The word basic is thrown around a lot these days, usually to describe someone or something that’s unexciting, expectedly similar to everyone else, and otherwise obnoxiously plain.
While I resent labeling anyone, and especially girls and women this way (don’t put a box around me!), this granola is perfectly basic in all the right ways.
It is a base recipe, one that you should customize to use what’s in your cabinet and your heart.
I almost always have a batch of this granola kicking around. It’s excellent as is by the handful, but also lends the perfect not-too-sweet crunch to your favorite bowl of yogurt or almond milk.
We literally have to stop ourselves from eating the whole pan of granola when it comes out of the oven.
It’s just that good.
Not only is this granola borderline addictive, it’s also a recipe you can feel good about feeding to yourself and your family. It is naturally sweetened with maple syrup, and the combination of oats and whichever nuts you choose will give you a great balance of protein, healthy fat, and fiber.
The maple syrup concentrates and crystallizes around the oats, giving a brittle-like texture that’s just perfect in granola. No soft, soggy clusters here!
Speaking of which, there’s a secret to cluster-filled granola that you may not know (but rest assured, I’m going to tell you!). You’re probably going to want to slap yourself on the forehead when you hear read this because it’s so obvious. To make granola that is evenly crisped with the most clusters possible, don’t stir it.
No really, put the spatula down.
Do. Not. Stir. Just put it in the oven and do nothing.
Sound too good to be true?
It’s not. I promise.
You will be rewarded with the biggest, most maple-sweet, crispy clusters, ever.
Use this granola recipe as written for a perfectly simple batch of breakfast or snack-y goodness. Add in your favorite nuts, seeds, and spices to suit your mood. You can even add in dried fruit, if that’s more you’re style- throw a few handfuls in after the granola bakes to keep your fruit from getting too hard.
Whatever you do, don’t forget to let me know how it turns out! Leave me a comment telling me all about it, or take a picture and tag it #bakedgreens on Instagram!
Basic Maple & Olive Oil Granola
Ingredients
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2-2 cups nuts/seeds of your choice roughly chopped
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- 2. Mix all granola ingredients in a large bowl, and pour onto sheet pan. Use the back of a rubber spatula to spread and flatten out the granola into a thin, even layer.
- 3. Bake for 25 minutes, or until just golden brown. Do not stir.
- 4. Let cool entirely on the pan, then break into chunks/ pieces and transfer granola to an airtight container. Granola is best if eaten within 1-2 weeks.*
Notes
This recipe is entirely customizable. Use any nuts or seeds you love (chop the big ones, keep the smaller ones whole), add extra spices like ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom, or toss with your favorite dried fruit after baking. You can even add a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder for a chocolatey granola!