Tired of rushed, uninspired breakfasts? Imagine waking up to the incredible aroma of freshly baked granola, knowing you have a wholesome, delicious, and ready-to-go meal waiting for you. This Good Morning Granola is a total game-changer! It makes a huge batch, so you can meal-prep your way to stress-free mornings for weeks. It’s crunchy, perfectly sweet, and packed with goodness to fuel your day. Say goodbye to store-bought cereals and hello to your new favorite breakfast obsession!
Ingredients
• Yields: 12 cups / 3 L
• 1/2 cup / 125 mL frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
• 1/2 cup / 125 mL almond butter or tahini
• 1/2 cup / 125 mL maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon / 5 mL cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon / 5 mL vanilla or almond extract
• 8 cups / 2 L rolled oats
• 1 cup / 250 mL raw sunflower seeds or chopped almonds (optional)
• 1 cup / 250 mL currants, raisins, and/or chopped dates
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F / 180°C and have a large roasting pan or two baking sheets ready.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the thawed apple juice concentrate, almond butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth. For a super-smooth consistency, you can blend these instead.
3. In a separate large bowl or directly in your roasting pan, combine the rolled oats and the optional sunflower seeds or almonds.
4. Pour the wet almond butter mixture over the oat mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly, making sure every oat and seed is evenly coated.
5. Spread the granola mixture in a single, even layer in the roasting pan or across your two baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and give it a good stir to ensure even browning and prevent the edges from burning.
7. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the granola is fragrant and a beautiful golden brown.
8. Let the granola cool completely on the pan. Once cool, stir in your chosen dried fruits like currants, raisins, or dates.
9. Transfer the finished granola to airtight glass jars or heavy-duty resealable bags. It will keep for up to 6 months in the refrigerator or freezer.
Nutritional Information
• Per 1 cup / 250 mL serving
• Calories: 381
• Protein: 11 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 64 g
• Dietary Fibre: 7 g
• Sugar: 10 g
• Iron: 4 mg
• Percentage of calories from: Protein 11%, Fat 23%, Carbohydrate 66%
Pro Tips
• For extra clumpy granola, press the mixture down firmly onto the baking sheet before baking and let it cool completely without stirring it after it comes out of the oven. Then, break it into chunks.
• Ensure the granola is 100% cool before storing it in an airtight container. Any residual warmth will create steam and make your granola lose its signature crunch.
• Get creative with your mix-ins! Swap almonds for pecans or walnuts, add a tablespoon of chia or flax seeds for an omega-3 boost, or toss in some coconut flakes in the last 5 minutes of baking.
• For easy cleanup, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. The granola will lift right off, and you won’t have to scrub any sticky pans.
FAQ
Q: Is this Good Morning Granola recipe vegan
A: Yes, this granola recipe is 100% vegan as written. It uses plant-based ingredients like almond butter or tahini for healthy fats and maple syrup for sweetness, with no dairy, eggs, or honey involved.
Q: How can I add more protein to this vegetarian granola
A: To boost the protein, consider adding a cup of raw pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts, or chopped walnuts along with the oats. Stirring in a few tablespoons of plant-based protein powder into the wet ingredients before mixing is also a great option for a significant protein increase.
Q: What can I use instead of almond butter for a nut-free version
A: For a delicious nut-free granola, simply use tahini (sesame seed paste) or sunflower seed butter in place of the almond butter. Also, be sure to use the raw sunflower seeds instead of the optional chopped almonds to keep the entire recipe free from tree nuts.
Q: How long does this homemade granola actually last
A: Thanks to the natural preservatives and low moisture content, this granola has a fantastic shelf life. For maximum crunch, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one month. For longer-term storage, it will keep perfectly in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 6 months.
