Fruit and Nut Granola

Homemade granola is so much better than packaged granola, hands down! This Fruit and Nut Granola recipe was one of my mother-in-law’s favorites. She loved granola. We often would exchange different recipes, but this one was always the go-to granola recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a tried and true recipe that has been made easily over 100 times over the past couple of years.

This delicious granola recipe is one that I’ve made for different gatherings and events. It doubles and triples easily. Several times I have made about 5 gallons on this recipe for a large bunches that we have hosted. I’ve also given away as gifts for birthdays and holidays.

Ingredients for Fruit and Nut Granola

• Old fashioned oats: 3 cups of whole, old-fashioned oats.
• Hemp Seeds: 1/4 cup of hemp seeds. According to the Cleveland Clinic, hemp seeds are one of the healthiest seeds to consume as they are high in antioxidants and Omega-3’s (healthy fats).
• Flax Seeds: 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed. Flaxseed is high in lignans, which is a type of anti-oxidant that has anti-inflammatory properties. Flaxseed is also high in dietary fiber.
• Dried fruit: 1 1/2 cups of chopped dried fruit such as, dried pineapple, apricots, mango, or cantaloupe.
• Cashews: 1 cup of whole unsalted cashews.
• Sliced almonds: 1/2 cup of sliced almonds.
• Sunflower seeds: 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds. I generally use unsalted seeds. If I cannot find unsalted then I use lightly salted. If all I can find in the grocery store is salted, then I will rinse the sunflower seeds to remove excess salt.
• Pumpkin seeds: 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds. Same as with sunflower seeds, I use unsalted or lightly salted. Or I will rinse the seeds if all I find is salted.
• Coconut oil: 1/2 cup coconut melted. I put mine in a glass bowl and microwave for about 10-20 seconds to melt the coconut oil.
• Maple syrup: 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup. Use real maple syrup (pure) which has a lower glycemic content and contains vitamins and minerals. Versus pancake or cabin syrup which contains artificial flavor and sweeteners. 
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. See this recipe for how to make your own Vanilla Extract. You will never buy store-bought again!

How to Make Homemade Granola

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, dried fruit, nuts and seeds.
• In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
• Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Stir until oat mixture is coated evenly.
• Spread mixture onto prepared baking sheet.
• Place in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Stir the granola and place back in the oven for 10 more minutes, or until slightly golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before storing.

Storage

Store homemade granola in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 30 days. For best results, use within 2 weeks. Homemade granola can also be stored in the freezer for 3-6 months for longer storage. 

Ways to Serve

• Yogurt Parfaits – Make yogurt parfait by adding yogurt mixed with chia seeds to a mason jar and topping with this Fruit and Nut Granola with some fresh berries. 
• Smoothie Bowls – Add to your favorite smoothie bowl topped with fresh fruit. 
• Or for an easy breakfast – simply enjoy in a cereal bowl with milk of choice such as, almond milk, or oat milk and top with fresh fruit.

Making your own granola is so fun and easy. As I said above, this recipe is tried and true! I hope you enjoy this healthy homemade granola recipe as much as we do! 

Other Breakfast Recipes You Might Enjoy

Other breakfast recipes you might like to try: Granola with Coconut and Cranberries, Beet Waffles, and Healthy Overnight Oats.

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