Real Good Granola

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A hearty, naturally sweet granola packed with oats, seeds, nuts, and dried fruit, perfect for breakfast or snacking, appealing to health-conscious and flavor-loving eaters.

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Ingredients

  • 5 lb oatmeal
  • 2 c oil
  • 1 qt jar applesauce
  • 2 Tbsp vanilla
  • 1 box golden raisins
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.75 to 1 c raw sesame seed
  • 1 c sunflower seed
  • 2 c coconut
  • 1 to 2 c pecans or other nuts of choice

Instructions

  1. Place oatmeal, oil, jar applesauce, and vanilla in an Osterizer and blend until well combined.
  2. Pour the mixture into a large bowl and add remaining ingredients except raisins.
  3. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
  4. Spread the mixture onto cookie sheets and sprinkle with cinnamon or drizzle honey over the top.
  5. Bake at 300° to 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes.
  6. Reduce oven temperature to 150°F and bake for an additional 6 to 8 hours.
  7. Remove from oven and add raisins to the granola.

Tips & Substitutions

For a touch of sweetness, feel free to substitute honey for some of the oil. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts and add more seeds. To enhance flavor, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. For a crunchy texture, toast the oats before mixing them with wet ingredients. You can also use Uncle Kevin'S Applesauce(Kids Recipe) for added sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the granola as a breakfast cereal with milk or yogurt, or enjoy it as a snack on its own. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruits like berries or bananas for added flavor and nutrition. You can also use it as a topping for smoothie bowls or blend it into a trail mix with chocolate chips. For a delightful treat, try it with Peachy Chutney.

Storage & Reheating

Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate it, which can extend its shelf life to about a month. If you prefer to reheat, simply spread the granola on a baking sheet and warm it in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to regain its crispness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Real Good Granola contains roughly 1596 calories, with 26g protein, 180g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (96% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), and protein (53% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 755mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).

1596 kcal 80% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 26.3g 53% DV
Total Fat 97.7g 100% DV
Carbs 180.2g 66% DV
Fiber 19.2g 69% DV
Sugar 111.9g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 755.3mg 33% DV
Potassium 1881.4mg 40% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 311.2mcg 35% DV
Vitamin C 6.1mg 7% DV
Calcium 366.3mg 28% DV
Iron 17.3mg 96% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Tree nuts Sesame

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 gluten-free?

Yes, to make this granola gluten-free, simply ensure that the oats you use are certified gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free oats that are processed in dedicated facilities to avoid cross-contamination.

How do I make this recipe less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness of the granola, you can cut back on the amount of applesauce and oil used. Alternatively, you could also skip the raisins or choose unsweetened coconut flakes to lower the overall sugar content while still enjoying a delicious granola.

What can I substitute for sunflower seeds?

If you need a substitute for sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds (pepitas) work well and provide a similar crunch. Alternatively, you can use chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the quantity to maintain the balance of the recipe.

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).

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