Granola is a pantry staple that is great as a yogurt or smoothie bowl topper, an extra to add to oatmeal or chocolate mousse, or even to eat plain as a nice snack when you hit the trails. Instead of buying a pre-made mix from the store, make your own using this basic maple granola recipe and jazz it up with some fun ingredients you may already have in your home!
Ingredients:
2 cups oats (I used Quakers Rolled Oats)
2 tbsp Maple Syrup (If you don't have maple syrup, honey or molasses works as well)
2 tbsp Coconut Oil or Olive Oil
3-4 tsp Cinnamon
2 tsp Vanilla extract
1 cup nuts : use whatever you have available! My favorite is pecans, but this time I only had cashews and almonds. Walnuts also work really well, especially when you add maple syrup or honey.
1 cup dried fruit: in this recipe I used craisins but golden raisins, dried blueberries or raspberries, mango, or coconut flakes all taste really good too.
(optional) 2 tbsp seeds: this time I used chia seeds but I've also made the recipe using hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or flax. This is optional, but adds some more good nutrients to the mix.
To make:
It's ridiculously easy. Combine all of the ingredients, altering flavor combinations to your liking. Once everything is well mixed, spread evenly on a baking sheet and pop it in the oven for 12-15 minutes at 375˚F. Stir halfway to avoid burning. Save in a glass jar or other reusable container and enjoy!
Maple granola with cinnamon and vanilla is definitely my favorite combination since it goes great with so many other flavors. My favorite quick and easy dessert is some (dairy free) vanilla yogurt, berries, and almond butter topped with this maple granola recipe. Another yummy combo is oatmeal with peanut butter, banana, and this granola with some additional chocolate chips.
If you want a savory taste, swap the cinnamon for paprika and garlic powder. More sweet? At the end when the granola has cooled throw in some chocolate chips and coconut flakes. Try out some of this pumpkin spice granola recipe if you're looking for some seasonal flair.