As the sun peeks through the curtains, painting your kitchen in a warm, golden hue, you find yourself craving a breakfast that is both nourishing and a treat for the taste buds. This is where date and nut granola comes into play—a delightful blend of crunchy oats, sweet dates, and a medley of nuts that promises to turn your morning meal into a gourmet experience. It’s a recipe that my family has come to adore, each bite bringing forth an orchestra of flavors and textures that dance on the palate. The natural sweetness of the dates perfectly complements the nutty undertones, creating a granola that is not only healthy but irresistibly delicious. Whether sprinkled over yogurt, served with milk, or simply munched on its own, this granola has become a staple in our household, making breakfast something to look forward to every day.
Ingredients
This granola combines simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup of chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- 1 cup of pitted and chopped dates
- 1/2 cup of shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Creating this granola is as satisfying as it is simple. Follow these steps to craft your own batch of homemade, date and nut granola:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, coconut, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to mix evenly.
- Combine wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Bring it all together. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until all the oats and nuts are well coated.
- Spread on the baking sheet. Evenly spread the granola mixture on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the granola. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown and fragrant.
- Add the dates. Remove the granola from the oven and stir in the chopped dates while it’s still warm.
- Cool completely. Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring it to an airtight container for storage.
Nutrition Facts
This granola recipe yields approximately 8 servings. Each serving is packed with nutrients, providing roughly 250 calories per serving. It’s a great source of fiber, healthy fats, and natural sugars, making it a balanced addition to your morning routine.
Preparation Time
From start to finish, preparing this delicious date and nut granola takes about 35 minutes. This includes 10 minutes for preparation and mixing, followed by 25 minutes of baking time. It’s a quick and easy recipe that fits perfectly into even the busiest of schedules.
How to Serve
There are myriad ways to enjoy your homemade granola. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- With Yogurt: Top your favorite yogurt with a generous handful of granola for a creamy, crunchy parfait.
- With Milk: Pour your choice of milk over a bowl of granola for a classic breakfast cereal experience.
- As a Snack: Pack a small bag of granola for a healthy, on-the-go snack.
- With Fresh Fruit: Mix granola with fresh berries or sliced banana for added sweetness and nutrition.
- In Baking: Use granola as a topping for muffins or bread for an added crunch.
Additional Tips
Make the most out of your granola-making experience with these handy tips:
- Customize your mix-ins: Feel free to swap out the nuts or add seeds like chia or flax for extra nutrients.
- Watch the oven: Granola can go from golden to burnt quickly, so keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes of baking.
- Cool completely: Allowing the granola to cool fully ensures that it crisps up nicely.
- Experiment with spices: Try adding nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for a different flavor profile.
- Store properly: Keep your granola in an airtight container to maintain its crunch and freshness for up to two weeks.
FAQ Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about date and nut granola:
- Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats? While quick oats can be used, they may result in a slightly different texture. Rolled oats are recommended for the best crunch.
- Are there any sugar-free alternatives to sweeten the granola? You can use mashed ripe bananas or unsweetened applesauce as a natural sweetener for a sugar-free version.
- How long does homemade granola last? When stored properly in an airtight container, homemade granola can last up to two weeks.
- Can I freeze granola? Yes, you can freeze granola in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
- What other dried fruits can I use? Feel free to substitute dates with dried apricots, cranberries, or raisins for a different flavor.