Once you’ve made your own homemade granola, you’ll most likely never think about buying it from the stores again. You probably have all the ingredients in your pantry already and it’s so quick to do. I’m hooked and happy with this assembly of good ingredients and really liked the sweetness with the subtle saltiness from the sea salt and the cranberries slight tang.
Granola with add-ins that are hard (like hard raisins) are less appealing. Mix the add-ins, in after the granola has completely cooled to prevent them from drying out and causing an unwelcome texture.
There are so many things you can do with granola…even better because it’s homemade. I’d enjoy your sharing how you use granola and other add-ins that would take it over the top in taste and healthfulness.
- Sprinkled on yogurt or on top of ice cream.
- Include it in your next batch of oatmeal cookies. Substitute some of the oatmeal for this finished granola.
- Sprinkle or serve alongside fresh fruit for breakfast, brunch or an afternoon snack.
- Add as a layer to parfaits.
- Include them in a small plastic bag with a spoon for munching.
- Increased the amount of pecans used by a 1/4 cup.
- Added dried cranberries for a great contrast with the sweet and salty.
- Other add-in variations that would be fantastic: dried cherries, dried blueberries, bits of dried apricots (coarsely chop dried apricots), raisins (golden or dark).
- Adding some lightly toasted shredded coconut would be a great add-in.
- For a sweet treat: add mini-chocolate chips.
- Add Banana chips.
- Mix the add-ins after you’ve baked the oats-pecan mixture to avoid drying them out.
- Other honey flavor variations would be a fantastic treatment on the underlying flavor.
- If you have silicon baking mats, use them instead of parchment (save your parchment paper for better things). I tried it on both and it doesn’t adversely affect the baking mats.
- After pulling the granola from the oven, as soon as you are able to remove the baking mat/parchment paper from the baking pan (without burning yourself), lift the mat/paper out of the pan and move away from the hot pan. Continue to completely cool the granola. If you leave it on the warm pan, it may dry out the granola.
Makes about 4 1/2 cups
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1 3/4 cups pecans, coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
3/4 cup dried cranberries or other add-ins
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a large bowl, combine oats, pecans, butter, honey and salt – evenly distribute and coat well.
Transfer to a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and spread out in an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes then remove from the oven. Stir and turn over the granola to get the bake the underside. Return to the oven for another 15 minutes (total baking time will be about 30 minutes).
Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet (see my note above about removing from baking pan). Add cranberries or any other add-ins once it has cooled completely.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 weeks (however, you’ll finish it way before then).
Jacqueline says
This is by far my favorite granola recipe. I somehow forgot to “favorite” it and searched Foodgawker endlessly just to find it again. I’ve made it 3 or 4 times now and its adaptability never gets old. Thanks for the great recipe! 🙂
newbie to homemade granola says
i just made this and it turned out DEEEELICIOUS!!! only changes would be to decrease the salt a touch but otherwise this was so easy!! i omitted the butter and wouldn’t have known it called for it. next time i’m going to do vanilla almond blueberry and add some flax seeds too!
newbie to homemade granola says
i also added some orange zest to this and it gave it an amazing kick
Imwaytoobusy says
I don’t know how I missed this post! I am a sucker for granola. I will have to try this out. Looks gorgeous! Anything with cranberries is a winner 😉
Magic of Spice says
I do enjoy granola with my morning yogurt…my mom used to make granola at home frequently, but I have never tried it. You are correct it does seem simple and much better fresh 🙂
Medifast Coupons says
Very nice granola recipe, love the tips, thanks.
droolfactor says
I totally agree…there’s no better substitute than homemade granola. I love the idea of adding cranberries! My all time favourite combination is homemade almond granola, vanilla yogurt, shredded apple and pomegranate. Yum!
Cristina - Teenie Cakes says
Mmmm shredded apples and pomegranate – that sounds delish! Thanks droolfactor. 🙂
torviewtoronto says
yummy breakfast
Lisa { AuthenticSuburbanGourmet } says
This has long been on my list of things to make! Your recipe has all of my favorites. I have book marked to make. Hope you have a brilliant Sunday!
RKM says
This looks delicious! I love the addition of cranberry’s to it, I bet in gives a great tartness. Thank you for making this look so easy, once you make your own, I bet you will never buy store bought again. Have a great week. Great Photo’s.
Cristina - Teenie Cakes says
Hi RKM: You’re right – won’t be buying it in the stores – there’s no need to when I can make it at home and it tastes so fresh!
Kristi Rimkus says
No preservatives and lots of healthy ingredients. I like the simplicity of your recipe. I’ve tried other recipes that just didn’t appeal to me – they required too many ingredients and too much work. This would be great in yogurt, as a cereal. Topping baked apples. I can think of all kinds of uses. Have a wonderful Sunday!
Kristi
Cristina - Teenie Cakes says
Hi Kristi: I luved this recipe…it was so quick and versatile. I had no shame shoveling spoonfuls of this in my mouth. I sprinkled it on yogurt and ice cream. I’m making more tomorrow. I’ve already warned Hubbs that it will be a staple in the pantry from now on. 😉
Victor @ RandomCuisine says
I made granola bars last week and tasted so good. Mine was a raisin, dry peaches and cranberries. Great for everyday snack!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says
Storebought granola tends to be so expensive at the stores, but it’s so inexpensive to make at home! This looks wonderful, Cristina, and I love the combo of pecans and cranberries – perfect for winter! I’m imagining topping some yogurt with this, or just drizzling it with honey for a healthy snack. Mmmm! Thanks for sharing. I hope you have a great weekend.
Liren says
How timely! I just wrote a post on apple crisp using granola, but have admitted to never attempting to make my own! Okay, perhaps this should be a resolution for me for 2011. For someone who loves granola so much, I really must get over my fear of making homemade granola 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration!
Kori says
I love the simplicity of this recipe and totally agree about not wanting store-bought granola after making your own. Also, I LOVE your idea of adding granola to a batch of oatmeal cookies! Genius! 😉 Happy Saturday!
Angie's Recipes says
You have me at homemade granola! I love the combination.
MaryMoh says
I think I already feel heathy just looking at this 😀 It looks really good even as a snack while reading.