Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare Your Baking Sheet
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and greatly aids in achieving those desired clumps.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, your chosen raw nuts and/or seeds, fine-grain sea salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir these dry ingredients well to ensure they are evenly blended.
Prepare Wet Ingredients (The Secret!)
- In a separate small bowl, whisk one egg white until it is just frothy. Pour this whisked egg white into your melted coconut oil or olive oil, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract. This is the crucial clumping secret! Mix these wet ingredients thoroughly.
Combine Wet and Dry
- Pour the prepared wet mixture into the large mixing bowl with your dry ingredients. Mix well, using a large spoon, until every oat and nut piece is lightly but completely coated. This thorough mixing ensures even baking and binding.
Bake to Golden Perfection
- Pour the granola mixture onto your prepared pan and use a large spoon or spatula to spread it into an even layer. Bake until it is lightly golden, which usually takes about 21 to 24 minutes. For extra-clumpy granola, stir halfway through baking, then firmly press the stirred granola down with your spatula to create a more even, compact layer.
Cool Completely and Add Mix-ins
- This step is paramount for achieving excellent clumps. Let the granola cool completely and undisturbed on the pan for at least 45 minutes, or even overnight if you have the patience. Once cool, top with your dried fruit and any optional mix-ins like chocolate chips. Break the granola into pieces with your hands if you want to retain impressive big chunks, or stir it around with a spoon if you prefer a looser texture.
Store for Freshness
- Store your homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can place it in a sealed freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. If using dried fruit, note that it can freeze solid, so allow it to warm to room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition
Notes
For perfect granola, ensure you whisk the egg white until frothy and press the granola firmly down halfway through baking. The most crucial step is allowing it to cool completely and undisturbed on the pan to ensure those fantastic clumps form. Delicate mix-ins like chocolate chips and most dried fruit should always be added after the granola has fully cooled to prevent melting or burning. Always add enough salt to balance the sweetness. Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.