If you have a soft spot for breakfast treats that are both wholesome and irresistibly crunchy, then you are going to adore this Homemade Honey Granola with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of golden toasted oats, sweet honey, warming spices, and a delightful mix of nuts and dried fruit that makes every bite a little celebration for your taste buds. Whether you’re topping your yogurt, sprinkling over smoothie bowls, or just munching it by the handful, this granola brings so much joy and flavor without requiring any complicated ingredients or techniques.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Homemade Honey Granola with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role. The oats provide the hearty base and crunch, honey delivers natural sweetness and helps with that beautiful golden glaze, and the nuts offer texture and richness. The dried fruit adds bursts of chewiness and balance, while a warm hint of spices gives a cozy finish.
- Honey (â…” cup): Acts as a natural sweetener and helps the granola clump together beautifully during baking.
- Unsalted butter (8 tablespoons, melted): Adds a rich depth and helps toast the oats to perfection.
- Ground nutmeg (1¼ teaspoons): Provides a subtle warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Ground cinnamon (¾ teaspoon): Brings a familiar, comforting spice that pairs wonderfully with honey and nuts.
- Ground ginger (â…› teaspoon): Offers a gentle zing that enlivens the overall taste.
- Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet and spicy notes, balancing the flavors.
- Old fashioned rolled oats (5 cups): The hearty base of the granola, providing wholesome texture and fiber.
- Raisins (½ cup): Adds natural chewiness and sweetness without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Chopped pecans (½ cup): Give a buttery crunch that complements the oats beautifully.
- Sliced almonds (½ cup): Introduce a lighter, crisp texture with a mild nutty flavor.
- Chopped walnuts (½ cup): Impart earthiness and added crunch to each bite.
- Maple syrup (3 tablespoons): Enhances sweetness and helps coat the nuts and raisins with a glossy finish.
How to Make Homemade Honey Granola with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This initial setup saves you time and ensures even baking for your granola.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients and Spices
In a large bowl, combine the honey, melted butter, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and kosher salt. Whisk these ingredients together until fully blended. This mixture will infuse the oats with sweet, warm aromas and help create that irresistible golden color.
Step 3: Add the Oats and Coat Evenly
Pour in the rolled oats and stir thoroughly, making sure each oat flake is coated with the honey-spice mixture. This step is key for achieving granola that’s flavorful through and through instead of just on the surface.
Step 4: Bake with Care
Transfer the coated oats onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out evenly. Bake for about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to toast all sides evenly and prevent burning. You’ll know it’s ready when the oats turn a deep golden brown and fill your kitchen with a toasty, inviting aroma.
Step 5: Add the Nuts, Dried Fruit, and Maple Syrup
Once out of the oven, quickly transfer the warm oats back into your large bowl. Stir in the raisins, chopped pecans, sliced almonds, walnuts, and maple syrup until everything is evenly coated. Spread the mixture back on the baking sheet and allow it to cool completely. Cooling lets the clusters set and the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Homemade Honey Granola with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your homemade granola over creamy vanilla yogurt or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a delightful contrast of textures. Add fresh berries or a drizzle of honey on top to elevate the presentation and taste further. A little cinnamon dusting can also enhance the warm, comforting aroma.
Side Dishes
This granola is a fantastic accompaniment to morning fruit salads or smoothie bowls, lending a crunchy balance to the soft textures. Pair it with sliced bananas or apples to bring a wholesome, nutritious start to your day.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, layer your Homemade Honey Granola with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe in parfait glasses along with alternating layers of yogurt and fresh fruit. You can even use it as a topping for baked desserts like crisps or crumbles to add an unexpected crunch and flavor boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks, making it easy to enjoy as a quick snack or breakfast staple at any time.
Freezing
To keep your Homemade Honey Granola with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe extra fresh, you can freeze it in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
If you prefer your granola warm, you can gently toast it in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, and enjoy that fresh-baked crunch without making a new batch.
FAQs
Can I substitute the nuts in this Homemade Honey Granola with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap pecans, walnuts, or almonds for your favorite nuts like cashews, pistachios, or hazelnuts. This will change the flavor and texture slightly, but that’s part of the fun.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use certified gluten-free rolled oats to keep it safe for those avoiding gluten. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How sweet is this Homemade Honey Granola with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe?
The honey and maple syrup provide a natural and balanced sweetness without being overpowering, making the granola delicious on its own or paired with less sweet foods.
Can I add other dried fruits?
Definitely! Dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or cherries all make wonderful additions. Just add them after baking to maintain their chewiness.
What’s the best way to get crunchy clusters in my granola?
Make sure to stir the oats during baking but not too often, and press the oats lightly when spreading on the baking sheet after adding the maple syrup. This helps create those delightful clusters.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making your own kitchen staple from scratch, and this Homemade Honey Granola with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe brings that joy straight to your table. It’s not only delicious and heartwarming but also incredibly versatile. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new go-to snack and breakfast hero!
Print
Homemade Honey Granola with Nuts and Dried Fruit Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 8 â…” cups
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Granola with Honey is a warm, crunchy, and flavorful treat perfect for breakfast or snacking. Made with rolled oats, nuts, raisins, and a blend of honey, butter, and warming spices, this granola is baked to golden perfection and lightly sweetened with maple syrup. It’s easy to make and customizable, offering a wholesome and satisfying option that can be enjoyed with yogurt, milk, or on its own.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- â…” cup honey
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
Dry Ingredients
- 1¼ teaspoons ground nutmeg
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- â…› teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 5 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch lipped baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Mix Honey and Butter with Spices: In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey, melted unsalted butter, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and kosher salt. Stir well to create a smooth, fragrant liquid mixture.
- Coat the Oats: Add the rolled oats to the bowl and stir thoroughly until all the oats are evenly coated with the honey-butter-spice mixture. This ensures every bite has flavor.
- Bake the Granola: Spread the coated oats evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Place in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, stirring the oats every 10 minutes to promote even browning and prevent burning. The granola should turn a deep golden brown when done.
- Add Nuts, Raisins, and Maple Syrup: Remove the granola from the oven and immediately transfer it back into the large bowl. Add the raisins, chopped pecans, sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, and drizzle with maple syrup. Mix everything well so the nuts and raisins are coated and incorporated evenly.
- Cool Down: Spread the granola back out on the baking sheet and allow it to cool completely. When cooled, the granola will crisp up, ready for serving or storage.
Notes
- You can substitute nuts based on preference or availability; walnuts, almonds, and pecans work well together.
- Store cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- For added texture and nutrition, consider mixing in seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds after baking.
- This granola pairs beautifully with plain or flavored yogurt, milk, or fresh fruit.
- Stirring every 10 minutes during baking is critical to avoid burning and to achieve even toasting.
