Homemade granola makes a thoughtful and delicious gift that’s perfect for the holiday season. With its irresistible crunch and customizable flavors, it’s a treat that feels both personal and practical. Whether you package it in jars with festive ribbons or tuck it into gift bags, this Crunchy Homemade Granola will be a welcome addition to anyone’s breakfast or snack routine.
Think about writing out the recipe on a nice card to attach so that they can make it themselves. Now, let’s make a batch of granola that’s as delightful to give as it is to eat!
Add-ins and Alternatives
The great thing about granola is here are no hard and fast rules. You can add whatever you want to your granola. If you want to change things up try adding:
- Chopped walnuts, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, or pecans. Any kind of nut will work, use your favorites.
- Instead of cinnamon try adding pumpkin pie spice, ground ginger, or even cocoa powder.
- Change out the vanilla extract for almond extract or orange extract.
- Add seeds like sesame seeds, chia seeds, or flax seeds.
- Change up the sweetener by using maple syrup, brown sugar, or molasses.
- Make it chunky by adding chocolate chips, dried banana chips, or candied citrus.
What You’ll Need
Thinking of giving this as a holiday gift? Check out these fun containers and decorations to make it extra special!
Helpful Tips
- Bake low and slow: Baking at a lower temperature allows the granola to get evenly golden and crunchy without burning. Stir halfway through for even toasting.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy, especially when working with sticky ingredients like honey or maple syrup.
- Add mix-ins after baking: Items like dried fruit, chocolate chips, or coconut flakes can burn in the oven, so stir them in once the granola has cooled.
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Crunchy Homemade Granola
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened dried fruit
- 3 tablespoons natural almond butter
- 2 tablespoons honey more for added sweetness
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil melted
- 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup raw almonds sliced
- 2 tablespoons peanuts chopped
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper, leaving a bit of overlap on the sides.
- In a high-powered blender or food processor, combine the almond butter, honey, coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the mixture into a large mixing bowl and add the oats, dried fruit, cinnamon, salt, almonds, and sunflower seeds. Mix until well combined and the oats and nuts are nicely coated.
- Transfer the granola mixture to the prepared baking dish and pat down into an even layer. Place in the pre-heated oven and bake until lightly golden brown and toasted on top, approximately 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and cool to room temperature. Granola will crumble as you remove it from the pan, with some larger chunks.
Notes
- Granola lasts for 3-4 weeks when stored in an airtight container or bag.
- A serving is generally around 1/4 cup.
- Stir the mixture halfway through cooking to assure it cooks evenly.
- Let the granola cool completely before breaking into chunks.
- If you find that your fruit tastes a bit burnt consider adding it after the granola has been baked.
When not mixing up delicious cocktails to enjoy on the patio with friends, Angela is busy writing about food and drinks for three popular food websites, and exchanging creative ideas on social media.