Delicious Smitten Kitchen Granola Recipe: 1 Minute to a Crunchy, Healthy Breakfast

If you’re searching for the perfect homemade granola, Smitten Kitchen’s granola recipe stands out for its simplicity, versatility, and fantastic flavor. This recipe is beloved for its crisp clusters, adaptable ingredients, and easy one-pan process. You can customize it to suit your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, making it an ideal addition for breakfast, snacking, or as a topping for yogurt and smoothie bowls.

Ingredients:

1. 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2. 1 cup unsweetened coconut chips or flakes
3. 1 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
4. 1/2 cup seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, or sesame work well)
5. 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
6. 1/3 cup olive oil or coconut oil
7. 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
8. 3/4 to 1 cup dried fruit (like cranberries, cherries, or raisins)
9. Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine oats, coconut, nuts, seeds, and salt in a large bowl. Stir together.
3. Add your wet ingredients—maple syrup or honey and oil. Mix until everything is evenly coated. For extra flavor, add cinnamon or vanilla here.
4. Spread the mixture in an even layer on your prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes to ensure even toasting. Remove when golden and fragrant.
6. Toss in your dried fruit while the granola is still warm. Let cool completely before storing.

Serving Ideas: Enjoy with milk or yogurt, sprinkle over ice cream, or package up for gifting!

As a designer, I always consider how ingredients and presentation work in harmony—just like in home interiors. For example, the color and texture variations in this granola provide visual interest, akin to layering rugs or textiles in a living space. If you’re looking to display your homemade snacks in a way that reflects your home’s personality, integrating them onto open kitchen shelves or in decorative jars can add a custom touch. For even more inspiration on harmonizing food, function, and style for your kitchen or dining area, consider exploring an intuitive kitchen layout planner for creative ideas.

Tips 1:

Use parchment paper to minimize cleanup and prevent sticking. Let your granola cool fully—this helps clusters set for those satisfying crunchy bites!

FAQ

Q: Can I substitute ingredients in the Smitten Kitchen granola recipe?

A: Absolutely! Swap nuts, seeds, sweeteners, or dried fruit based on preference or dietary needs. The recipe is very forgiving.

Q: How should I store homemade granola?

A: Store cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps fresh for 1-2 weeks; freeze for longer storage.

Q: Can I make this granola gluten-free?

A: Yes, just ensure your oats are certified gluten-free and check other ingredients for gluten content.

Q: Is it possible to make this granola less sweet?

A: You can reduce the maple syrup/honey to your taste, though the clusters may be less sticky.

Q: How do I achieve large crunchy clusters?

A: Press the granola mixture down firmly before baking and stir it less during the bake for chunkier pieces.