Crunchy Homemade Granola with Nuts, Coconut, and Dried Fruit Recipe

Introduction

This crunchy granola recipe is a perfect homemade snack or breakfast addition, packed with nuts, seeds, and a touch of sweetness from maple syrup. It’s easy to make and customizable with your favorite dried fruits.

Ingredients

• 7 cups (623g) rolled oats, old-fashioned or quick-cooking*
• 1 cup (60g) large-flake coconut, unsweetened, optional
• 1 cup (113g) stabilized wheat germ
• 1 cup (99g) almonds, sliced
• 1 cup (113g) pecans or walnuts, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup (142g) sunflower seeds, raw or toasted
• 1/2 cup (99g) vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 1 cup (312g) maple syrup*
• 1 tablespoon (14g) King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract
• 5 cups dried fruit*

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 250°F. Lightly grease two large rimmed baking sheets or line them with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a very large bowl, combine the oats, coconut (if using), wheat germ, almonds, pecans or walnuts, and sunflower seeds. Mix well.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, salt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mixture and stir thoroughly until everything is well coated and mixed.
5. Step 5: Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheets, pressing gently to flatten.
6. Step 6: Bake for about 90 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes with a heatproof spatula. When stirring, bring the granola from the edges toward the center for even browning, and rotate the baking sheets top to bottom each time.
7. Step 7: Once the granola turns a medium golden brown, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the pans.
8. Step 8: Transfer the cooled granola to a large bowl and stir in the dried fruit.

Tips & Variations

• Use your favorite nuts or seeds to make this granola your own. Toasting the nuts beforehand adds extra depth of flavor.
• Swap maple syrup for honey or agave nectar if you prefer a different sweetener.
• For chunkier granola, press the mixture firmly before baking and avoid stirring too vigorously during cooking.
• Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic twist.

Storage

Store the granola in a tightly sealed container at room temperature for up to several weeks. For longer storage, freeze the granola in airtight bags or containers. To serve after freezing, simply thaw at room temperature. Reheating is optional but can help refresh the crunch.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?

Yes, quick-cooking oats can be used, but the texture may be slightly less crunchy compared to using old-fashioned oats.

How do I prevent the granola from burning during baking?

Stir the granola every 15 minutes as the recipe suggests, and rotate the baking sheets to ensure even cooking and prevent burning on the edges.

Crunchy Homemade Granola with Nuts, Coconut, and Dried Fruit Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 115 reviews

This Crunchy Granola recipe yields a perfectly toasted, golden brown homemade granola loaded with oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup and lightly flavored with vanilla, this granola offers a wholesome, crunchy snack or breakfast topping that can be stored for weeks or gifted in charming bags.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: About 15 cups of granola 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 7 cups (623g) rolled oats, old-fashioned or quick-cooking
• 1 cup (60g) large-flake coconut, unsweetened, optional
• 1 cup (113g) stabilized wheat germ
• 1 cup (99g) almonds, sliced
• 1 cup (113g) pecans or walnuts, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup (142g) sunflower seeds, raw or toasted

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (99g) vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 1 cup (312g) maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon (14g) King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract

Additional

• 5 cups dried fruit (such as raisins, dried cranberries, dried cherries, or chopped dried apricots)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven – Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and prepare two large rimmed baking sheets by lightly greasing them or lining with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients – In a very large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, optional coconut, stabilized wheat germ, sliced almonds, chopped pecans or walnuts, and sunflower seeds. Stir well to evenly distribute all dry components.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, table salt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until thoroughly blended.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures – Pour the wet ingredients over the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir and toss repeatedly to ensure every piece is well coated with the syrup and oil blend, achieving an even mixture.
5. Spread on Baking Sheets – Spread the granola mixture evenly across the prepared baking sheets. Gently pat down to flatten and create an even layer for uniform baking.
6. Bake and Stir – Bake the granola for about 90 minutes at 250°F. Every 15 minutes, remove from the oven and use a heatproof spatula to stir the mixture, bringing granola from the edges towards the center to ensure even browning. Reverse the position of the baking sheets (top to bottom, bottom to top) with each stirring session.
7. Cool the Granola – Once the granola reaches a medium golden brown color, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheets. Cooling helps it crisp up perfectly.
8. Add Dried Fruit – Transfer the cooled granola to a large bowl and mix in the dried fruit thoroughly, distributing it evenly throughout.
9. Store or Gift – Store your crunchy granola in a tightly sealed container at room temperature for several weeks. For longer storage, freeze it. It also makes a lovely homemade gift when portioned into decorative plastic bags.

Notes

• Use old-fashioned oats for the best texture; quick-cooking oats work but produce a softer granola.
• If you prefer, substitute vegetable oil with coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
• Make sure to stir the granola thoroughly and frequently during baking to prevent burning and ensure even browning.
• Customize dried fruits based on preference – raisins, dried cherries, apricots, or cranberries all work well.
• Store granola in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunchiness.

Keywords: Granola, Homemade Granola, Crunchy Granola, Breakfast, Healthy Snack, Maple Syrup Granola, Nutty Granola