Many people say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but I think it’s more of an individual decision that depends on each person’s lifestyle and preferences. Some people don’t need more than a cup of coffee or tea in the early morning hours. Others can’t start the day without a bowl of cereal or something similar because they run out of energy after a short time. Our Homemade Baked (Maple) Granola is designed for precisely this group of people who simply require something to eat in the morning to prevent an energy slump before lunchtime.
Baked granola is a versatile and nutritious breakfast option that can be easily customized. Oatmeal provides complex carbohydrates and fiber, while nuts and seeds contribute healthy fats and plant-based protein. Our granola contains hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and hemp seeds, among other ingredients. But this is just one of many possible combinations – you can basically customize and modify it however you like. Do you prefer almonds? Then add them to the mix!
We use maple syrup to add sweetness. Similar products found in supermarkets tend to use regular sugar or glucose syrup because it’s simply cheaper. However, maple syrup or honey are definitely preferable here – they’re a little healthier than all the heavily processed sweeteners. If you prefer to avoid sugar and other sweeteners, you can of course use sugar alternatives such as xylitol or erythritol or remove sweeteners altogether – that’s no problem. However, the texture of the granola may be slightly different if you do. Just a side note. It’s delicious even without sugar and other sweeteners.
This flexibility is also the reason we like homemade granola so much – full control over ingredients and the sugar content. Unlike many store-bought varieties, you can reduce the sweetness, use high-quality fats, and avoid additives. Thanks to the preparation method (roasting in the oven or AirFryer), granola also has a long shelf life. A win-win for everyone!
We like to mix our granola into yogurt with fresh fruit on top or use it as a topping for desserts. If you like, you can add a few dried fruits or freeze-dried berries to the granola after it has been baked and cooled down, quickly creating a delicious alternative to supermarket products. A bag of homemade granola also makes a great gift when you’re invited somewhere.
5 tips for preparing homemade granola
All ingredients should be thoroughly mixed.
The dry ingredients and spices should be thoroughly mixed before baking the granola – spices such as cinnamon, vanilla powder, and salt should be evenly distributed. The same applies to liquid ingredients. These should be mixed thoroughly in advance so the sweetness of the maple syrup, for example, can be evenly distributed throughout.
Do not bake at too high temperatures.
Granola should not be baked at too high temperatures – 180°C (350°F) should be the absolute limit. You can also lower the temperature slightly and then bake the granola for a little longer. The aim is to remove moisture from the mixture and develop some roasting flavors, but at the same time not let anything burn. Otherwise, bitter flavors will quickly develop, which nobody wants.
Mix the granola once during baking.
To ensure that everything roasts evenly, you should mix/flip the granola once halfway through baking so the heat in the oven reaches it evenly from all sides. If you prefer your granola chunky or in clusters, press the mixture together before baking and be a little more careful when mixing halfway through so that larger pieces stay together.
Don’t forget the salt.
A small pinch of salt intensifies the sweetness of the maple syrup and brings out the roasting flavors. Salt adds depth of flavor, especially in purely plant-based recipes.
Add delicate ingredients after baking.
Dried fruit, coconut chips, or freeze-dried berries should only be mixed into the granola once it has cooled completely. The same applies to chocolate – otherwise, it will melt while everything is still warm.
Our granola here is prepared in the oven – but there are other methods you can use to prepare something like this. Our simple Air Fryer Chocolate Granola is the perfect example. Delicious, easy to prepare, and even quicker to make than the oven version. If you have one of these little machines at home, you should definitely give this granola a try.
If granola alone isn’t enough for you, our Apple Pie Oatmeal is even more delicious with homemade granola. It’s a great alternative to bread and rolls in the morning and it’s also vegan – perfect if you want to avoid dairy products and stuff like that for breakfast. We love making this on the weekends. It’s simply delicious!
INGREDIENTS / INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS / PREPARATION
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line two baking sheets with baking parchment and set them aside.
2. Mix the spelt flakes, rolled oats, almonds or hazelnuts, seeds, hemp seeds (optional), salt, cinnamon, and vanilla powder in a large bowl. Melt the coconut oil briefly in the microwave, then add it together with the maple syrup to the bowl – mix until well combined.
3. Transfer the granola mixture to the prepared baking sheets and spread evenly. Bake the granola for about 10 minutesthen mix everything and spread evenly once again, swap the positions of the baking sheets, and bake for another 8-10 minutes. The granola should be fragrant and have a nice golden brown color. The granola should not get too dark, otherwise it will quickly taste burnt.
4. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and pull the granola with the baking parchment onto your work surface and let it cool down completely.
5. Once cooled, add chopped dried fruit or freeze-dried berries to your liking, then store the granola in well-sealing glass jars or similar. The granola should be good to eat for at least two weeks, if stored properly.
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) top/bottom heat. Line two baking trays with baking paper and set aside.
2. Mix spelled flakes, oat flakes, almond or hazelnuts, seeds, hemp seeds (optional), salt, cinnamon and vanilla powder in a large bowl. Briefly liquefy the coconut oil in the microwave and then add it to the bowl along with the maple syrup – mix everything well.
3. Pour the granola mixture onto the prepared tray and distribute evenly. Bake the granola for about 10 minutesthen mix everything well and distribute it evenly again, swap the positions of the trays and Bake again for 8-10 minutes. The granola should have a nice golden brown color and be fragrant. Under no circumstances should it get too dark, otherwise it will quickly taste burnt.
4. Remove the trays from the oven and pull the granola with the baking paper onto the work surface and let it cool completely.
5. Refine the cooled granola with chopped dried fruits or freeze-dried berries as desired and then fill it into sealable jars (or similar). The granola should last at least two weeks if stored in a dry place.
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Here is a version of the recipe you can print easily.
Description
Making granola at home is super easy – this baked maple granola is done in the oven and great for breakfast and healthy snacks throughout the day.
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line two baking sheets with baking parchment and set them aside.
2. Mix the spelt flakes, rolled oats, almonds or hazelnuts, seeds, hemp seeds (optional), salt, cinnamon, and vanilla powder in a large bowl. Melt the coconut oil briefly in the microwave, then add it together with the maple syrup to the bowl – mix until well combined.
3. Transfer the granola mixture to the prepared baking sheets and spread evenly. Bake the granola for about 10 minutesthen mix everything and spread evenly once again, swap the positions of the baking sheets, and bake for another 8-10 minutes. The granola should be fragrant and have a nice golden brown color. The granola should not get too dark, otherwise it will quickly taste burnt.
4. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and pull the granola with the baking parchment onto your work surface and let it cool down completely.
5. Once cooled, add chopped dried fruit or freeze-dried berries to your liking, then store the granola in well-sealing glass jars or similar. The granola should be good to eat for at least two weeks, if stored properly.
Notes
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