fresh batch. This step is especially nice during chilly mornings when a little warmth enhances the cozy cinnamon notes perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

While quick oats might seem like a convenient swap, old-fashioned oats provide a better texture for granola. They hold up well to baking and keep that satisfying chew and crunch, whereas quick oats tend to become mushy.

Is coconut oil necessary or can I use another oil?

Coconut oil adds a wonderful subtle flavor and helps your granola crisp up beautifully. You can substitute neutral oils like avocado or light olive oil, but it may change the final aroma and texture slightly.

Can I make this granola vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use pure maple syrup instead of honey. It’s a fantastic plant-based way to enjoy nutritious granola that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

How can I add dried fruit without it getting mushy during baking?

Save adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries until after baking and cooling. This keeps them chewy and fresh without drying them out or soaking up moisture from the granola while it’s in the oven.

What are some nut alternatives if I have allergies?

If nuts aren’t an option, you can use extra seeds like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or even toasted coconut flakes to maintain crunch and flavor while keeping the recipe nut-free.

Final Thoughts

I’m genuinely excited for you to try The BEST (Real Food) Granola Recipe because it’s one of those simple, feel-good dishes that make mornings warmer and snacks more satisfying. The way the oats, nuts, and cinnamon mingle with the natural sweetness creates a flavor and texture you’ll want to reach for again and again. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with that irresistible baked-good smell. Your taste buds will thank you!

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