Oatmeal Granola Recipe – Honey, Almond & White Chocolate Clusters

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Oatmeal Granola Recipe – Honey, Almond & White Chocolate 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 after dinner. Honestly, once you make your own granola, you’ll never go back to store-bought! This one is special because of the little kick from the wasabi almonds – trust me, it works!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any granola. It’s a delightful mix of wholesome oats, warm spices, and a touch of indulgence with white chocolate and cranberries. The wasabi & soy almonds add a unique umami flavor that keeps things interesting. Plus, it’s super easy to make and customize to your liking. You’ll feel so good knowing exactly what’s going into your breakfast (or snack!).

Ingredients

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

• 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats (approx. 270g)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder (approx. 2.5g)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (approx. 1.5g)
• 1 cup honey (approx. 340g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (approx. 5ml)
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil (approx. 45ml)
• 1 cup Blue Diamond Wasabi & Soy Sauce Almonds (approx. 140g)
• ½ cup raisins (approx. 70g)
• ½ cup white chocolate chips (approx. 85g)
• ½ cup dried cranberries (approx. 70g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: Types & Texture

Old fashioned rolled oats are the way to go here. They give you that perfect chewy texture. Quick oats will get too mushy, and steel-cut oats won’t bind properly.

Cinnamon Powder: Varieties & Aroma

I prefer Ceylon cinnamon for its delicate flavor, but Cassia cinnamon works beautifully too – it has a bolder, warmer aroma. Don’t skimp on the cinnamon; it really elevates the whole granola!

Honey: Regional Indian Honey Options & Benefits

Honey isn’t just a sweetener; it’s packed with goodness! In India, we have so many incredible varieties. Try wildflower honey from the Himalayas for a floral note, or a darker, richer honey from the Sundarbans. Each one will give your granola a slightly different character.

Coconut Oil: Virgin vs. Refined – Which to Use?

I usually use refined coconut oil because it has a neutral flavor. Virgin coconut oil will impart a subtle coconut taste, which some people love! It’s really a matter of preference.

Wasabi & Soy Sauce Almonds: A Unique Flavor Profile

These are the secret weapon! The wasabi gives a gentle heat that’s balanced by the savory soy sauce. If you can’t find them, you can use regular almonds and add a tiny pinch of wasabi powder (seriously, a tiny pinch!) to the honey mixture.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This gentle heat is key for getting those golden-brown clusters.
2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
3. In a small saucepan, warm the honey, vanilla extract, and coconut oil over low heat. You just want it to be liquid and pourable – don’t let it boil!
4. Pour the honey mixture over the oats and stir, stir, stir! Make sure every single oat is coated in that lovely golden goodness.
5. Spread the mixture evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, without stirring. This is important! Letting it bake undisturbed helps create those beautiful clusters.
7. Once it’s golden brown and smells amazing, take it out of the oven and let it cool completely. Resist the urge to touch it!
8. Once cool, break the granola into clusters with your hands. It’s so satisfying!
9. Finally, mix in the wasabi almonds, raisins, white chocolate chips, and dried cranberries.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: A single layer is crucial for even baking and cluster formation.
• Parchment paper is your friend: Seriously, don’t skip it!
• Cool completely before adding the mix-ins: Otherwise, the chocolate will melt.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation!

Vegan Granola Adaptation

Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. It works beautifully!

Gluten-Free Granola Adaptation

Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. Sometimes oats can be processed in facilities that also handle wheat.

Spice Level Adjustment (Adding Cardamom or Ginger)

My friend Priya loves adding a teaspoon of ground cardamom for a fragrant twist. A little grated ginger is also delicious!

Festival Adaptations (Diwali/Holi Gifting)

Package this granola in pretty jars and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift during Diwali or Holi.

Serving Suggestions

Honestly, this granola is amazing on its own as a snack. But here are a few ideas:

• With yogurt and fresh fruit for breakfast.
• Sprinkled over smoothie bowls.
• As a topping for ice cream (don’t judge!).
• Straight out of the jar when those sweet cravings hit!

Storage Instructions

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

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

What is the best way to prevent granola from burning?

Keep a close eye on it during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. Every oven is different!

Can I use a different type of nut instead of almonds?

Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or cashews would all be delicious.

Can I make this granola ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake it a few days in advance and store it in an airtight container.

How does the type of honey affect the flavor?

Different honeys have different floral notes and intensities. Experiment to find your favorite!

What’s the best way to get large granola clusters?

Don’t stir it during baking! And let it cool completely before breaking it up.

Enjoy! I really hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!