There’s just something so satisfying about a big batch of homemade granola, isn’t there? That perfect crunch, the warm, toasty smell filling your kitchen… it just instantly makes things feel cozy and good. And when it’s your very own Honey Oat Granola with Dried Fruit? Pure magic! Honestly, I’m hooked on this stuff. It’s become my weekend ritual – I’ll whip up a batch on Saturday morning, and then I’m set for breakfast bowls and snack attacks all week long. What I love most is how customizable it is. You can totally make it your own, whether you’re a nut fiend, a dried fruit fanatic, or somewhere in between. This recipe is your ticket to a delicious, wholesome start to your day, or the perfect pick-me-up snack anytime!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Oat Granola with Dried Fruit
This Honey Oat Granola with Dried Fruit is a total winner because:
- It’s ridiculously easy to whip up! You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to get a big batch going.
- The flavor is spot-on. That sweet honey, toasty oats, and chewy dried fruit combo? Pure perfection.
- It’s incredibly versatile. Seriously, eat it with yogurt, milk, or just grab a handful on the go.
- It’s a wholesome treat. You control what goes in, making it a snack you can feel great about.
Ingredients for the Perfect Honey Oat Granola with Dried Fruit
Alright, let’s get our bowls ready! Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy Honey Oat Granola with Dried Fruit. Trust me, the ingredient list is super straightforward, which is part of why I love it so much:
- 2 cups rolled oats (don’t use instant, they get mushy!)
- 1 cup mixed nuts, give them a rough chop – whatever you like!
- 1/2 cup dried fruit – I love a mix of cranberries and raisins, but apricots are yummy too!
- 1/4 cup honey (this is where the “honey oat” comes in!)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or another neutral oil like canola or sunflower)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (don’t skip this, it adds so much warmth!)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for that cozy spice!)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (just to make all those flavors pop!)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Honey Oat Granola with Dried Fruit
Alright, let’s get this golden goodness baking! Making your own Honey Oat Granola with Dried Fruit is honestly super simple, and following these steps will make sure you get perfect crunchy clusters every single time. It’s one of those recipes where being a little bit patient really pays off! If you love oats, you might also want to check out this amazing quick oat bread sometime!
Preheating and Combining Dry Ingredients
First things first, let’s get that oven nice and warm! Preheat it to 300°F (that’s 150°C). While it’s heating up, grab your biggest mixing bowl. Toss in the rolled oats and those chopped nuts. Give ’em a little stir just to get acquainted.
Creating the Wet Mixture
Now, for the magic binder! In a separate, smaller bowl, we’ll whisk together the honey, vegetable oil, that lovely vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. You want to whisk this until it’s all smoothly combined – no honey lumps hiding at the bottom!
Mixing Wet and Dry for Honey Oat Granola
Okay, time to bring it all together! Pour that glorious wet mixture over your oats and nuts in the big bowl. Now, get your spoon (or even clean hands!) in there and stir, stir, stir until absolutely everything is coated. You want every single oat flake and nutty bit to get a good dousing of that sweet, spiced goodness.
Baking Your Honey Oat Granola
Spread your granola mixture evenly onto a baking sheet that you’ve lined with parchment paper. This is super important so it doesn’t stick! Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. The big secret? Stir it halfway through! This makes sure it all toasts up golden brown and not just burnt on the edges. Keep an eye on it, especially towards the end, ’cause it can go from perfectly toasted to burnt *super* fast!
Cooling and Breaking Your Honey Oat Granola
This is probably the hardest part: waiting! Once it’s out of the oven and smells heavenly, you *have* to let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Don’t even think about touching it while it’s hot! As it cools, it gets wonderfully crunchy and starts to form those amazing clusters. Once it’s totally cool, then you can break it up into your desired cluster size. Perfection!
Tips for Perfect Honey Oat Granola with Dried Fruit
You know, making granola from scratch is seriously forgiving, which is probably why I love it so much! But if you want to take your Honey Oat Granola with Dried Fruit from good to absolutely *amazing*, here are a few little secrets I’ve picked up along the way. They really make a difference! If you’re into oats, you should totally check out these trail mix granola bars too – they’re fantastic!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: I know it’s tempting to pile it all on, but spreading your granola in a single, even layer is key. If it’s too crowded, it’ll steam instead of toast, and you won’t get that lovely crunch.
- Stirring is Crucial: Remember that part where I said to stir halfway through? Seriously, don’t skip that! It ensures all those oats and nuts get perfectly golden and toasted on all sides.
- Cooling is Non-Negotiable: I know, I know, the smell is intoxicating, and you want to dig in right away. But if you break it up while it’s still warm, you’ll get more powdery bits than lovely clusters. Let it cool *completely* on the baking sheet. The clusters form as it cools!
- Crispiness Check: If you’re a fan of extra-crispy granola, you can bake it for a few extra minutes, but please, please watch it like a hawk. Granola can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in the blink of an eye. A little extra time can make all the difference, but too much is a disaster!
Customizing Your Honey Oat Granola
Seriously, the best part about making your own Honey Oat Granola with Dried Fruit is that you get to play with it! It’s not some rigid recipe that needs to be followed to the letter. Think of this as your starting point. Want more crunch? Add some pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds in with the nuts. Love a certain kind of dried fruit? Toss in extra cherries or chopped dates! You can totally switch up the nuts too – almonds, pecans, walnuts, whatever you have on hand works great. It’s your granola, make it your happy place!
Storing Your Homemade Honey Oat Granola
Alright, you’ve put in the work and made this amazing Honey Oat Granola with Dried Fruit, so let’s talk about keeping it fresh! The absolute best way is to stash it in an airtight container. This keeps out any moisture and that lovely crunch locked in. Store it at room temperature, and trust me, it’ll stay delicious for about two weeks. Sometimes even longer, but I usually find it disappears way before then!
Frequently Asked Questions about Honey Oat Granola
Got questions about whipping up this tasty Honey Oat Granola with Dried Fruit? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get:
Can I make this Honey Oat Granola recipe vegan?
Oh, absolutely! The only thing that isn’t vegan is the honey. Just swap it out for a liquid sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar, and boom – you’ve got a delicious vegan granola!
What are the best nuts and dried fruits to use for Honey Oat Granola?
Honestly, so many things work! I love using almonds and pecans with cranberries and raisins for a classic combo. Walnuts and dried apricots are also fantastic, or even adding some pumpkin seeds for extra crunch!
How do I get my Honey Oat Granola to be clumpy?
Great question! For those yummy clusters, make sure you get a good coating of the wet ingredients on everything, don’t spread it too thin on the pan, and the secret weapon is letting it cool *completely* without stirring too much. Those good clumps form as it cools down!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Okay, let’s talk numbers for our delicious Honey Oat Granola with Dried Fruit! Keep in mind these are just estimates, because, you know, we’re all using slightly different nuts and dried fruits. But generally, you’re looking at around 350 calories per 1/2 cup serving. It’s got about 18g of fat (mostly good stuff!), 8g of protein to keep you full, and 45g of carbohydrates. Not too shabby for something so darn tasty!
Print
Honey Oat Granola with Dried Fruit
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple recipe for homemade honey oat granola with dried fruit.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup mixed nuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, apricots)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, and dried fruit.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and toasted.
- Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking it into clusters.
Notes
- Store granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- You can customize the nuts and dried fruit to your preference.
- For a crispier granola, bake for a few extra minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: granola, honey oat granola, homemade granola, dried fruit granola, breakfast cereal, healthy breakfast