Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Homemade Granola

Ya'll, I am a big fan of granola, but boy do I hate buying it. Granola is expensive! Especially when you're gluten free and have to avoid the majority of the more inexpensive options. The good news is, homemade granola is not only cheap to make, but it's also super easy and super fun to customize!

Now, besides the oats, you can add all sorts of fun stuff to your granola. This time around I added sliced almonds, flax seeds, cocoa nibs, coconut, and dried cranberries. Yum! If you keep the nut/seed and oat ratio about the same you can customize this granola as much as you like.

Are you guys on board? Let's jump in and get started!
Homemade Granola: Makes about 6 Servings

Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats (I used gluten free oats)
- 1/2 cup sliced, un-roasted almonds
- 1/4 cup flax seeds
- 1/4 cup cocoa nibs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1. Preheat your oven to 350° F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. Add the dry ingredients, excluding the coconut and cranberries, to a large mixing bowl, then mix to combine. The dried fruit will over dry in the oven and the coconut doesn't take long to toast, so you'll be adding those later!
3. Next, add the wet ingredients to the mixture, and stir until very well combined.
4. Empty your granola mixture out onto your parchment lined sheet pan, then spread it evenly across the pan using a spatula.
5. Put your granola in the oven and let bake for 30-40 minutes, being sure to stir every 10 minutes. Add the coconut before letting the granola mixture cook for the last 10 minutes.
6. Once the granola is golden brown to your liking, remove it from the oven, mix in the dried cranberries, and let cool.

7. Once cool, serve your granola up, or store it in an air tight container for up to 7 days!
I can pretty much guarantee that your day will get off to a great start if you start it with some of this homemade granola. You can eat it plain and bask in its toasty glory, but you can also get a little fancier, if you'd like!
I like to serve mine with some strawberry kefir (it's like a drinkable yogurt!) and some sliced strawberries.

I hope you get a chance to whip up some delicious homemade granola soon!

XOXO
Becca
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28 comments:

  1. Yummy! I've never made my own granola, but am super inspired by all of the recipes out there on the blogs I follow. Looks great!

    Allison Katelyn @ Http://simplesilverlinings.blogspot.com

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    1. You should try it out! It's super easy and extra tasty!

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  2. This looks so delicious! I had this weird notion that granola was really tricky to make but it's really so simple ^_^ Definitely giving this a go!

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    1. Thanks, Kate! I hope you try it out soon. It couldn't be much simpler, really!

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  3. Oo i love granola! I've made it in a frying pan before, but this seems way easier!

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    1. Oh, I've never thought to do it that way! Might be nice for a small batch!

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  4. yum! i have those exact little anthro cups in those colors! super cute.

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  5. Granola is expensive! This looks amaze. Thanks for sharing!

    Emory

    helloscarlettblog.com

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  6. This looks diviiiiine! Mmmm. I've got to try it now! My go to includes, flax seed meal, flaked coconut, peanut butter and honey. :) I believe it is on my blog if you are feeling intrigued next time you want to try a new batch :) -Alexandra

    Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things

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    1. Oh, why thank you! Your version sounds pretty dreamy! I've done peanut butter before, which is super tasty, but I always love to try out new versions.

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  7. This looks awesome. Do you have to use all the oil though?

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    1. Thanks, Rachel! I would recommend using the oil since it helps bind things together and crisp up. With 1/4 cup it's not a ton per serving. You could always switch to coconut oil or something like that if you would prefer not to use vegetable oil!

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  8. I've been making homemade granola since I discovered a great recipe over two years ago. Ever since, I've maybe gone a week or two without having any on hand. It's so delicious!!

    xo Jackie
    Something About That

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    1. Oh, I love that, Jackie! Homemade granola is the best!

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  9. Seriously drool-worthy, which is something because it's granola.

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  10. YUMMYY! Granola! It's like the best thing on earth (or almost). I've made it a few weeks ago, for the first time, it's soooo good! Yours looks delicious!

    Sofie x
    Little green Sofie

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    1. Why thank you, Sofie! I'm glad you tried it out recently. It's so great!

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  11. yummmmmm! I always think I should make my own granola but never do. My co-worker brings in homemade granola to share and its so delicious! I should just do it!! =D
    xo,
    nancy

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    1. You should totally do it! I bet you'll be surprised how easy it is!

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  12. Yum, yum, yum! Can I come live with you please? Your recipes always look so darn good. Or maybe you could come live with me since I don't like too much rain.... ?

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    1. Haha, thanks, Lisa! We should definitely look into this arrangement :)

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  13. Thank you so much! I'll be sure to stop by!

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  14. yum! i really should start making my own! it seriously looks so easy!
    just pinned this and will be trying soon!

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