How to Make Homemade Granola with Chunks: An Easy Granola Recipe

Making your own granola at home is not only gratifying but also allows you to customise it to your own tastes. This simple recipe yields a crunchy, delicious granola with delightful clumps, perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

Ingredients:

• 300g rolled oats
• 100g mixed nuts (such as almonds and walnuts), roughly chopped
• 50g seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower seeds)
• 100g honey or maple syrup
• 50ml coconut oil, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: 100g dried fruit (like cranberries or apricots), added after baking

Method:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a large baking tray with baking parchment for easy removal later.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

3. Prepare the Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Combine: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until all the oats and nuts are well coated, ensuring that clumps begin to form.

5. Spread and Bake: Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking tray, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning; you want it to turn golden brown.

6. Cool and Add Dried Fruit: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the tray. This step is crucial for those delicious clumps! After cooling, stir in any dried fruit if desired.

7. Store: Transfer your homemade granola into an airtight container. It should keep well for several weeks—if it lasts that long!

Enjoy your chunky granola with milk, yogurt, or simply as a snack on its own. The beauty of this recipe is that you can personalise it with different nuts, seeds, and sweeteners to suit your palate. Happy cooking!

In the quaint village of Hallowbrook, nestled among rolling hills and ancient woodlands, there existed a small café renowned for serving what many locals claimed was the very best granola in the country. Each morning, the café's owner, Miss Eliza Pemberton, would rise with the dawn, her kitchen filled with the warm, nutty aroma of toasting oats and honey.

Eliza's secret recipe was a harmonious blend of crunchy granola, studded with clusters of toasted almonds, juicy dried cranberries, and a sprinkle of cinnamon that danced on the palate. Her approach was simple but meticulous; she believed that the finest ingredients made all the difference. Locally sourced honey, organic oats, and a dash of sea salt combined to create a wholesome treat that became a beloved staple for both villagers and visitors alike.

As patrons gathered at wooden tables, the granola was often enjoyed atop creamy Greek yoghurt or simply savoured by the handful, a perfect accompaniment to steaming mugs of Earl Grey. There was an undeniable sense of community in the café, where laughter mingled with the comforting crunch of Eliza's signature dish, making it not just the very best granola, but also the heartwarming essence of Hallowbrook itself.