My gluten free daughter picked up a $10 package of granola the other day that was not impressive. I made her put it back and threw some together at the house for less than $5 a pound with no preservatives!
Granola is a great option for a make ahead snack or breakfast. It is stored at room temperature in an airtight container, making it easy to pack for travel. I’m a huge fan of oats, possibly evident from my apple cinnamon squares. Rich in fiber, oats are a heart-healthy food and inexpensive choice. Even if you’re a beginner, this homemade gluten free granola recipe is super easy!
Always set a timer.
Jenny McNabb
Basic Granola Recipe
- 2 cups whole oats
- 2 cups sliced almonds
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
Preheat your oven to 300 degrees. Line a pan with parchment paper. Mix all of your dry ingredients. Melt coconut oil in microwave. Add honey and whisk together. Keep this very warm, add vanilla and whisk. Coat your dry ingredients with this wet mixture by stirring well. Spread this into a thin, even layer taking up all the space on the pan. Bake for 25- 30 minutes. Remove from the oven when the edges begin to turn brown. Cool completely on a wire rack before breaking into pieces. Store in an airtight container.
Chai Vanilla *my favorite
Dry ingredients to add to basic recipe:
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
Additions after you’re baked:
- dried mixed fruit, mine is a blend of cranberries, golden raisins & red tart cherries
pistachio- apricot
Dry ingredients to add to basic recipe:
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 cup unsalted, shelled pistachios (swap for your almonds)
Additions after you’re baked:
- 1 cup dried apricots, diced medium
cashew- ginger
Dry ingredients to add to basic recipe:
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 cup raw cashews
Additions after you’re baked:
- 2/3 cup candied ginger, chopped medium
Spices to try:
- cinnamon
- ginger
- cardamom
- cloves
- allspice
- pumpkin spice
Other additions:
- any dried fruit, chopped
- chocolate, white chocolate or peanut butter chips
- shredded coconut
- pepitas, sunflower seeds, etc.
- any nut variety, I prefer unsalted
I’ve not tried it yet, but I even saw a granola recipe that uses peanut butter and a sprinkle-sprankle of chocolate chips. Yum! However you choose to make this your own, it will definitely cost you less than the preservative-filled options at the supermarket. My daughter and I enjoy granola with yogurt in the morning. My hubby likes to smash it a few handfuls at a time with a glass of milk. If you’re living your best life, I can imagine it goes divinely with some vanilla bean ice cream!
What’s in your favorite granola? Have you ever tried peanut butter granola with chocolate chips?