Quick Granola
A crunchy, sweet, and nutty granola perfect for breakfast or snacking, featuring oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, with optional granola bar variation for versatile treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix quick oats, wheat germ, raisins, chopped almonds, chopped pecans, sunflower seeds, and coconut.
- Add vegetable oil and honey to the mixture and blend until moistened.
- Spread the mixture on two ungreased 15 x 10-inch pans.
- Bake in a 300°F oven for 20 minutes, stirring once during baking.
- Allow the granola to cool.
- To make granola squares, beat together 1/2 cup oleo, brown sugar, and honey.
- Add the beaten mixture to the cooled granola mixture and combine well.
- Spread the mixture in a greased 13x9x2-inch pan and press down firmly.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes.
- Let the mixture cool; it will be soft in the center but will firm when cooled.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option or use agave nectar. If you prefer a different nut, walnuts or cashews work well too. Make sure to stir the granola halfway through baking to ensure even toasting and avoid burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the granola plain, or pair it with yogurt and fresh fruits for a wholesome breakfast. It also makes a delightful topping for smoothies or oatmeal. For a fun twist, try serving it alongside Maggie'S Special Salad for a crunchy contrast or as a snack on its own between meals.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing it in a resealable bag. When ready to enjoy, you can eat it straight from the container or warm it slightly in the oven to restore some crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Granola contains roughly 626 calories, with 25g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), protein (50% of the Daily Value), and iron (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. It also contributes 15g 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 make this granola recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free oats to make this granola gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the nuts and seeds, are certified gluten-free as well. This way, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious granola without any gluten concerns.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the granola?
To adjust the sweetness, simply reduce the amount of honey or substitute it with a less sweet option like coconut sugar. You can also add more dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for natural sweetness. Taste the mixture before baking to find your preferred level of sweetness.
Is it possible to make granola clusters?
Yes, to create granola clusters, press the mixture tightly into the baking pan before baking. This helps the granola stick together. After baking, let it cool completely before breaking it into clusters. Adjusting the fat content slightly can also help achieve the desired cluster size.
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).