California Granola
California Granola offers a delightful crunch with a hint of sweetness from brown sugar and honey, complemented by the nutty flavor of sunflower and coarsely chopped nuts. Perfect as a snack or breakfast cereal, it appeals to those seeking a wholesome, homemade treat packed with energy and flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except raisins and mix well.
- Spread the mixture onto an ungreased 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from the oven and stir in raisins.
- Spread onto an ungreased cookie sheet or aluminum foil; cool.
- Store in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, toast the oats and nuts separately before mixing them with the other ingredients. You can substitute the sunflower nuts with pumpkin seeds for a different flavor. If you prefer a sweeter granola, consider adding more honey or maple syrup. To make it vegan, replace the butter with coconut oil and use agave syrup instead of honey.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the granola with yogurt and fresh fruit for a satisfying breakfast or snack. It also pairs beautifully with Cinnamon French Toast for a delightful brunch. For a quick energy boost, enjoy it as a topping on smoothie bowls or mix it into trail mix for on-the-go snacking.
Storage & Reheating
Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator, where it can last up to a month. If you like it warm, simply reheat a portion in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of California Granola contains roughly 701 calories, with 15g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (49% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, you can use rolled oats instead of quick oats in this recipe. Rolled oats will provide a heartier texture and slightly different flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if necessary, as rolled oats may take a little longer to toast.
How can I make this granola gluten-free?
To make gluten-free granola, ensure that all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially the oats and any added nuts or seeds. Substitute wheat germ with ground flaxseed or additional oats to maintain texture while keeping it gluten-free.
What can I add to customize my granola?
You can add a variety of ingredients to customize your granola, such as dried fruits like cranberries or apricots, seeds like chia or flaxseeds, and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. For a chocolatey twist, mix in cocoa nibs or dark chocolate chips after baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).