INSIDE: My super simple and flexible recipe for homemade granola!
I love the ease of offering my kids a bowl of cereal in the morning, but I don’t love the price or the fact that it is filled with loads of junk.
A couple years ago, I was inspired my Amy to make my own granola (here is her Basic (Easy) Granola) and it has now become a staple in our home. It is such a convenience and now when our jar is empty my husband asks when I will be making more.
It’s so simple I call it Simple Granola! And it is INCREDIBLY flexible.
I have changed Amy’s Basic recipe into my own by adding a pinch of salt, cutting the sugar, and upping the vanilla. Here is my own version:
Simple Granola
- 1 C. of Fat (Butter/Coconut Oil/Canola Oil)
- 1 C. of Sticky (honey, maple syrup, corn syrup)
- 1/4 tsp. Salt
- 2 tsp. Cinnamon
- 2 T. Vanilla
- 42 oz. box of Oatmeal
*the fat– when I make this as a gift for others, I use 1/2 C. butter and 1/2 C. coconut oil. Our family tries to eat lower fat so on a more regular basis I use 3/4 C. applesauce, 1/4 C. butter. The lower fat version isn’t as crunchy as the full fat version.
*the sticky – I like a mix of honey and maple syrup
Melt the fat (if needed). Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl and stir to coat oatmeal.
Spread on two large cookie sheets and bake at 325* for 10 minutes, then shut off oven.
Granola is done when oven is cool.
Storing: keep in a large airtight container for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage
Cost: $.20 per serving ($5.81 for 30 1/2 C. servings)
- 1 C. of Butter ($1.50)
- 1 C. of honey ($1.84)
- 42 oz. box of Oatmeal ($2.46)
Additions:
- Nuts
- Dried Fruit
- Chia Seeds
- Different Flavorings: I have loved adding Maple Flavoring instead of Vanilla!
We love to eat it with:
- Milk
- Yogurt topped with seasonal berries
My family devours this simple granola and I usually have to make a batch every other week. It is served every week as part of our weekly lunch rotation.
Do you make your own cereal or granola?
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So excellent! You know, I’ve *almost* eliminated the brown sugar, too. Little by little… 😉 but my tastebuds are changing to not “need” the sweet. I suppose that’s a good thing!
I’m a pretty big sweet tooth, but I have to say I love this granola even without the sugar!
Yummy! Thanks for playing #thePinterestGame!
Thanks for this!! My husband and I realized that not only is cereal expensive but it is all so full of sugar!! We are trying to get our 6 kiddies used to plain cheerios, not the honey nut but they don’t like it. I will have to make your granola and see how that is! I am always looking for ways to save money so I appreciate these tips! Thank you!
You are most welcome, Anne! I think it can be hard to “switch” kids’ tastebuds. Just stick to your guns and overtime they will acclimate. I never had sugar cereal or white bread growing up- miraculously, I survived 🙂