Cinnamon Granola: A Cozy, Crunchy Breakfast Delight
Granola is a breakfast staple that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you enjoy it with yogurt, milk, or as a topping for smoothies, cinnamon granola offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The warm flavor of cinnamon combined with the crunch of oats and nuts makes for an irresistible treat, perfect for starting your day or enjoying as a healthy snack.
In this article, we’ll share a simple and tasty cinnamon granola recipe that you can make at home, along with tips for customizing it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
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Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
Making cinnamon granola at home is easy, and the result is a deliciously crunchy and aromatic treat. Here’s the simple recipe for you to try.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 1/2 cup nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans), roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or a mix)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted) or vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/4 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil), honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir well to ensure everything is coated. The oats and nuts should be evenly coated in the cinnamon-sweet mixture.
- Spread on the Baking Sheet: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out in an even layer. For extra crunch, press the granola down lightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown and fragrant. Keep an eye on it toward the end to prevent burning.
- Cool and Add Dried Fruit (Optional): Once the granola is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. If desired, stir in the dried fruit once the granola has cooled.
- Serve and Enjoy: Store the cinnamon granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Serve it with yogurt, milk, or enjoy it by the handful as a snack.
Advanced Techniques for Perfecting Cinnamon Granola
To make your cinnamon granola even better, here are some advanced tips for customization and achieving that perfect crunchy texture.
Use a Mix of Oats and Quinoa
For extra protein and crunch, consider adding quinoa or amaranth to your granola. Simply toast the quinoa with the oats and nuts in the oven to give it a nutty flavor. This will make your granola more filling and even more nutritious.
Add Coconut Flakes for Texture and Flavor
For added texture and a tropical flavor, stir in unsweetened shredded coconut into your granola mix before baking. Coconut pairs wonderfully with cinnamon and adds a lovely chewiness to the finished granola.
Maple Syrup for a Richer Flavor
If you want a deeper, more complex sweetness, substitute honey with maple syrup. Maple syrup adds a rich, caramel-like flavor that enhances the warmth of the cinnamon.
Perfect the Crunch with a Longer Bake
To get your granola extra crunchy, you can bake it a little longer (5-10 minutes more), stirring occasionally to ensure even baking. Just be careful not to burn it—granola can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly!
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Once you’ve made your cinnamon granola, proper storage is key to keeping it fresh and crispy.
Storage Tips
Store your homemade granola in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. Glass jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work best. Granola will keep well at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you’ve added dried fruit, try to consume it within a week for the best texture.
Freezing Granola
Granola can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply place it in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag, and label it with the date. To enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature for a few hours.
Refreshing Stale Granola
If your granola starts to lose its crunch over time, you can refresh it by spreading it out on a baking sheet and toasting it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes. This will bring back its crispiness.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Cinnamon granola is highly customizable to suit a variety of dietary needs. Here are some easy substitutions and adaptations:
Vegan Granola
The recipe is already vegan if you use maple syrup instead of honey and coconut oil instead of butter. Just make sure that any add-ins, such as dried fruit or chocolate, are also vegan.
Gluten-Free Granola
For a gluten-free version, ensure that you use certified gluten-free oats. Many oats are processed in facilities that also handle gluten, so checking the packaging is important if you’re making the granola for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Nut-Free Granola
If you need a nut-free version, simply skip the nuts and replace them with additional seeds, such as sunflower seeds or chia seeds. You can also add some crispy rice cereal to maintain the crunch.
Low-Sugar or Sugar-Free Granola
For a lower-sugar version, reduce the amount of maple syrup or honey, or use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. You can also use unsweetened dried fruit like raisins or apricots for sweetness without added sugar.
FAQs About Cinnamon Granola
Can I make cinnamon granola without honey or maple syrup?
Yes, if you prefer to avoid liquid sweeteners, you can use brown sugar or coconut sugar as a dry sweetener. Just make sure to melt it with the coconut oil before mixing it with the dry ingredients.
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
It’s best to use rolled oats (also known as old-fashioned oats) because they hold their shape better when baked and result in a crunchier texture. Instant oats are more finely processed and may become too soft when baked.
How can I make granola clusters?
To create larger granola clusters, press the mixture down firmly before baking, and avoid stirring it too often. Let the granola cool completely before breaking it into large clusters.
Can I add chocolate to my granola?
Absolutely! If you love chocolate with your granola, try stirring in some dark chocolate chips or cocoa nibs after the granola has baked and cooled. This will add a rich, indulgent flavor to your crunchy granola.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
This cinnamon granola recipe is an easy, delicious, and customizable breakfast option that’s perfect for meal prep or a quick snack. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a crunchy, flavorful granola that pairs wonderfully with yogurt, milk, or simply eaten by the handful. Whether you prefer to add dried fruit, nuts, or even a touch of chocolate, the possibilities for flavor combinations are endless.
By following this recipe and using the tips for customization, you can create a granola that fits your dietary needs and taste preferences. Best of all, it’s a wholesome, homemade option that’s far better than anything you’ll find in a store!