Oat & Nut Granola Recipe – Cinnamon, Honey & Cranberry Clusters

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Oat & Nut Granola Recipe – Cinnamon, Honey & Cranberry Clusters

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this granola recipe with you. It’s become a total staple in my house – perfect for breakfast, a quick snack, or even a little something sweet when those cravings hit. I first started making granola because I wanted a healthier, more customizable alternative to the store-bought kind, and honestly, this is so much better. Plus, the smell while it’s baking is just heavenly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any granola. It’s a delightful mix of crunchy oats, wholesome nuts, sweet dried fruits, and a warm hug of cinnamon and honey. It’s incredibly easy to make, and you can tweak it to your heart’s content. Seriously, once you get the base right, the possibilities are endless! It’s a fantastic way to start your day, and it’s something the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this deliciousness:

• 1 cup Quick oats (approx. 100g)
• ½ cup Kellogg’s corn flakes (crushed coarsely) (approx. 50g)
• ¼ cup Flax seeds (approx. 30g)
• A handful Hazelnuts (roughly chopped) (approx. 30g)
• A handful Raisins or dry grapes (roughly chopped) (approx. 30g)
• ¼ cup Almond/Badam (thin slices) (approx. 30g)
• 2 tbsp Cranberries or dates (optional, chopped) (approx. 20g)
• ½ tsp Cinnamon powder (approx. 2.5g)
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract (approx. 5ml)
• 2.5 tbsp Honey (approx. 40ml)
• 1 tbsp Cooking oil or olive oil (approx. 15ml)
• ½ tbsp Condensed milk (optional) (approx. 15ml)
• A pinch Salt

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

• Quick Oats: These give the granola that lovely, slightly chewy texture. Rolled oats work in a pinch, but quick oats are my preference.
• Flax Seeds: These are a fantastic source of omega-3s and add a subtle nutty flavour. Don’t skip them!
• Honey Varieties: I usually use wildflower honey for its delicate flavour, but feel free to experiment! Acacia honey is lovely and light, while darker honeys like buckwheat will give a more robust taste.
• Nut Choices: Hazelnuts and almonds are my go-to, but walnuts, pecans, or even macadamia nuts would be amazing.
• Regional Dried Fruit Options: While cranberries and raisins are classic, don’t be afraid to get creative! Chopped dried mango (aam papad!), figs (anjeer), or apricots would all be delicious additions, especially if you’re looking for a more Indian-inspired flavour profile.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) in convection mode. This is important for even baking! Grease a baking tray with a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, crushed corn flakes, flax seeds, chopped hazelnuts, raisins, cranberries (if using), and almond slices.
3. Now for the good stuff! Add the honey, cinnamon powder, vanilla extract, oil, condensed milk (if you’re using it – it adds extra sweetness and chewiness!), and a tiny pinch of salt.
4. Get your hands in there! Mix everything really well, using your hands to ensure all the ingredients are coated evenly. This helps prevent clumping.
5. Spread the mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking tray.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure everything gets golden brown and crunchy. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
7. Once it’s golden and smells amazing, remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the tray. This is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch.
8. Once cooled, store in an airtight container.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the tray: A single layer is key for even baking and maximum crunch.
• Stirring is your friend: Don’t skip the halfway stir! It ensures everything cooks evenly.
• Cooling is crucial: Seriously, let it cool completely before storing. Warm granola will get soggy.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. Skip the condensed milk.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a warmer, more aromatic flavour. My grandmother always added a tiny bit of cardamom to hers!
• Festival Adaptations: This granola makes a wonderful gift! Package it in pretty jars with a ribbon for Diwali or Christmas. You could even add festive spices like ginger or cloves.

Serving Suggestions

Honestly, you can enjoy this granola in so many ways!

• Classic Breakfast: With milk or yogurt and some fresh fruit.
• Snack Attack: A handful on its own is perfect for a quick energy boost.
• Dessert Topping: Sprinkle it over ice cream or fruit crumble.
• Trail Mix Addition: Add it to your favourite trail mix for extra crunch and flavour.

Storage Instructions

Store your cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. It might lose some of its crunch over time, but it will still be delicious!

FAQs

• How do I prevent the granola from burning? Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes of baking and stir well. Every oven is different, so adjust the baking time as needed.
• Can I use different types of nuts and seeds? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favourites.
• What’s the best way to crush the cornflakes? Place them in a zip-lock bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin.
• Can I make this granola without honey? What’s a good substitute? Yes! Maple syrup or agave nectar work well. You might need to adjust the amount slightly to achieve the desired sweetness.
• How long does homemade granola stay fresh? Up to 2 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature.