Store bought granola is loaded with fat costs a pretty penny. It wasn't until I started researching granola recipes that I realized just how much oil when into them. No bueno...
This version, still has some oil, although I will continue to try and eliminate it. Until then use this as a basic recipe, and feel free to customize it however you like with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, and spices. I promise you won't go back to store-bought. Just like homemade tortillas, homemade granola just cannot be beat!
Extra bonus: the whole house smells amazing while this bakes!
DIY Granola
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Ingredients (About 7 cups)
Dry ingredients
- 6 cups of rolled oats
- 1/2 cup of wheat germ or oat bran
- 1/4 cup of ground flax
Wet ingredients
- 1/4 cup safflower oil
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
Mix ins
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of spices of your choice (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, etc. I use pumpkin pie spice since it has a bit of everything)
- 1/2 cup or dried fruit (this time I just used some chopped dates)
Instructions
In a preheated 350F oven, divide the rolled oats onto two rimmed baking sheets. Allow to toast for 10 minutes.
While the oats are toasting, add the oil and maple to a very large bowl. You may make substations here with honey, or brown rice syrup.
Mix in any spices you will be using, the wheat germ and the ground flax.
After 10 minutes of roasting, remove the oats from the oven and add them to the bowl. Sprinkle any nuts, seeds or dried fruit over the top of the oats.
Mix until everything is coated and you see no more dry oats.
Divided the mixture between to two baking pans, and again roast in the oven for about 10 minutes, stirring once at about 5 minutes.
After the granola has turned golden, remove from the oven and allow to cool on racks.
*When the granola comes out of the oven it will still be fairly 'soft', not crispy. It is important to allow it to cool completely undisturbed if you want crispy 'clusters' to remain.
Once cooled, crumble and much as you like into an air tight container, or right into a bowl.
Enjoy with vanilla soy or almond milk.
*Keep in mind that this is a DIY Granola! Once you get familiar with about how much oil and liquid you need to coat the oats play around with it. You can omit the wheat germ and add cocoa nibs at the end, or use part molasses! The possibilities are endless. Give a blueberry/almond combo one of these days too!
Enjoy the customization of this simple process, and personalize your own granola. One thing is for sure, pricey store bought granola is a thing of the past!
