Homemade Granola

This healthy version of Homemade Granola is certain to satisfy that sweet tooth and help curb those cravings for crunchy snacks! I make several batches around the Holidays for special gifts for friends and family...the beautiful colors of the dried fruit and seeds make it a perfect Holiday treat! This recipe is easily adaptable to a Gluten-Free version by simply substituting a few ingredients. Enjoy!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 45

Total Time 55

Servings 20 1/2 Cup Servings

Ingredients

8 Cups Old Fashoined Oats Use Gluten-Free Oats, if desired
2 Cups Nuts/Seeds I usually use chopped Pecans and Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas)
1 Cup Dried Fruit (optional) I use Craisins, but any dried fruit will do
1 Cup Dark Brown Sugar, firmly packed If you want clumpier Granola increase to 1 1/2 cups
½ Cup Water
1 teaspoon Salt
4 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or Silpat Baking Mats and set aside.
Gather all of your ingredients.

Make the Brown Sugar Syrup

In a large microwave-safe glass bowl (minimum size of 4 cups, so it does not boil over) mix the Water and Brown Sugar. Microwave for 5 minutes...until sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from microwave, stir and add in the Salt and Vanilla Extract. Stir well to make certain that salt is completely dissolved.

The Dry Ingredients

While the syrup is cooking, combine the oats, nuts and/or seeds in a VERY large bowl.

Combining the Ingredients

Once the syrup is prepared, pour it over the Oat mixture and stir well to evenly coat the dry ingredients.
Spread mixture onto the two prepared cookie sheets and bake for 45-60 minutes...should be lightly golden.
Once out of the oven, add the dried fruit (I do this in the same VERY large mixing bowl that I used before, cleaned and dried first). Let cool completely before putting into storage container/baggies.