This Top Secret Granola has a bit of a history. I started making granola back in my university days for a healthy (and cheap, let’s face it) snack, and haven’t really stopped. I’m proud to say that my granola has evolved since my first attempts and remains one of the most popular posts on the blog!
At some point and for some reason, this granola recipe became my ‘secret recipe’, the only one that I didn’t share. I’m not totally sure why, perhaps I thought that one day I would package it up and turn it into a business. Well, I decided that life is too short, and that it would make me happier to spread the love another way.
Now, you can have fun with the ingredients, and I mix it up all of the time with the kinds of nuts, seeds and fruit that I add (sometimes I skip the fruit completely). My favourites include pumpkin seeds, almonds, walnuts and pecans but you can use whatever combination your heart desires.
The fruit is usually raisins or cranberries but don’t stop there. Dried cherries, figs, apricots and dates also taste incredible! To be honest, I find myself skipping the fruit half of the time anyway as I’ve grown to like sweet things less and less as I get older. I use a neutral oil such as canola oil, but you can also vary this with melted coconut oil or avocado oil. You can also substitute part of the oil with apple juice if you wish.
This makes a HUGE batch, but if you’re like our family and friends, you won’t have a problem finding a home for it. I have to hide it when my brother comes over, and give it out as a gift in a nice package for Christmas every year. I hope you love it as much as we do!
Top Secret Granola
Top Secret Granola
Tori's famous granola recipe - perfect for busy weekdays or makes a sweet gift in a jar wrapped in a bow. I love adding raw whole almonds for texture - you can flex the ratios of oats:nuts depending on your preference! Plus, add dried fruit at the end if you want some added sweetness! If you wish to make this sweeter, start with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and add more as desired!
Ingredients
- 10 cups large flake oats
- 4 cups mixed nuts/seeds roughly chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 4 cups unsweetened flaked coconut 2 packages or 400 g
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar optional (add more as desired)
- 1 cup neutral oil ie: canola oil or avocado oil
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/2 cup wheat germ or hemp hearts
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 325 F and line two rimmed cookie sheets with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, mix together the oats, nuts, salt, coconut, cinnamon and brown sugar (If using).
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In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the oil, honey and vanilla.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir well to combine.
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Divide and spread the granola equally between the prepared cookie sheets and bake for approximately 20 minutes, stirring half way through, until it is light golden brown. Stir in the wheat germ or hemp hearts and dried fruit (if using), and allow to cool completely before placing in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Recipe Notes
*if you want a less sweet granola skip the sugar