I love granola all year round; it’s the perfect breakfast food, and so versatile. Now I know it’s so much easier to buy a big bag in the supermarket, no hassle and fairly cheap. BUT the best thing about making your own (other than the lack of added sugar, salt and preservatives) is that you can make it exactly how you want it.
My favourite granola is limited edition in my house, I only start making it in November/ December and it gets shelved mid-January. The batch pictured here is my first batch this season and I’m so ready for it. I’m not naturally a Christmassy person but there’s something so perfect about the flavour combinations here that gives me that cosy holiday season feeling.
As I’ve already said, granola is totally customisable so if you want to switch out the pistachio for pecans or ditch half the almonds (we all know I’m obsessed with almonds) for extra hazelnuts, you do you.
This batch is rich and indulgent and of I’m honest, not the most wallet friendly option but it screams Christmas. It’s nutty, crunchy, orangey and sweet all at the same time and will last two to three weeks in an airtight container once made. If you can leave this in your house for that long you’re a much stronger person than I am.
This recipe is gluten free (optional), dairy free, vegan and soy free. I’m sorry if anyone has a nut allergy, this definitely is not for you.
Prep time: 5-10 minutes
Cook time: approximately 30 minutes (longer if GF)
Serves approximately 14 based on 50g servings (If you can manage to eat only 50g please teach me your ways)
Ingredients:
- 2.5 cups of oats (GF if necessary)
- 1 cup almonds (I used a mixture of flaked, blanched and raw)
- 1 cup unsweetened dried cranberries
- 0.5 cups of other nuts, I use pistachio, hazelnuts or a combination of both
- 0.5 cup mixed seeds
- 0.75 cup water
- 0.33 cup liquid sweetener (golden syrup, maple or agave, honey if not vegan)
- 2tsp orange oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 40g dark chocolate broken into small chunks (I use 85% cocoa with orange oil)
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 160 degrees.
- Mix all dry ingredients other than the chocolate in a bowl.
- In a saucepan, on a low heat, mix the water, syrup and vanilla for about 2/3 minutes until the syrup and water have fully combined.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and add the orange oil, stir to combine.
- Spread mixture onto a baking tray so there is a thin layer; you may need more than one tray.
- Place in the oven for 30 minutes if using regular oats, GF can take up to 45 minutes. Stir granola/ shake tray lightly every 10 minutes to form the clusters.
- Once cooked take half of the chocolate and sprinkle over the granola, it will leave a light coating once cooled.
- Once cooled mix in the other half of the chocolate chunks before storing in an airtight container.
Enjoy!
P.S It tastes really great served with fresh oranges…
To see my last recipe post click here.
This looks seriously yummy and I love the festive twist! I don’t really ever eat granola, but you’ve made me want some!
I absolutely love granola so I will definitely have to try this out!! Thanks for sharing!
Oh wow these sound delicious, I really love the idea of putting s festive twist into them. Great post!
Kate
I absolutely love granola but have never thought of making my own. This one looks so tasty and the chocolate and cranberries make it perfect for Christmas. xx
Mmmm this looks so tasty granola is an all year round must have for me!! Your photography is stunning you always do such a great job of your posts and I can’t wait to see what you come up with next
Ellie
This looks delicious ! Might have to give it a try 🙂
This looks so healthy and yummy!! I neeed to try this!
This looks yummy!! xoxo
This granola looks extremely yummy, I can’t wait to try it in my Greek yogurt! Nice little healthy treat for breakfast and dessert 🙂
Hi, these look delicious I love the festive twist and the fact that I can eat the, yeh .
I love granola, this recipe looks great so may have to give it a try!- x
This is such a nice and healthy recipe for me to try when I start back my workouts…Thanks for sharing hun
I’ve actually never tried granola before but I’ve been looking at trying new breakfast dishes opposed to having just toast most mornings! Think I will try this recipe soon! Thank you!
I honestly didn’t know you could make your own granola at home. I don’t mind it (it tastes more like dessert for me so I have no self-control around it) but my mum really likes it, I might make some for her 🙂
This entire batch went in three or four days, self control isn’t my strong point either…x
Sophie
I used to make my own granola when I was in uni and it saved me a lot of money! I’ve never made or tried granola with chocolate though, it looks like a treat. I’m definitely bookmarking this recipe!
Thank you! I get way too excited with all the different nuts so I think mine is probably more expensive than the ones in the supermarket but it’s delicious and I love being able to customise it all the same. The chocolate is definitely a treat! x
Sophie