Traditional Crunchy Granola is the ultimate breakfast staple that never goes out of style. This recipe brings together wholesome ingredients to create a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with yogurt, milk, or just on its own. Perfect for a quick morning bite or a healthy snack throughout the day!
The backbone of this recipe is the rolled oats. They provide the main structure and a hearty texture. Sliced almonds and chopped pecans add a delightful nutty flavor and extra crunch. Shredded coconut introduces a hint of tropical sweetness. The blend of honey and olive oil acts as a natural binder, infusing the granola with moisture and flavor, while the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon elevate the sweetness with aromatic warmth. A pinch of salt balances the flavors, and finally, dried cranberries and raisins add chewy texture and bursts of fruity sweetness.
Serve this granola over Greek yogurt with fresh berries for a refreshing breakfast. For a more indulgent treat, sprinkle it over vanilla ice cream. It also pairs beautifully with almond milk or can be enjoyed as a crunchy snack all on its own. Consider layering it in a parfait for a visually stunning and delicious dessert!
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This temperature allows the granola to bake slowly, ensuring a perfect crunch without burning. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, sliced almonds, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut. Stir them together to ensure an even distribution of ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together the honey, olive oil, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until everything melds into a smooth liquid. This mixture will coat the dry ingredients, adding flavor and helping clusters form.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and use a spatula or your hands (yes, it’s a bit sticky, but worth it!) to mix until every bit is well-coated. Spread this mixture evenly over the prepared baking sheet, ensuring a single, even layer for uniform cooking.
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Remove it briefly to stir the granola, promoting even cooking and preventing edges from browning too quickly. Return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes, keeping an eye out for that perfect golden-brown hue. Once done, let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This step is crucial as it allows the granola to crisp up fully.
After cooling, stir in the dried cranberries and raisins. These are added at the end to keep them from hardening during the baking process. Transfer your granola to an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
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