Homemade Almond & Peanut Granola
Ditch the sugar-laden store-bought options with this wholesome homemade granola, featuring a satisfying blend of almonds and peanuts, lightly sweetened with maple syrup for a perfect crunchy topping.
For 10 servings
Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Line a large baking sheet (approximately 13x18 inches) with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
In a very large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, chopped peanuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, ground cinnamon, and fine sea salt. Toss everything together until well distributed.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
Pour the wet ingredient mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Using a sturdy spatula or your hands, mix thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated. Ensure there are no dry spots at the bottom of the bowl.
Transfer the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out into an even layer, pressing down lightly with the back of your spatula to encourage clusters to form.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring the granola gently halfway through the baking time (around 15-18 minutes) to promote even browning. The granola should be lightly golden brown and fragrant.
Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow the granola to cool completely, undisturbed, on the baking sheet. This is crucial for achieving those desirable crunchy clusters.
Once fully cooled (this can take 1-2 hours), break the granola into desired clusters with your hands. Transfer the homemade granola to an airtight container.
Store the granola at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2-3 weeks. Enjoy it with yogurt, milk, fresh fruit, or as a standalone snack.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For bigger clusters, avoid stirring the granola after it comes out of the oven until it has completely cooled. Pressing it down firmly before baking also helps.
- 2Always use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant or quick-cooking oats, as they hold their shape better and provide a superior chewy-crisp texture.
- 3Ensure your coconut oil is fully melted and your maple syrup is at room temperature to ensure they combine smoothly and coat the dry ingredients evenly.
- 4Customize your sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet granola, you can reduce the maple syrup by 1/4 cup, but be aware it might affect the cluster formation slightly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Nut & Seed Swap
Substitute almonds and peanuts with other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or cashews. Add flax seeds, chia seeds, or sesame seeds for extra nutrition and texture.
Dried Fruit AdditionDried Fruit Addition
Stir in 1/2 to 1 cup of your favorite dried fruits (cranberries, raisins, chopped apricots, or cherries) AFTER the granola has cooled completely to prevent them from burning or becoming too hard.
Chocolate GranolaChocolate Granola
Once the granola is completely cool, mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or cacao nibs for a delicious chocolatey twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Oats are an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber, promoting digestive health, regulating blood sugar levels, and contributing to a feeling of fullness.
Healthy Fats & Protein
Almonds, peanuts, and seeds provide healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, along with plant-based protein, which are crucial for heart health, energy, and muscle repair.
Nutrient-Dense
This granola is packed with essential vitamins and minerals from the nuts, seeds, and oats, including magnesium, zinc, iron, and B vitamins, supporting overall bodily functions.
Frequently asked questions
To achieve large clusters, ensure you press the granola down firmly onto the baking sheet before baking. Most importantly, do not stir the granola at all after it comes out of the oven; let it cool completely and undisturbed on the baking sheet before breaking it apart.
