Crunchy Granola
Crunchy Granola offers a delightful blend of toasted oats, nuts, and optional dried fruits, making it a versatile and wholesome snack or breakfast topping. Its sweet, nutty flavor and crispy texture appeal to health-conscious individuals and those who enjoy homemade, customizable granola clusters.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir together the oats, wheat germ, bran, and chopped walnuts in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, water, vegetable oil, vanilla, and cinnamon, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well to combine.
- Divide the mixture evenly between two 9 x 13-inch baking pans.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 45 to 50 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even toasting.
- Remove from the oven and add raisins, coconut, sunflower seeds, or sesame seeds if desired.
- Allow the granola to cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
- Enjoy for weeks as a snack, topping, or breakfast addition.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider toasting the nuts before adding them to the mixture. You can substitute the vegetable oil with coconut oil for a hint of tropical taste. If you prefer a sweeter granola, increase the brown sugar or add honey. Feel free to mix in your favorite dried fruits or seeds for added texture and nutrition. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this crunchy granola as a snack on its own, or serve it with yogurt and fresh fruits for a nutritious breakfast. It pairs beautifully with Winter Cabbage Salad as a topping for crunch. You can also use it as a topping for smoothies or ice cream to add texture. Customize your serving by adding almond milk or your choice of plant-based milk.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled granola in airtight containers at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator or freezer in resealable bags. If you prefer warm granola, simply reheat it in the oven for a few minutes at a low temperature before serving. This will help restore its crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crunchy Granola contains roughly 3350 calories, with 23g protein, 322g carbohydrates, and 94g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (116% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and protein (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 704mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
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 substitute rolled oats for quick oats in this recipe. However, keep in mind that rolled oats may take a bit longer to bake and achieve the same crunchiness. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly to ensure the granola is to your desired texture.
Is this granola suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this granola can easily be made vegan by ensuring that all ingredients, such as the brown sugar, are vegan-friendly. Additionally, you can replace the vegetable oil with a neutral oil or melted coconut oil, and consider adding maple syrup for sweetness instead of brown sugar.
How can I make this granola gluten-free?
To make this granola gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free oats and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious and crunchy snack while adhering to a gluten-free diet.
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).