Vegan Crunchy Granola
I’m a big fan of granola, especially when it’s homemade! There’s just so much you can add, that it can be different every time – you’re guaranteed to find flavours that you like. For me, a nutty granola is the best of the best… it just feels healthy! I find that it’s perfect served in a yoghurt pot (I have a recipe here) with fresh fruit… you can practically feel all the goodness. Whats’s great, is you can add as many additional nuts and seeds as you’d like, or swap out some that I’ve used if they’re not to your preference.
This granola is crunchy, full of flavour, not too sweet, but sweet enough that you don't need any extra syrup when you eat it. All the nuts and seeds hold their flavour and can be tasted in every bite. With only one bowl and a baking tray needed, this granola requires no fancy equipment... and what's better? It can be made in less than an hour! Granola really is such an easy breakfast to make!
Can I add fruit?
You definitely can, dried fruit will be a great addition to this granola! Once the granola is baked and out of the oven, it will need to be left to one side to cool and harden. That's when you'll want to add the dried fruit, carefully stirring it into the granola, until it's as evenly distributed as possible.
What syrup should I use?
I have made granola using various maple syrups and both light and dark agave syrups... they have all had the same outcome with taste and texture. The only difference is the colour; if you use a lighter syrup the granola will be lighter and if you use a darker syrup it will be darker and more golden. If you use a darker syrup make sure you keep an eye on it in the oven, as it may be harder to see when it's cooked, as the colour is a little darker already.
Can I use different nuts and seeds?
Of course. If there's nuts and seeds that you prefer, like pecans for example, then you can always pop them in or replace those in the recipe. You may want to add a little more coconut oil if you add more nuts than what's in the recipe... just make sure that all the nuts, seeds and oats are coated in the oil and syrup mixture before popping it in the oven.
Can I add spices?
Definitely! Depending on what you want the overall flavour to be, you can add whichever spices match that. Cinnamon, nutmeg and mixed spice all work really well in granola and hold their flavour... they're the ones I switch between when I flavour my granola.
Do I need any fancy equipment?
Nope not at all! All you need is a bowl, a baking tray and a spatula. This can be easily made by hand, as it just needs mixing... this granola is really that easy, then all you need is the spatula to spread the granola around on the lined baking tray.
How do I store this granola?
This granola can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month and stay nice and crunchy. It would be best to store it at room temperature in a cupboard in it's airtight container, just like you would with other shop bought cereal.
What goes into this crunchy granola?
Oats - the oats make up the base of the granola... we can't have granola without oats!
Syrup - whatever syrup you use is up to you, whether it be maple syrup or agave, they will all work and give a little sweetness to the granola.
Coconut Oil - this is the fat in the recipe, which means the oats won't be dry once they're baked.
Almonds - these a slightly sweet once baked, especially with the syrup.
Walnuts - the flavour of walnuts is quite mild, but they can be a little bitter or possibly sharp, which works nicely in contrast to the sweetness.
Sesame Seeds - these are quite sweet and can have a little almond-like flavour when cooked.
Pumpkin Seeds - once toasted/baked in the oven, they become crunchy and add texture to the granola.
Sunflower Seeds - these have a mild nutty flavour, which just adds to the rest of the flavours.
I’m a big fan of granola, especially when it’s homemade! There’s just so much you can add, that it can be different every time – you’re guaranteed to find flavours that you like. For me, a nutty granola is the best of the best… it just feels healthy! I find that it’s perfect served in a yoghurt pot (I have a recipe here) with fresh fruit… you can practically feel all the goodness. Whats’s great, is you can add as many additional nuts and seeds as you’d like, or swap out some that I’ve used if they’re not to your preference.
This granola is crunchy, full of flavour, not too sweet, but sweet enough that you don't need any extra syrup when you eat it. All the nuts and seeds hold their flavour and can be tasted in every bite. With only one bowl and a baking tray needed, this granola requires no fancy equipment... and what's better? It can be made in less than an hour! Granola really is such an easy breakfast to make!
Crunchy Granola
Total Time : 40 minutes
Preparation Time : 10 minutes
Baking Time : 30 minutes
Servings : approximately 18 servings
Ingredients
330g Oats
220g Syrup (Agave or Maple)
60g Coconut Oil, melted
50g Almonds
50g Walnuts
2 tbsp Sesame Seeds
2 tbsp Pumpkin Seeds
2 tbsp Sunflower Seeds
Method
Preheat the oven to 180C fan and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix the oats, almonds, walnuts (chopped into smaller pieces if you'd prefer), sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, syrup and melted coconut oil, until combined.
Once combined and all the oats, nuts and seeds are coated, transfer the mix onto the lined baking tray and evenly spread to ensure the baking is even. Don't worry if it's not a thin layer, as part way through the bake we'll move it around and turn it over.
Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, then move the granola around so the underside (that's not likely to be baked yet) is on the top. Then place the tray back in the oven for 10 more minutes.
If it's still not looking very golden brown, leave it for a few more minutes, just keep an eye on it to make sure it doest burn!
Once baked, take it out and allow it to cool completely (it will harden as it cools).
Serve with yoghurt and fruit (or however you prefer) and enjoy!
• If you make this, please tag me on Instagram @thecharlotteemilyy or use the hashtag #cebakes •
