I’ve struggled for years to make a granola I genuinely like. I’ve made plenty too. Some from recipes, some from my own inventions. I find they are either too crunchy, too dry or too sweet. I can’t win!! I’m also all about texture, which makes me incredibly opinionated when it comes to meals like this one.
I finally have one I like. My husband likes it too, and that’s saying something!
I was inspired by the idea of toasting the oats and nuts for a good amount of time before adding in the sweetener. That made total sense to me, and was worth trying.
I tried it on a morning I had to wake up early. I’m literally sleep training myself to get back on the kids’ school schedule before they go back next week. 😂 I measured the oats with the nuts and sprinkled them on the baking tray.
While they were toasting, I mixed together the maple syrup with the butter and seasonings.
I pulled out the granola and poured it into a medium sized bowl. Then I drizzled the seasoned syrup over it and stir it until combined.
I put a piece of parchment paper on the same tray that had just been used for toasting. Then I scooped out the granola onto the parchment paper and cooked for another 7 minutes.
After it cooled, I broke it up into granola pieces and put it in a Tupperware to store for mornings I know I’ll be rushed. Like say, the next few weeks as we transition into school!!
Easy Breakfast Ideas
I also have a conference coming up and wanted to have some quick and healthy options I could easily pack and take with me.
You need some quick and easy breakfasts in your life! Make my waffles on a weekend and freeze them! They are so simple to heat up for 30 seconds and take on the go. Oh and just so ya know, the recipe calls for a little bit of butter and maple syrup, so I end to eat these try and still feel they are sweet enough. One of my kids (and my husband) eats them as a waffle peanut butter sandwich too.
Another great option are these applesauce oatmeal muffins. They freeze well too. I like to make mine in the evening, freeze them and pull them out a couple at a time in the mornings. I can easily grab 4 muffins, microwave them for 20 seconds and get the kids in the car and go. All while knowing they are getting a great meal to start their day-even if I’m in a hurry.
This granola will store in a sealed container for 2-3 weeks. It is a great time saver in the mornings! I love it over a bowl of almond milk.
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten free oats
- 1/4 cup cashews
- 1/4 cup almonds
- 1/4 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tsp butter or ghee, softened or even melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°.
- Toast the oats and nuts by placing them on a baking trap for 15 minutes, flipping once.
- Remove from the oven a pour the granola mixture into a large bowl.
- Add in the raisins and pour the wet ingredients over it. Stir completely.
- Line the same baking tray with parchment paper.
- Pour granola onto the parchment paper and bake for 5-7 more minutes.
- Allow to cool, then break apart into pieces.
I hope you enjoy this homemade granola. It will save you so much time in the mornings!