Orange & Almond Granola: A Delicious and Nutritious Homemade Recipe

Orange & Almond Granola: A Delicious and Nutritious Homemade Recipe

Orange & Almond Granola: A Delicious and Nutritious Homemade Recipe

Granola is a versatile breakfast option that’s healthy, satisfying, and easy to customize to your personal tastes. Adding orange zest and almonds not only enhances the flavor but also packs a nutritious punch. This Orange & Almond Granola recipe is loaded with wholesome ingredients and is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a crunchy topping for yogurt or desserts.

Why Orange & Almond Granola?

The combination of oranges and almonds adds a delightful twist to the traditional granola. Here are a few reasons why this pairing works so well:

  • Oranges bring a refreshing citrusy flavor that brightens the granola while also adding a dose of Vitamin C.
  • Almonds provide a rich nutty flavor along with healthy fats, fiber, protein, and essential vitamins like Vitamin E and magnesium.

Now, let’s get into the recipe!


Orange & Almond Granola Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup raw almonds (chopped or whole, as per preference)
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
  • 1/4 cup flaxseeds or chia seeds
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (for a vegan version)
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • A pinch of sea salt
  • Optional: dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for added sweetness

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, flaxseeds (or chia seeds), and shredded coconut if using. This forms the base of your granola.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the orange zest, orange juice, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sea salt until everything is well combined.
  4. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until all the oats and almonds are evenly coated.
  5. Spread the mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even toasting. Watch carefully toward the end to prevent burning, as granola can brown quickly.
  7. Once golden and fragrant, remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely. The granola will crisp up as it cools.
  8. After cooling, you can mix in your choice of dried fruits, such as cranberries, raisins, or even dried apricots for extra flavor and texture.
  9. Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Health Benefits of Orange & Almond Granola

This homemade granola is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition:

  • Oats are high in fiber, which helps keep you full and supports heart health.
  • Almonds are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, particularly Vitamin E.
  • Oranges provide a refreshing dose of Vitamin C, helping to boost your immune system and promote healthy skin.
  • Flaxseeds or chia seeds add omega-3 fatty acids and fiber to the mix, enhancing the nutritional value.
  • By using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, this granola avoids refined sugars while providing a naturally sweet flavor.

Ways to Enjoy Orange & Almond Granola

  • With yogurt: Top your favorite Greek or plant-based yogurt with a sprinkle of granola for a filling and satisfying breakfast or snack.
  • As a cereal: Simply add milk or a dairy-free alternative to a bowl of granola for a crunchy and refreshing start to your day.
  • Smoothie bowls: Garnish your smoothie bowls with granola for an added crunch and nutritional boost.
  • On desserts: Use it as a topping for desserts like ice cream or fruit parfaits for a crunchy contrast.

Tips for the Perfect Granola:

  1. Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter granola, you can add more honey or maple syrup.
  2. Substitute or add nuts: You can swap almonds for other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or cashews.
  3. Experiment with flavors: Add spices like ginger, nutmeg, or cardamom for a different flavor profile.
  4. Make it gluten-free: Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free if needed.

Making Orange & Almond Granola at home allows you to control the ingredients and create a wholesome, nutritious option that fits your taste preferences. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this vibrant citrus and almond blend is sure to satisfy!

Here’s a nutritional breakdown for a typical serving (approximately 1/2 cup) of the Orange & Almond Granola recipe. Please note that values can vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used.

Nutritional Chart (Per Serving: 1/2 cup)

NutrientAmount Per Serving
Calories~220-250 kcal
Total Fat12g
Saturated Fat4g
Cholesterol0mg
Sodium40mg
Total Carbohydrates28g
Dietary Fiber5g
Sugars8g
Protein5g
Vitamin C~10% DV
Calcium~4% DV
Iron~8% DV
Vitamin E~20% DV
Magnesium~15% DV
Omega-3 Fatty Acids~1g

Key Nutrients Breakdown:

  • Calories: The granola is calorie-dense due to the healthy fats from almonds and coconut oil, but it provides sustained energy, making it a filling breakfast or snack.
  • Healthy Fats: With 12g of fat per serving, mainly from almonds and coconut oil, this recipe includes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and a small amount of saturated fat.
  • Fiber: At around 5g of fiber, this granola supports digestive health and helps keep you full.
  • Protein: With about 5g of protein, largely from almonds and oats, it helps in muscle repair and overall body function.
  • Sugar: The natural sweetness from orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), and optional dried fruits adds about 8g of sugar. You can reduce the sweeteners if you want to lower the sugar content.
  • Vitamin C: Thanks to the orange zest and juice, each serving provides a small but meaningful amount of Vitamin C, helping boost your immune system.
  • Magnesium & Vitamin E: Almonds are rich in magnesium and Vitamin E, which support nerve function, muscle health, and act as antioxidants.

This granola is a well-balanced option, rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein, and low in processed sugars, making it a great choice for a nutritious start to the day!

Orange & Almond Granola FAQ

1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

While rolled oats are preferred for granola due to their texture, you can use quick oats if needed. However, the granola may have a softer texture and clump less than with rolled oats.

2. Can I make this granola gluten-free?

Yes! Simply ensure that you use certified gluten-free oats, as regular oats may contain traces of gluten from cross-contamination during processing.

3. What can I use instead of coconut oil?

You can substitute coconut oil with other oils like olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter. Each option will slightly change the flavor, but they’ll still work well in the granola.

4. Can I reduce the amount of sweetener?

Yes, you can reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup to lower the sugar content. You can also experiment with sugar-free sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, though the texture and flavor may be slightly different.

5. Can I add other nuts or seeds?

Absolutely! You can customize this recipe by adding other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or cashews. Seeds like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds also make great additions.

6. How long does homemade granola last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, homemade granola can last up to 2 weeks. For longer shelf life, store it in the fridge, which can extend its freshness up to a month.

7. Can I freeze granola?

Yes, granola freezes well. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

8. What can I use instead of almonds?

You can substitute almonds with any nut of your choice, such as hazelnuts, walnuts, or even pistachios. For a nut-free version, try using seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

9. How do I make the granola clumpier?

If you prefer chunkier granola clusters, press the mixture down firmly onto the baking sheet and avoid stirring it halfway through the baking process. Let it cool completely before breaking it into clusters.

10. Can I add chocolate or dried fruits?

Yes, you can stir in dried fruits (like cranberries, raisins, or apricots) after baking for added sweetness. You can also add chocolate chips after the granola cools completely to prevent them from melting.

11. Can I use store-bought orange juice instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh orange juice will offer a brighter, more natural flavor. If you use store-bought juice, opt for one without added sugar to keep the granola healthy.

12. How do I serve Orange & Almond Granola?

You can enjoy it as a cereal with milk, as a topping for yogurt or smoothie bowls, or simply as a snack on its own. You can also use it as a crunchy topping for desserts like ice cream or fruit salads.

13. Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

The granola can be made vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey and ensuring that all other ingredients (like coconut oil and orange juice) are plant-based.

14. Can I adjust the citrus flavor?

If you want a more intense orange flavor, add more orange zest. For a subtler flavor, reduce the amount of orange zest or use just a small amount of orange juice.

15. How can I lower the fat content in this recipe?

To reduce the fat, you can lower the amount of coconut oil or use a lighter oil like olive oil. Keep in mind that reducing the oil may make the granola less crunchy.



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