Delicious & Easy Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Granola: Vegan & Gluten-Free Friendly
Granola is a beloved breakfast staple and a versatile snack, offering a delightful crunch and a burst of energy. While store-bought options are plentiful, nothing quite compares to the fresh, wholesome goodness of homemade granola. This particular recipe for Cinnamon Raisin Granola takes inspiration from a classic comfort food – the oatmeal raisin cookie – transforming those familiar warm, spicy, and sweet flavors into a satisfyingly crispy, golden treat. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare in your own kitchen, requiring minimal hands-on time, but it also offers the flexibility to be made entirely vegan and gluten-free, catering to various dietary preferences without compromising on taste or texture. Prepare to fall in love with a granola that’s packed with healthy ingredients and free from any unwanted preservatives, ensuring a wholesome start to your day or a perfect snack anytime.
Why Choose Homemade Granola? The Benefits of DIY Goodness
The journey into homemade granola began as an exploration of flavor, but it quickly revealed the numerous advantages over its store-bought counterparts. Many commercial granolas, despite their “healthy” appearance, can be laden with refined sugars, unhealthy oils, and artificial preservatives. By making your own, you gain complete control over every single ingredient that goes into your food. This recipe champions wholesome components like rolled oats, pure maple syrup, and natural spices, ensuring you’re fueling your body with natural goodness and avoiding unnecessary additives.
The process itself is surprisingly straightforward and far less daunting than you might imagine. It typically requires just about five minutes of active mixing of your chosen ingredients in a bowl, and then your oven takes over, slowly baking the oats to a perfect golden crisp. It’s a testament to how simple and rewarding healthy eating can be, turning a few pantry staples into a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack. The minimal effort involved means even on your busiest days, you can whip up a batch that outshines any store-bought alternative in both flavor and health benefits.
The Irresistible Magic of Cinnamon and Raisins
This granola proudly features cinnamon, and not just a hint of it, but a generous amount designed to make its aromatic presence truly shine. Cinnamon isn’t just a spice; it’s an experience, known for its warm, comforting, and slightly sweet notes that evoke feelings of coziness and nostalgia. Beyond its delightful flavor, cinnamon also boasts numerous health benefits, including powerful antioxidant properties and potential anti-inflammatory effects, making your granola not just tasty but also good for you. Paired with sweet, naturally chewy raisins, the combination creates a harmonious balance that is both comforting and incredibly satisfying. The plump, sun-dried sweetness of the raisins complements the rich warmth of the cinnamon perfectly, creating a flavor profile strongly reminiscent of a freshly baked oatmeal raisin cookie but in a wonderfully crunchy, guilt-free form. For those who simply adore cinnamon, feel free to add a little extra to suit your personal palate – this recipe is wonderfully forgiving and encourages personal touch and customization.
Customizing Your Granola for Endless Flavor Possibilities
One of the most appealing aspects of homemade granola is its incredible versatility. While this cinnamon raisin recipe is fantastic on its own, it serves as a wonderful base for culinary creativity, allowing you to tailor each batch to your specific tastes and whatever wholesome ingredients you have on hand. Want to add more texture and nutrition? Consider incorporating a handful of sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, or pecans for a boost of healthy fats and protein. Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds can add another layer of crunch, essential minerals, and a slightly earthy flavor.
For an extra touch of indulgence, a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips can be folded in after baking, creating sweet, melty pockets. As a brilliant idea for future batches, imagine adding chocolate-covered raisins – a truly decadent twist! Other dried fruits like cranberries, dried apricots, or chopped dates can also be folded in for varied sweetness, chewiness, and additional fiber. Remember to add most dried fruits and delicate additions *after* the granola has completely cooled to prevent them from burning, becoming overly hard, or losing their texture during the baking process. This simple step ensures your mix-ins are perfect every time, allowing you to truly make this granola recipe your own.
Versatile Serving Ideas for Every Occasion
This homemade cinnamon raisin granola isn’t just for breakfast; it’s a versatile culinary chameleon ready to elevate any meal or snack throughout your day. For a classic and nutritious start to your day, spoon it generously over a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt or your favorite plant-based alternative like almond or coconut yogurt. The delightful contrast between the crunchy granola and smooth yogurt is simply divine, offering a textural and flavorful experience that satisfies. It also makes an excellent addition to your morning smoothie bowl, providing essential texture, fiber, and a burst of cinnamon-raisin flavor. Simply blend your favorite smoothie, pour it into a bowl, and sprinkle this delicious granola on top with some fresh fruit, nuts, or seeds.
Of course, a simple bowl with cold milk (whether dairy, almond, oat, or soy) creates a quick, comforting, and satisfying meal, allowing the wholesome flavors of cinnamon and raisin to truly shine. Beyond breakfast, think of it as a wholesome snack to curb midday hunger, providing sustained energy without the sugar crash of processed snacks. It can also serve as a crunchy topping for baked apples or fruit crisps, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture. For a delightful dessert, sprinkle it over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of stewed fruit. Its comforting taste and wholesome ingredients make it suitable for any time of day when you crave something nourishing yet utterly delicious.
Dietary Adaptations: Effortlessly Vegan and Gluten-Free Options
This cinnamon raisin granola recipe is designed with flexibility in mind, making it easily adaptable to cater to a wider range of dietary needs and preferences. With just a couple of simple swaps, you can enjoy this wholesome treat regardless of your dietary requirements.
Making Your Granola Vegan
The original recipe includes one egg white, which plays a crucial role in creating those desirable, chunky granola clusters. The protein in the egg white acts as a binder, helping the oats adhere together as they bake, leading to a satisfyingly crisp and clumpy texture that many granola lovers adore. However, for those following a vegan diet, omitting the egg white is simple. You might notice the resulting granola is a bit looser, with fewer large clusters, but it will still be incredibly flavorful and crunchy. To encourage more clumping without egg white, you can try a couple of tricks: slightly increasing the amount of maple syrup or coconut oil can help, as these ingredients also have binding properties when cooled. Alternatively, a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes until gel-like) can sometimes mimic the binding properties of an egg, though it may alter the texture slightly. Pressing the granola mixture firmly onto the baking sheet before baking can also encourage the oats to stick together and form more clusters.
Ensuring Your Granola is Gluten-Free
Oats are naturally gluten-free grains, packed with fiber and nutrients. However, they are frequently processed in facilities that also handle other gluten-containing grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. This common practice can lead to cross-contamination, making regular oats unsafe for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity. For these individuals, it is absolutely essential to use *certified gluten-free oats*. These oats are specifically grown, harvested, and processed in dedicated gluten-free environments, ensuring they meet strict purity standards and are free from any gluten traces.
By simply swapping regular rolled oats for certified gluten-free rolled oats, you can easily enjoy this delicious granola without any gluten concerns. It’s a straightforward substitution that doesn’t compromise the taste or texture of the final product. Always make it a habit to double-check the labels of all other ingredients you use, such as spices, extracts, and any added mix-ins, to ensure they are also certified gluten-free if strict adherence to a gluten-free diet is required. This diligence guarantees a safe and delicious treat for everyone.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips: Enjoying Your Granola Longer
One of the many fantastic benefits of making a batch of homemade granola is its excellent shelf life, making it an ideal candidate for efficient meal prepping. Once your granola has completely cooled – and this step is absolutely crucial for maintaining its crispness – transfer it to an airtight container. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, a sturdy plastic container, or even a heavy-duty zip-top bag will all work perfectly. Stored properly on your kitchen counter or in a pantry at room temperature, this homemade cinnamon raisin granola will stay wonderfully fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks, sometimes even longer.
This means you can easily prepare a large batch at the beginning of the week and have a convenient, healthy breakfast or snack ready to go every single day. It’s a fantastic way to save valuable time during busy mornings, allowing you to quickly grab a wholesome option without resorting to less healthy alternatives. Having a ready supply of delicious homemade granola on hand also helps prevent those unhealthy snack cravings, offering a satisfying and nutritious choice whenever hunger strikes. The ease of storage and its extended freshness truly make this recipe a practical and beneficial addition to any healthy eating routine, ensuring you always have a delightful treat within reach.
The Full Recipe: Cinnamon Raisin Granola
Cinnamon Raisin Granola
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Ingredients
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp. coconut oil melted (or canola or vegetable oil)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silipat mat and set aside.
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In a large bowl, thoroughly mix together the rolled oats, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Ensure the dry ingredients are well combined and set aside.
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In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil (or chosen oil), pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, and the egg white until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry oat mixture. Mix very well using a spoon or spatula, ensuring all of the oats are completely coated with the liquid mixture. This helps create those desirable clusters.
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Spread the granola mixture evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, making sure to lightly stir the granola about halfway through the baking time (around the 15-minute mark) to promote even browning and crispness.
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Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. It will crisp up further as it cools. Once entirely cool, gently break it into clusters and then add the raisins, tossing to distribute them evenly.
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Store the cooled cinnamon raisin granola in an airtight container on your kitchen counter for up to two weeks for optimal freshness and crunch.
Notes
*To make this granola gluten-free, be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats to avoid cross-contamination.
In summary, this easy homemade cinnamon raisin granola recipe offers a delightful combination of taste, health, and convenience that is hard to beat. From the comforting aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen as it bakes to the satisfying crunch of each bite, it’s a culinary experience that truly elevates your everyday meals and snacks. Whether you’re a devoted fan of classic oatmeal raisin cookies seeking a healthier, crunchier alternative, or simply looking for a versatile and delicious addition to your pantry staples, this granola is guaranteed to impress with its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. Its remarkable adaptability to both vegan and gluten-free diets further highlights its universal appeal, making it a perfect treat for almost everyone. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients—chances are, most are already waiting patiently in your cupboard—and treat yourself to a batch of this incredibly flavorful and nourishing granola. Your taste buds, and your body, will undoubtedly thank you for it!
Adapted from Healthy Homemade Granola