Homemade Granola

Homemade granola is an oat-based breakfast and snack that is good with milk or yogurt, and homemade granola is also an excellent snack on its own. Homemade granola is simple to make at home, and making homemade granola yourself lets you experiment with the ingredients. Homemade granola here combines oats with nuts, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, dates and dried mango, and the result is very tasty.

Oat flakes form the base of homemade granola, and oat flakes absorb the honey, coconut oil and apple juice so the mixture bakes into crisp clusters. Mixed nuts add a richer flavour and a firmer bite, and pumpkin seeds add extra crunch throughout the tray. Dates and dried mango bring chewy pieces and sweetness, while dried cranberries add a tart note that balances the sweeter dried fruit.

Full coating and even baking are the main things to watch while making homemade granola. Oat flakes should be completely covered with coconut oil, honey and apple juice before baking, because the recipe depends on that coating for an even texture. Spread the mixture in an even layer on the baking tray, bake at 150°C, stir after 10 minutes, then stir again after another 10 minutes when the chopped dried fruit is added, and bake 5 minutes more. Leave the granola in the switched-off oven until cool, because cooling in the oven helps the granola finish drying without burning.

The recipe itself suggests room for ingredient changes, because homemade granola is one of those dishes that allows you to experiment. A different mix of nuts can replace the mixed nuts, and another dried fruit can replace the dried cranberries, dates or dried mango if that is what you have. Homemade granola will still follow the same method as long as the oats stay the base and the tray is baked in the same order.

Homemade granola is easiest to serve simply, because homemade granola was designed here for breakfast with milk or yogurt, and homemade granola also works well as a quick snack. A bowl of homemade granola with cold milk keeps the texture crisp at first, while homemade granola over yogurt gives a thicker and more filling breakfast. Homemade granola can also be eaten by the handful when a portable snack is more useful than a full meal.

Cooling fully before storing is essential for homemade granola, because any trapped warmth will soften the crisp texture. Store completely cooled homemade granola in an airtight jar or container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks, or in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks. Homemade granola can also be frozen in a zip bag or airtight container for up to 3 months, and frozen homemade granola needs about 10 minutes at room temperature before eating.

Questions about this recipe

How long does homemade granola take to make?

Homemade granola takes 40 minutes in total. Homemade granola needs 15 minutes of active work for mixing and spreading on the tray, plus about 25 minutes in the oven.

How many calories are in homemade granola?

The source states that homemade granola has about 368.1 kcal per 100 g. The exact calorie content of homemade granola can vary depending on the amount of nuts, honey and dried fruit used.

What can I use instead of oat flakes in granola?

The source FAQ suggests rye, barley or spelt flakes as replacements for oat flakes in granola. A mixture of several kinds of flakes in equal parts also works, although the texture will be slightly denser and the flavour more grain-forward.

Can I freeze homemade granola?

Yes, homemade granola can be frozen. Put completely cooled homemade granola into a zip bag or airtight container and freeze it for up to 3 months, then leave homemade granola at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating.

How should I store homemade granola and how long does it keep?

Store completely cooled homemade granola in an airtight jar or container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. Homemade granola keeps for up to 6 weeks in the refrigerator, and homemade granola must be fully cool before closing the container so condensation does not soften the crunch.