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Go ahead and toss those boxes of processed, nutrient-deficient cereal that you’ve got in the pantry now because once you try this wholesome, homemade granola, you’re not gonna want to go back! This crunchy granola is something that I always try to keep stocked in the pantry because it’s such an easy and delicious breakfast for a busy morning. Just throw it in a bowl with some plant-based milk or yogurt and add some fresh berries and you’ve got yourself a protein-and-nutrient-packed meal to fuel you through the start of your day.
Below is an informational list of ingredients and step-by-step guide to making this crunchy granola, with a full recipe summary and measurements at the bottom of the page.
Let’s talk about the ingredients and their benefits:
- Oats: These fantastic whole grains are incredibly beneficial and for our health. Oats are among the most nutrient-dense foods available to us and have been found to lower cholesterol and decrease your risk of heart disease due to all the nutrients, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals they provide us with. We are recommended to consume three servings of whole grains per day, so oats are an excellent source to meet your daily requirements!
- Chia seeds, Sesame seeds, & Pumpkin seeds: Seeds are a very important component of a healthy diet and have been shown to have fantastic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects. They are rich in lignans (chia and sesame seeds especially), which are compounds that have anti-estrogenic effects that help protect against breast and prostate cancer.
- Walnuts, Almonds: Nuts are another essential element of a healthy diet and like seeds, their phytochemicals have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. They are the most excellent source of healthy fats and may even help to reduce weight because they are so satiating and help to suppress your appetite.
- Raisins: When eaten in moderation, these dried grapes are another great source of antioxidants and other nutrients that can help to reduce your risk of cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
- Shredded coconut: Coconut is an amazing fruit that provides a wide range of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects, as well as blood sugar control.
- Apple: Like many other fruits, apples are loaded with fiber and antioxidants, specifically polyphenols and help to lower your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. They also contain pectin, which is great for promoting a healthy gut.
- Banana: Along with many of the benefits listed from the fruits above, this amazing fruit helps to lower blood pressure and is rich in the antioxidant lectin, which lowers the risk of cancer.
- Almond butter: Considering it’s made from only almonds and oil, almond butter will provide similar benefits to raw nuts, but with a more concentrated fat content. So, like seed oils, it should be consumed in moderation.
- Maple syrup: You may be surprised to hear that maple syrup actually contains lots of antioxidants and other nutrients and is on of the best options when it comes to plant-based sweeteners. Just be sure to use it in moderation to avoid consuming too much sugar!
- Vanilla extract: Composed of a the compound vanillin, may have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidative effects.
- Cinnamon: This powerful spice contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Cinnamon is anti-inflammatory, loaded with antioxidants, and also has been shown to help regulate and lower blood sugar and decrease risk of heart disease.
- Nutmeg: Another beneficial spice that adds a cozy, warming flavor to anything it’s added to. Nutmeg also contains strong anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that promote health and decrease risk of disease.
Pro tip: Did you know it’s super easy to make your own vanilla extract? Just stick 4-5 beans in an 8 oz. amber jar and fill it with vodka. Let it sit for 6 months and shake it regularly, then you’ve got yourself some homemade pure vanilla extract! It’s actually way cheaper this way too and makes a great holiday gift! Here’s a link to the vanilla beans and jars that I use –> Vanilla Beans, Amber Glass Jars
Step 1:
Start off by preheating your oven to 225°F. Then, go ahead and make the almond butter mixture that will be added to the granola ingredients. Grab your blender and throw in the apple, banana, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Blend this until it’s smooth and creamy and set aside.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. This will include the oats, all the chopped nuts, seeds and the dried fruit. Pour in the almond butter mixture and mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.
Side note: These ingredients can easily be substituted with whatever nuts, seeds and fruit you may have available or prefer! Just use the same amount of oats and nut butter mixture, other than that you can really create your own version!
Step 3:
Spread the mixture out between two baking sheets lined with silicone mats or parchment paper. You want to make sure to spread it evenly so there is a nice thin layer of granola on each sheet.
Step 4:
Bake for 25 minutes and toss halfway through.
After that it’s ready to munch on! You can store this granola in a air-tight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. I like to enjoy it with some plant-based milk or yogurt and fresh fruit. It’s a great option for meal prep or take it along for a quick breakfast or snack on hikes or camping trips. The possibilities are endless! I really hope you like this recipe, and I’d love to hear what creations you come up with if you choose to substitute any ingredients. Leave a comment below and please share this recipe with friends if you enjoy it!
Homemade Wholesome Granola
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1 apple
- 1 banana
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups oats
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup walnuts chopped
- 1/2 cup almonds chopped
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/3 cup coconut shredded
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 225°F.
- To a blender, add almond butter, apple, banana, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt. Blend until smooth.
- Add all remaining ingredients to a large bowl and combine with blended almond butter mixture. Mix well.
- Line two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper. Spread half the granola mixture onto one sheet and the other half on the other, making sure it's evenly dispersed.
- Bake for 25 minutes, tossing halfway through.
