With the Christmas season fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about what gifts to give our loved ones. While it’s easy to resort to store-bought presents, why not try something different this year and make your own Healthy Holiday Granola?
Not only is homemade granola a thoughtful gift, but it’s also a delicious and nutritious snack that you can enjoy throughout the holiday season. Plus, you can customize the ingredients to your liking, ensuring that it’s tailored to your taste and dietary needs.
Making your own granola is easier than you might think. All you need are a few ingredients and a little bit of time. Get started with this recipe.
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant) – preferrably gluten-free
- 1 cup raw nuts almonds
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- pinch of sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F. Line two large baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper. Set aside.
- Mix together the oats, nuts, seeds, and coconut flakes in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and sea salt.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture onto the baking sheet lined with parchment paper / or a silicon sheet that you set aside in step 1. Press granola evenly into the pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even browning. NOTE: If baking in an air fryer, not necessary to stir.
- Let the granola cool completely before breaking into chunks, Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries and stir into broken mixture. Transfer it to an airtight container (preferrably glass) Store at room temperature for one week, or in the fridge for up to a month. Freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Eat with your favourite milk (or non-dairy alternative) and toppings. BONUS: package your granola into small mason or glass jars with lids and add labels and ribbon to make the perfect homemade holiday gift.
MAKE THIS NUT-FREE: simply omit nuts, increase sunflower and pumpkin seeds to 2 cups each and add 1/2 cup of sesame seeds.
MAKE THIS EVEN MORE FESTIVE: swap out walnuts for pecans or pistachios
LOVE CHOCOLATE? Add 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
LOVE FRUIT? Add chopped dried fruit such as apricots, bananas, blueberries, dates, figs, kiwis, mangoes and/or apples.
NOT A PUMPKIN PIE SPICE FAN? Try adding only cinnamon or ginger.
That’s it! Now you have delicious and healthy Holiday granola that you can enjoy as a snack, give as a gift, or use as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothie bowls.
So why not try making your own healthy holiday granola this year? It’s a fun and easy way to get the kids involved and spread some holiday cheer while also taking care of your health and well-being.
Happy holidays from the team at Club16!
