Crispy Honey Nut Granola

This homemade granola recipe transforms ordinary oats into a crunchy, sweet breakfast treat that's become my morning ritual. I love watching friends' faces light up when they realize how much better homemade granola tastes than store-bought versions.

I started making this granola when trying to cut processed foods from my diet. Now my family expects a fresh batch every Sunday evening to kick off our week.

Ingredients

• 4-5 cups rolled old fashioned oats form the hearty base look for thick cut varieties for best texture
• ⅔ cup melted coconut oil provides healthy fats and a subtle tropical flavor
• ½ cup honey adds natural sweetness that helps create those perfect clusters
• ¼ cup light brown sugar contributes to the caramelization process
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract brings warmth and depth
• ½ teaspoon salt enhances all the flavors without making it taste salty
• 1/2-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon adjust to your preference for warmth
• ½ cup coconut flakes toast beautifully and add wonderful texture
• 1 cup chopped nuts provide protein and satisfying crunch
• Optional mix ins pumpkin seeds and dried fruit for extra nutrition and flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven

Preheat your oven to 300°F exactly not higher or granola can burn quickly. Line a 15x18 jelly roll pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. The large surface area helps granola cook evenly.

Mix the Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl combine the oats coconut oil honey brown sugar vanilla salt cinnamon coconut and your chosen nuts. Stir thoroughly ensuring every oat is coated with the liquid ingredients. This coating is what creates those delicious clusters. If there is excess liquid at the bottom add another 1/2 cup of oats to absorb it.

First Bake

Spread the mixture evenly across your prepared pan ensuring it's not too thick in any one spot. Bake for exactly 10 minutes until just beginning to turn golden. The granola will still look quite wet at this stage.

Stir and Press

Remove from the oven and stir the granola carefully to promote even browning. Then use a spatula to press the mixture firmly down onto the pan. This pressing action is crucial for creating those coveted granola clusters. Return to the oven.

Final Bake

For chewy granola bake for an additional 7-10 minutes. For crunchier results stir and press again then bake for 5 more minutes. Watch closely during the final minutes as granola can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Remember it will continue to crisp as it cools.

Cool Completely

Allow the granola to cool undisturbed on the pan. As it cools it will become crispier and form those beautiful clusters. Resist breaking it up until fully cooled.

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My favorite way to enjoy this granola is sprinkled over Greek yogurt with fresh berries. My daughter once called it "dessert for breakfast" which perfectly captures why we love it so much.

Perfectly Clustered Granola

The secret to achieving those satisfying granola clusters lies in two critical steps. First ensure your honey and oil thoroughly coat every oat. Second the pressing step after the first bake is non-negotiable. Press firmly with your spatula to compress the partially baked mixture creating natural bonds between the ingredients. When cooled these compressed areas become the clusters we all love. I learned through many batches that cutting the granola into chunks while still warm helps maintain larger clusters.

Seasonal Variations

Winter calls for warming spices try increasing cinnamon to a full teaspoon and adding 1/4 teaspoon each of nutmeg and cardamom. Spring granola shines with dried berries and a touch of lemon zest. Summer versions can incorporate tropical dried fruits like mango and pineapple. Fall begs for pumpkin seeds and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. I adjust my recipe with the seasons keeping breakfast interesting year-round.

Gifting Granola

Homemade granola makes an outstanding gift. Package in clear glass jars tied with twine and a handwritten tag. For the holidays I create granola gift baskets with a jar of local honey fresh berries and a beautiful bowl. Friends now request this instead of cookies during gift-giving seasons. The compliments I receive on this simple gift always surpass the effort required to make it.

Nutritional Benefits

This granola delivers substantial nutritional benefits beyond great taste. The combination of whole grain oats healthy fats from nuts and coconut oil and natural sweeteners creates a balanced energy source. The nuts provide protein and essential minerals while cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties. By making granola at home you control the sugar content and avoid the preservatives found in commercial versions. I've noticed sustained energy throughout my morning when starting my day with this nutrient-dense breakfast.

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Common Questions

→ How can I make my granola extra crunchy?

For extra crunchy granola, bake it longer (about 5 minutes more after the second stir) and make sure to press it down firmly with a spatula during baking. Also, let it cool completely before storing—it continues to crisp up as it cools.

→ Can I substitute the coconut oil with something else?

Yes, you can substitute coconut oil with canola oil as mentioned in the ingredients, or try other neutral oils like vegetable oil or even melted butter for a different flavor profile.

→ When should I add dried fruit to my granola?

Add dried fruit after baking and once the granola has completely cooled. This prevents the fruit from becoming too hard or burnt during the baking process.

→ How can I create bigger granola clusters?

For bigger clusters, press the granola mixture firmly onto the baking sheet with a spatula before and during baking. Also, avoid stirring too much, and allow it to cool completely before breaking it into clusters.

→ Can I reduce the sugar in this granola?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar by using less honey and brown sugar. The recipe notes you can substitute all brown sugar with honey or maple syrup, which allows you to adjust sweetness to taste.

→ What's the best way to serve this granola?

This granola is versatile! Enjoy it with milk or yogurt, sprinkled over fruit, layered in parfaits, or simply eaten by the handful as a nutritious snack. The images show it served with fresh berries and bananas.