Imagine waking up on a crisp Christmas morning to the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked granola wafting through your kitchen. This isn't just any ordinary breakfast – this is a festive, nutritious masterpiece that will transform your holiday morning from ordinary to extraordinary! Packed with crunchy nuts, sweet dried fruits, and a hint of warming cinnamon, this homemade granola is about to become your new holiday tradition that's both deliciously indulgent and surprisingly healthy.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Breakfast
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, or apricots)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This temperature will help achieve a nice golden color for your granola.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of chopped nuts (you can use almonds, walnuts, or pecans), 1 tsp of cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp of salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup until it becomes more liquid and easier to mix. Remove from heat.
- Pour the warmed honey or maple syrup over the dry mixture in the large bowl. Stir well to ensure that all the oats and nuts are coated evenly.
- Spread the granola mixture evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make for easier cleanup.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent burning.
- Once the granola is golden brown and fragrant, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool on the baking sheet. It will become crunchier as it cools.
- After the granola has cooled completely, mix in 1/2 cup of your choice of dried fruit, such as cranberries, raisins, or apricots.
- Transfer the granola to an airtight container for storage. It can be enjoyed as a breakfast cereal, a snack, or a topping for yogurt.
- Store the granola in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks.
Tips
- • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup • Stir the granola halfway through baking to achieve even, golden-brown color • Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet to maximize crunchiness • Experiment with different nuts and dried fruits to customize your recipe • Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to two weeks • For extra flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of nutmeg • Watch the granola carefully in the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning • Allow the granola to cool completely before adding dried fruits to maintain their texture
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 430kcal
Carbohydrates: 68g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
