Sunny Granola

Cook: 30 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Sunny Granola offers a crunchy, naturally sweet snack with nuts, dried fruit, and wholesome grains, perfect for breakfast or a quick energy boost for all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups quick or old fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup instant nonfat dry milk
  • 1/2 cup sunflower nuts
  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts
  • 1/2 cup wheat germ or unprocessed bran
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup raisins

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients, except raisins; mix well.
  2. Cook in an ungreased 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan at 325°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown; stir occasionally.
  3. Stir in raisins.
  4. Cool and store in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator.

Tips & Substitutions

For a nut-free version, you can substitute seeds such as pumpkin or more sunflower nuts in place of the coarsely chopped nuts. To enhance flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the mixture. If you prefer a less sweet granola, reduce the brown sugar or honey. This recipe is versatile, allowing for various ingredients based on your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this sunny granola as a breakfast cereal with milk or yogurt, or use it as a topping for smoothies and desserts. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or can be enjoyed as a quick snack on its own. For a delightful twist, try incorporating it into your favorite American recipes like Raisin Pecan Cake or sprinkle it over Pioneer Apple Butter Pie.

Storage & Reheating

Store the granola in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and crunch. It can last for up to two weeks. If you prefer, you can also freeze it in a sealed bag, where it can last for up to three months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before sealing.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sunny Granola contains roughly 934 calories, with 19g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (66% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

934 kcal 47% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 19.4g 39% DV
Total Fat 34.2g 44% DV
Carbs 146.5g 53% DV
Fiber 13.6g 49% DV
Sugar 57.6g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 197.1mg 9% DV
Potassium 787.5mg 17% DV
Cholesterol 60.6mg 20% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 21mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 2.1mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 142.6mg 11% DV
Iron 11.9mg 66% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 different types of nuts in this granola?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite nuts. Almonds, pecans, or walnuts can all work well in this recipe. Just ensure that the total amount of nuts remains the same to maintain the texture and flavor balance.

Is it possible to make this granola vegan?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan by substituting the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine and using maple syrup instead of honey. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious taste while keeping it plant-based.

How can I make my granola clumpier?

To achieve clumpier granola, try adding an extra tablespoon of honey or maple syrup and ensure that the mixture is well combined before baking. Pressing the mixture down in the pan before baking can also help create larger clusters.

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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