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Addictively delicious and so easy to make, this best ever granola will become one of those recipes that is requested over and over!
Last summer we spent a long weekend with family in the North Carolina mountains. Whenever we're all together on a vacation, my daughter Cait, daughter-in-law Lindsay and I take turns planning the meals and enjoy helping each other in the kitchen. Lindsay brought a big container of homemade granola for breakfasts and snacks. "This is the best ever granola!", I told her one day, as I nibbled on a little handful.
"Well, thank you. But it's your recipe", she laughed.
"Really? Why does yours taste so much better than mine?" I asked. She said she followed the recipe, but had made a few little adaptations...
We talked about the few little tweaks she had made and that one of them was cutting back a bit on the sweeteners (brown sugar and maple syrup) in the original recipe. I loved that it still tasted fantastic without as much sweetener! Another difference in Lindsay's granola, is that she keeps it quite simple with just oats, slivered almonds and coconut. I had gotten into adding all kinds of seeds and nuts to my granola (which there's nothing wrong with) but with hers, the delicious, pure flavor of the oats and coconut come shining through.
Lindsay also recommended the shredded coconut from Trader Joe's. I didn't think the brand of coconut would make much difference, but I decided to try it. It does! Even though it's labeled "sweetened" there's not as much sugar as in most other sweetened coconuts. Plus it's slightly toasted already, so it doesn't clump together like other brands do. And I love that there's nothing "weird" in the list of ingredients, just coconut and sugar. All and all, it's just wonderful for granola, and I pick up a bag or two each time I'm at Trader Joes. If you don't have a Trader Joes to shop at, you can order it online or just look at the labels and try to find a coconut that's not loaded with preservatives.
So, ever since our trip to the mountains, I've been playing a bit with the old family recipe, using Lindsay's modifications along with a few of my own. My granola is simpler but better than ever and I couldn't wait to share it with you. Just a little warning though about this best ever granola, it's ridiculously addictive! I guess there could be a whole lot worse things to be addicted to, right?
I like making a double batch and freezing it in wide mouth quart jars. I keep a small jar in the pantry and when it gets low, just refill it from the freezer. Once thawed this stuff tastes just like it was freshly made.
This best ever granola makes a lovely treat for friends, neighbors, teachers, etc. and is always greatly appreciated. It's also a wonderful way to start the day. Most mornings here at The Café begin with yogurt and fresh fruit (whatever's in season) topped with a handful of granola. Right now we're enjoying it with sliced clementines, diced fresh pineapple and dried cranberries - delish!
Next time you're shopping, pick up a few everyday ingredients and you'll be good to go. It takes about 10 minutes to throw together and just over an hour to bake. If you can, try to let it cool before you start sampling. Once you take the first taste, you'll probably be hooked like we are. And unless Lindsay comes up with something better, I have a feeling you'll agree, this is the Best Ever Granola!
Cafe Tips for making this Best Ever Granola
- I like to use both slivered and sliced almonds for texture, crunch and appearance but you could use the same amount of one or the other.
- Lindsay turned me on to the coconut at Trader Joes. It's fantastic with no weird ingredients on the label. The kind they've always carried is sweetened, but I just noticed they've started carrying unsweetened as well. I think either would be fine for this recipe.
- Use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup
- Coconut oil is one of the secrets, it's not the same with other oils. I usually get my coconut oil at Aldi or Trader Joes.
If you enjoy granola but have to watch your carbs, this Double Almond Paleo Granola is also fantastic!
- 2 ½ cups rolled oats old fashioned
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- 1 cup shredded coconut I use sweetened coconut
- ½ cup sesame seeds (or flax seeds)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 10 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 1 tablepoon vanilla extract
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Preheat oven to 250˚F. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper (parchment paper works better than foil for this as the granola doesn't stick). Set aside.
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Combine maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla and salt. Microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes or until the coconut oil is melted. Stir to combine. Set aside
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Combine oats, almonds, coconut and flax (or sesame seeds) in a large bowl. Stir to combine. Add maple syrup mixture and stir gently till combined.
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Spread mixture out evenly onto prepared pan. Pat it down gently with a spoon or spatula. Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until medium golden brown. Watch it for the last 15 or so minutes, so it doesn't get too brown. On the other hand, if it's not nice and golden after the complete baking time, give it another 10 minutes.
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Let mixture cool completely then lift the parchment paper and it will break into shards. As you transfer it to storage containers, it will break up more, but some of it will stay in clumps. Store in an airtight container. I keep mine in wide-mouth mason jars. I keep a small jar in the pantry and store the rest in the freezer. When you take it out of the freezer and thaw it, it's exactly like you just made it.
Paula says
This is now a staple at our house - We love it! The only thing I do different is leave out the coconut as I am not a coconut fan. When the granola supply gets low my husband gets worried - He eats it every morning for breakfast! Thank you for a recipe that helps us have healthier eating!!
justine says
just made my second batch of this granola. yup i want to eat it like popcorn! delicious.
Chris Scheuer says
Haha! I totatlly understand. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment Justine!
Christa says
My boys and I really love this recipe. It is simple, just the right amount of sweet and delicious on its own or mixed with yogurt and fruit. I have made it with coconut oil and with canola (when we were out of coconut oil) and I always use unsweetened coconut which still tastes delicious. Thank you for this wonderful recipe!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Christa, so happy you enjoyed it!
Debra Eliotseats says
Chris, revisiting some pins I did long ago while trying to pre-make some holiday breakfast options. Say, what's the amount of sesame seeds in the recipe? Thanks!
Cheryl says
Just got through baking the granola. Tastes so good I could eat it like popcorn, but I know it should be doled out in small portions. I used pecans instead of almonds, and I plan on adding a little dark chocolate occasionally.
Cheryl Frances says
I have made so many batches of the granola this year . I make it with gluten free oats and all organic. I sent it to family for Christmas this yeAr. Thank you Chris!
Chris Scheuer says
That's awesome Cheryl. What a wonderful gift!
Karen C says
Chris, I tried this right after you first posted it and we think it is perfect. I will experiment by adding a little more maple syrup and see how we like it. It is awesome and I added pistachio nuts too. Yum>
Adina says
Can you believe I have never had granola, it is not very popular around here. I read about it frequently in all the American food blogs but I always though it has too much sugar in it. Your version sounds great with only maple syrup, I think I have to give it a try, my husband would love it.
Sandra says
I love to have granola warmed with almond milk for breakfast. Thanks for the tip about finding the coconut at Trader Joe's. Clumped coconut is a definite turn off for me.
Susan says
I have a granola recipe that I love but this one sounds so good with the coconut oil that I need to try it!
Chris Scheuer says
The smell of the oats, maple syrup and coconut toasting in the oven is unbelievable Susan!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
This granola looks fantastic and I know I could happily snack on it all day long! That might defeat the purpose just a bit… 😉
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Laura! It is a little (a lot) addictive!
Liz says
Homemade granola is the best! And I love this scaled back version!!
Chris Scheuer says
It really is Liz! The pantry is rarely out of at least one jar of this stuff!
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
I think your DIL Lindsay was brave to have let you know she tinkered with one of your recipes. I do have to say that I agree with trying to cut down on sweeteners in a recipe. Now you've tinkered with your own recipe and Lindsay's so it really must be extra good. 😀
Chris Scheuer says
It's funny Karen, but I'm always changing things up; tweaking here, adding there! It's the mad scientist in me, I guess!
cheri says
Hi Chris, I have not had granola in a while. although it is one of my favorites, will prepare this recipe, yours are like Ina's they always turn out perfectly.
Chris Scheuer says
Oh, that's so sweet Cheri! Thank you!
John/Kitchen Riffs says
Good tip on the Trader Joe's coconut. Love that store! Great granola recipe, too. Can never resit. Rarely have it for breakfast, but love it as a snack. Really good -- thanks.
Chris Scheuer says
John, sometimes we even put it on peanut butter toast in the morning - yum!
Regina Gouge says
Leave it to Linds to straighten us out on our "granola".
Plainer is better. My neighbor calls it "that stuff in a jar"
Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to try this one.
miss you
Chris Scheuer says
Linds is a honey and an honest, thoughtful critic.
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
This is the most beautiful granola I've ever seen! I can't wait to try this recipe - sounds fantastic! Thank you - and tell Scott the photos are amazing
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Tricia! And Scott says, "Thanks so much!" That guy loves to shoot!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
I never thought of freezing granola, but it's the perfect solution for us...my husband loves to sprinkle it on his yogurt and we're always running out --- freezing is the answer! I'll check out the TJs coconut, too, it sounds wonderful.
Chris Scheuer says
It is great Sue! They have so many unusual and fun things there, don't they?
jenni says
i'm a granola freak...so i love having this one. i agree...trader joe's coconut is so good in granola. i was thrilled to find that i could shop online for trader joe's goodies...but the link doesn't work. would you please see what you can do to remedy the situation for me? i live on an island and can't always get to the mainland for my favorite trader joe's goodie and this is so good to know. there are a lot of my friends/family without a trader joe's near them, so this will be fabulous news.
i love your recipes. i have amassed quite a collection of them. every one i've tried has been fantastic. thank you for your constant inspiration.
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you for pointing that out Jenni, it should be fixed now. Thanks also for your kind and encouraging words!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
I have sort of fallen out of the routine of making homemade granola (sadly!). I need to start again, because this looks delicious. Very similar to the one I normally make, so anxious to try your version. I'm sure it's delicious 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
I fall in and out of recipes too Jennifer! You're going to love this one!
Madonna/aka/Ms. Lemon says
Chris, if there is a benefit to you for me to fill out the form I will, but really I just love anything you make. I like the idea of a less sweet granola since I get plenty sugar.
Chris Scheuer says
You are so sweet Madonna! We're just trying to really understand what "our people" want.
John says
Your commas a badly placed in your comments. It is not my daughter, Cait, ... It is supposed to read my daughter Cait, Your grammar makes the granola not taste as well as we hoped it would.
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you for you kindness, the world would be a better place if everyone was very thoughtful. I agree, I'm far from perfect. Guess that's why I love to cook and share my recipes with others, I would have never made it as a great grammarian.
marie says
REALLY, John!! Chris you handled that with such grace. Love your recipes. Thank you so much.
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you Marie!
Tina Marie says
Chris, Thank you so much for your hard work on your delightful blog and wonderful recipes. I agree with Marie you are very graceful. Amazing a person who may not be great at grammar is the person with love and grace. The person who claims to be a grammar expert is rather a rude person…
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you so much Tina. God has been way beyond gracious to me, I can't help but extend this to others. I am forever grateful to Him for his grace and mercy!
Vicki Bensinger says
I love granola and make my own as well. However your version is different from mine so I'll definitely give it a try. Looks delish!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Vicki! It's fun to try lots of versions, isn't it?
Monique says
I could eat some tout de suite! No TJ's but I am sure some other barnd could be a runner up?
Thanks girls:)
Chris Scheuer says
You're very welcome Monique!
Kim - Liv Life says
Oh how I adore granola! And homemade is the best! I know that I too sometimes fill the granola with too many "goodies", but I'm loving this clean simple version!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Kim! I like to tinker with recipes - sometimes a little too much!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
Homemade granola tastes the best! I must give this a try too, Chris.
Chris Scheuer says
It's such a good thing to have around, when you need a little crunch in anything you eat!