1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F) – we want a slow, even toasting so nothing burns
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the oats and nuts with melted coconut oil and your choice of honey or maple syrup. Stir until everything’s nicely coated.
3. Spread the mixture onto a lined baking sheet, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to make sure everything toasts up nice and evenly. Keep an eye on it – it’s done when golden and smelling amazing!
4. If you want to add some additional items like banana chips, coconut chips, or dried berries, add them once the granola has cooled. This way, they stay chewy and don’t over-crisp.
5. Let your granola cool completely (this helps it get that perfect crunch!) before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks, but let's be honest – it'll probably be gone before then!

Tips:

• Adjust the sweetness to your preference: If you like it sweeter, add a little more honey or syrup. For a less sweet version, stick to 2 tbsp.
• Any type of nuts will do! Don’t have walnuts or almonds? Try pecans or cashews!
• Add a pinch of salt: If you want a little salty-sweet action, a sprinkle of sea salt can really elevate the flavour.
• Serving ideas: Top your yoghurt, sprinkle over smoothie bowls, or just eat it by the handful – no judgment here! This granola’s also a fab homemade gift if you package it up in a cute jar.

FAQs

1. Can I use quick oats instead of whole rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be different. Whole rolled oats give granola its signature crunch, while quick oats tend to create a softer, less clumpy result.

2. Can I make this granola recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it plant-based.

3. How do I store homemade granola?
Once completely cooled, store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to 2 weeks, if it even lasts that long!

4. Can I add fresh fruit to the granola?
Fresh fruit is best added when serving to avoid soggy granola. Top your bowl of granola with berries, bananas, or anything you like just before eating.

5. How can I make my granola clumpier?
For larger clusters, press the granola mixture firmly into the baking tray before baking and avoid stirring until it has cooled. Using honey instead of maple syrup can also help create stickier, clumpier granola.

6. Can I substitute the nuts for seeds?
Yes! Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or chia seeds work beautifully if you want to skip nuts.

7. Can I adjust the sweetness?
Definitely! Feel free to use less honey or maple syrup if you prefer a less sweet granola. Alternatively, add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for natural sweetness.

8. How do I prevent my granola from burning?
Bake at a low temperature (about 160°C/325°F) and keep an eye on it. Stir every 10 minutes to ensure even toasting.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats. Regular oats can sometimes be cross-contaminated with gluten, so check your packaging.

10. Can I freeze homemade granola?
Yes, granola freezes well! Store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.

11. What are some serving suggestions?
Granola is so versatile! Enjoy it with yoghurt and fresh fruit, sprinkle it on smoothie bowls, mix it into trail mix, or simply munch on it as a snack.