I know there are plenty of granola/muesli options out there. But here’s the thing: it’s SO EASY and affordable to make big batches of your own!
I love to make personalized mixes of your own depending on which fruits are in season.
It’s also just nice to know EXACTLY what’s going into each batch, considering how much excess sugar and/or preservatives are usually added to store-bought options.
I’ll include a variety of options for ingredients that you can play around with based on your liking, as well as your budget.
Ingredients
MUST NEEDS:
-Whole Rolled Oats
*make sure NOT to use steel cut and/or instant oats
*we used Quinoa Flakes instead of oats as a healthier option, but this is a bit pricier
-Coconut Oil
-Maple Syrup
*if you’re not fussed about keeping it vegan, you can use honey instead, or a combo of both
EXTRAS:
-Sliced Almonds
*or any nuts of your choice
-Pumpkin Seeds, Chia Seeds, and Shelled Hemp Seeds
*or any seeds of your choice
-Dried Fruit of your choice
*strong suggest getting something WITHOUT added sugar
-Vanilla Extract
-Cinnamon
-Nutmeg
Instructions
MIX:
– 3 Cups of Whole Rolled Oats (or Quinoa Flakes)
– 1/2 Cup of Maple Syrup
– 4 tablespoons Coconut Oil
ADD:
– 1 Cup of Sliced Almonds
– 1 Cup Pumpkin Seeds
– 1/4 Cup Shelled Hemp Seeds
– 2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract
– Cinnamon & Nutmeg to your liking
PREPARE:
-Preheat oven to 150 C (300 F)
-Use non-stick baking paper to ensure mixture doesn’t get stuck to pan.
-Spread mixture THINLY onto baking tray to ensure it cooks all the way through.
-If you have small trays, you may need to use more than one.
-Pat firmly if you prefer chunky granola
BAKE:
-Bake for about 10 minutes
-It’s tricky to know when the granola is done, because it won’t fully harden until it cools.
-Even if it’s still sticky/moist, but it cooked maple syrup/honey, then it’s probably done.
-I usually bake for about 10 – 13 minutes only.
FINAL TOUCHES:
-Let granola cool
-Once cooled, add chia seeds and dried fruits
*if you add dried fruit before you bake, it might get too sticky
Serve:
Naturally, you can eat as is. But, there are tons of options you can add this yummy mixture to, as well. Below are a few of my go-to dishes.
FAVORITES:
-Serve with coconut and/or nut milk as a cereal substitute
-Add on Smoothie bowls (for extra crunch!)
-Eat with Coconut yogurt
-Combine with Chia Pudding (make your own!)
-Include in a Breakfast Parfait (make your own!)
-Eat with fresh fruit
-Snack on it as it is!