Imagine waking up to the intoxicating aroma of toasted oats, warm cinnamon, and sweet maple syrup dancing together in a single skillet. This isn't just another granola recipe - it's a culinary experience that will transform your breakfast routine and tantalize your taste buds. With just a few simple ingredients and one pan, you'll create a crunchy, golden masterpiece that puts store-bought granola to absolute shame. Get ready to become the breakfast hero of your household!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup nuts (almonds or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins or cranberries)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan. Ensure all ingredients are measured and prepared before starting.
- Place the skillet over medium-low heat and add coconut oil, allowing it to melt completely and coat the bottom of the pan.
- Add rolled oats and chopped nuts to the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent burning and ensure even toasting. Toast for 5-7 minutes until the oats and nuts begin to turn golden and become fragrant.
- Drizzle maple syrup evenly over the oat and nut mixture, stirring constantly to help the syrup coat all ingredients uniformly.
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon and salt over the mixture, continuing to stir and ensure even distribution of spices.
- Continue cooking and stirring for an additional 10-12 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. The granola should turn a deep golden brown and become crisp.
- Remove skillet from heat and immediately transfer granola to a large baking sheet or cool surface to stop the cooking process.
- Allow granola to cool completely for 15-20 minutes. As it cools, it will become crunchier.
- Once cooled, gently fold in dried fruit like raisins or cranberries.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy as a breakfast topping, snack, or yogurt mix-in.
Tips
- Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan for the most even heat distribution and perfect toasting.
- Keep your heat at medium-low and stir constantly to prevent burning - patience is key!
- For extra flavor, try toasting your nuts separately before adding them to the oats.
- Let the granola cool completely to achieve maximum crunchiness.
- Experiment with different nut and dried fruit combinations to make the recipe your own.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crispness.
- For a more intense maple flavor, use pure maple syrup instead of processed alternatives.
- Don't rush the toasting process - slow and steady creates the perfect golden-brown color and deep, rich flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 0mg
