Name: Christmas Homemade Granola
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 400 g rolled oats / jumbo oats (I use certified gluten-free oats); 100 g peeled pistachio; 6 tablespoon maple syrup; 4 tablespoon coconut oil (melted); 100 g dried soft cranberries; ½ teaspoon orange essence (or pure vanilla extract); A pinch sea salt

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Every holiday season, my kitchen transforms into a cozy haven filled with the delightful aromas of baking. One of the staples that I always make is Christmas Homemade Granola. It’s not just a breakfast dish; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. The combination of rolled oats, pistachios, and a hint of sweetness from maple syrup makes it irresistible. I remember the first time I made it for my family. The crunch and the fragrant spices filled our home with festive cheer, and it quickly became a holiday tradition. Whether enjoyed as a snack or topped on yogurt, this granola brings a special touch to our holiday celebrations.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
50 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
300 kcal

Protein:
8 g

Diet:
Paleo, Vegan, Gluten-Free

Fat:
12 g

Tools Used:
Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Wooden Spoon, Oven, Peeler

Why You Need This Christmas Homemade Granola

It’s Perfect for Gifting

The best part about Christmas Homemade Granola is that it makes a fantastic gift! Package it in a beautiful jar, add a festive ribbon, and you’ve got a heartfelt present for friends and family. Everyone loves a homemade touch during the holidays.

Customizable to Your Taste

One thing I love about this granola is its versatility. You can easily swap out pistachios for your favorite nuts or add different dried fruits. The base recipe allows for creativity, so you can make it truly your own!

Health Benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. With the inclusion of rolled oats, it’s a great source of fiber, which keeps you full and satisfied. The pistachios add healthy fats, making this granola a wholesome choice for breakfast or a midday snack.

Easy to Make

Even if you’re not an experienced cook, you’ll find this recipe simple and enjoyable. It requires minimal ingredients and steps, making it a great choice for holiday baking.

Festive Flavors

The flavors of this granola scream holiday cheer! The added touch of cranberries and a hint of orange essence bring a festive flair that perfectly complements the season.

Great for Breakfast and Snacks

Whether you sprinkle it over yogurt, enjoy it with milk, or snack on it by the handful, Christmas Homemade Granola fits seamlessly into your daily routine. It’s a delightful way to add some crunch to your meals!

Ingredients for Christmas Homemade Granola

The key to a great granola lies in its ingredients. For this Christmas Homemade Granola, we use a mix of wholesome and nutritious components that not only taste amazing together but also provide a delightful texture. The star of the show, rolled oats, acts as the base, while pistachios and cranberries add a perfect crunch and chewiness respectively. The sweet touch of maple syrup and coconut oil brings everything together, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

400g rolled oats / jumbo oats: The foundation of the granola, providing a hearty texture and a good source of fiber.
100g peeled pistachio: Adds a delightful crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
6 tablespoons maple syrup: Natural sweetness that binds the granola and enhances its flavor.
4 tablespoons coconut oil, melted: Helps to achieve that perfect crunch and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
100g dried soft cranberries: A chewy addition that brings a burst of sweetness and a festive touch.
½ teaspoon orange essence: Infuses the granola with a citrusy zing, perfect for the holiday season.
A pinch of sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Making Christmas Homemade Granola

Creating Christmas Homemade Granola is a fun and rewarding process. You’ll find yourself enjoying each step as your kitchen fills with the warm, inviting scent of baking. This recipe is straightforward, making it suitable for bakers of all levels. Let’s dive into the steps!

Preheat your oven to 140ºC/120ºC fan oven. This ensures that the granola bakes evenly, achieving that perfect golden color.
In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, pistachios, and sea salt. This combination creates a great base and ensures that the nuts are evenly distributed throughout the granola.
Add the melted coconut oil and maple syrup into the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined. You want every single oat to be coated with the oil and syrup for the best flavor and texture.
Spread the granola mixture on a large non-stick baking tray. Make sure to flatten it out evenly; this helps it to bake uniformly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Every 15 minutes, gently stir the mixture with a spatula. This step is crucial to allow the granola to form those lovely clusters while preventing burning.
Once 40 minutes have passed, remove the granola from the oven and mix in the dried cranberries. Stir it gently to combine without breaking the clusters you have formed.
Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the granola to turn golden brown and crunchy, but not burnt!
After 10 more minutes, take the granola out of the oven. Allow it to cool on the tray; this cooling step helps it firm up and become crunchy.
Once completely cooled, break the granola into clusters. Enjoy it as a breakfast option or as a snack throughout the day!

Things Worth Knowing

Let it Cool: Allowing the granola to cool completely before breaking it apart is crucial for achieving those delicious clusters.
Don’t Over-Stir: While baking, stir gently and infrequently. Over-stirring can lead to less defined clusters.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth and flavor.
Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients matters, especially the maple syrup and coconut oil. Opt for pure, high-quality versions for the best results.

Ways to Customize

One of the best aspects of making Christmas Homemade Granola is how customizable it is. You can switch up ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some great ideas to personalize your granola:

Add Seeds: Incorporate chia seeds or flaxseeds for added nutrition and a nice crunch.
Swap Nuts: Use almonds or walnuts instead of pistachios to mix things up.
Change the Sweetener: If you prefer, you can use honey or agave syrup as an alternative to maple syrup.
Introduce Spices: Adding cinnamon or ginger can bring a lovely warmth to the granola, perfect for winter mornings.
Try Different Fruits: Experiment with raisins, dried apricots, or even dark chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
Make it Gluten-Free: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the oats, are certified gluten-free.
Serve with Yogurt: For a tasty breakfast, top it off with your favorite yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

What to Pair With Christmas Homemade Granola

The delightful crunch of Christmas Homemade Granola pairs perfectly with a variety of options. Here are some great ideas on how to serve it:

Yogurt: Serve it over creamy yogurt for a delicious breakfast or snack. The contrast of the crunch with the creaminess is simply divine.
Milk: Enjoy it with milk, whether hot or cold. This classic pairing never fails to satisfy.
Fruit: Fresh fruits like bananas, berries, or even sliced apples make perfect companions to granola, adding freshness and color.
As a Snack: Keep a jar of this granola handy for a quick and healthy snack during the day. It’s perfect for munching on its own!
Holiday Brunch: Serve it at your holiday brunch alongside other festive dishes like pancakes and fruit salads.
Seasonal Pairings: This granola is perfect for winter, making it an ideal addition to your holiday breakfast table.
Gift it: Package it nicely to give as a thoughtful and delicious gift during the holiday season.

FAQ

Absolutely! The beauty of Christmas Homemade Granola lies in its versatility. You can easily swap the pistachios for your favorite nuts like almonds or walnuts. Each nut will bring its unique flavor and texture to the granola, making it just as delicious!

When stored properly in an airtight container or a large jar, Christmas Homemade Granola can last for up to a month. Just be sure it’s completely cooled before storing, as moisture can make it soggy and lose that delightful crunch.

Definitely! To make Christmas Homemade Granola gluten-free, simply ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. This way, you can enjoy this delicious recipe without any gluten concerns.

Yes! Adding dark chocolate chips or chunks after baking can enhance the flavor of your Christmas Homemade Granola. Just remember to add them once the granola has cooled slightly, so they don’t melt completely.

Conclusion

In summary, Christmas Homemade Granola is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that captures the essence of the holiday season. It’s easy to make and perfect for gifting or enjoying with loved ones. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s bound to become a cherished tradition in your home, just like it has in mine!