We’ve always been fans of hearty breakfasts, and our steel cut granola recipe offers a nutritious twist on the classic. Packed with whole grains and natural flavors, it’s a simple way to fuel your day with energy that lasts.
Steel cut oats bring a chewy texture and nutty taste that sets this granola apart from the usual varieties. We’re confident you’ll love how easy it is to whip up a batch in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
In our steel cut granola recipe, we focus on high-quality, nutrient-dense ingredients that deliver a chewy texture and nutty flavor from steel cut oats. These oats form the hearty base, providing sustained energy and a satisfying crunch after baking. Below, we list the ingredients in the order they are used, with prep specifics for accuracy and ease.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups steel cut oats – Use uncooked, rinsed under cold water to remove any dust, as they form the foundation for a robust, chewy texture.
- ½ cup raw almonds – Chopped coarsely for even toasting, adding a crunchy contrast and healthy fats.
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds – Unshelled and whole, to enhance the nutty flavor and provide extra protein.
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds – Ground lightly if preferred, for better absorption and a subtle boost of omega-3s.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Freshly ground for optimal aroma, infusing warmth and spice into every bite.
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup honey – Choose pure, local varieties for natural sweetness and binding power.
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil – Melted to a liquid state before mixing, ensuring even coating and a hint of tropical flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Pure, not imitation, to amplify the overall aroma and depth.
Add-Ins (After Baking)
- ½ cup dried cranberries – Unsweetened for tartness, stirred in once cooled to maintain their chewy texture.
- ¼ cup flaxseeds – Whole or ground, added post-bake to preserve nutrients and add a final layer of crunch.
This selection ensures our granola is not only simple to prepare but also packed with whole-grain goodness and essential nutrients for a nourishing start to your day.
Equipment Needed
To bring our steel cut granola recipe together with ease we gather a few key tools that ensure even mixing baking and storage. These items help achieve the perfect chewy texture and nutty flavor that sets this granola apart.
- Large mixing bowl: We rely on this for tossing together the dry ingredients such as steel cut oats almonds and seeds to promote even coating.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in our recipe so we use these to precisely portion out ingredients like 1 ½ cups of steel cut oats and ¼ cup of honey.
- Baking sheet: Essential for spreading the granola mixture thinly we recommend a rimmed baking sheet to prevent spills and achieve uniform baking at 350°F.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: We line the baking sheet with this to avoid sticking and simplify cleanup while preserving the granola’s satisfying crunch.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: This tool allows us to mix the wet ingredients like melted coconut oil into the dry ones thoroughly before baking.
- Oven: A standard oven is necessary to bake the granola to golden perfection providing the heat needed for that hearty texture we love.
| Equipment | Primary Use | Why It’s Essential for Steel Cut Granola |
|---|---|---|
| Large mixing bowl | Combining ingredients | Ensures even distribution of oats seeds and spices for consistent flavor |
| Measuring cups/spoons | Precise measuring | Guarantees the right ratios to maintain the recipe’s nutrient-dense profile |
| Baking sheet | Even baking | Promotes uniform toasting for the chewy nutty result |
| Parchment paper/mat | Lining sheet | Prevents burning and sticking enhancing the granola’s texture |
| Spatula or spoon | Mixing and stirring | Helps incorporate wet ingredients fully for optimal binding |
| Oven | Baking | Delivers the heat to transform raw ingredients into a crispy breakfast staple |
Instructions
We make preparing our steel cut granola straightforward and enjoyable, ensuring you achieve that signature chewy texture and nutty flavor with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process using the ingredients and equipment we’ve outlined.
Prepare the Ingredients
First, we gather and prep all components for even mixing. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: add 1 ½ cups of uncooked steel cut oats, coarsely chopped raw almonds (about ½ cup), ¼ cup sunflower seeds, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir these together thoroughly with a spatula or wooden spoon to distribute flavors evenly, creating a base that’s packed with whole-grain goodness and a satisfying crunch.
Next, in a separate small bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: mix ¼ cup honey, 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until smooth and fragrant. This blend adds a glossy sheen and binds everything for that irresistible, nutty aroma. Now, pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl and stir vigorously until fully coated—the oats should glisten and clump slightly for optimal texture.
Bake the Granola
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy release and even browning. Spread the granola mixture evenly across the prepared sheet, pressing it down gently with the back of a spatula to form a uniform layer—this ensures golden perfection and consistent crunch.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even toasting and prevent burning. The granola is ready when it turns a deep golden color and emits a warm, nutty scent that fills your kitchen. Once out of the oven, immediately stir in ½ cup dried cranberries and 2 tablespoons flaxseeds for a burst of tartness and extra nutrition, enhancing the chewy texture we love in steel cut granola.
Cool and Store
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the sheet for about 15-20 minutes—this allows it to crisp up further and develop that hearty, chewy bite. Once cooled, break it into clusters using your hands or a spoon for easy snacking.
For storage, transfer the granola to an airtight container at room temperature; it stays fresh for up to 2 weeks, maintaining its crunch and flavor. If you prefer longer storage, place it in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or freeze for up to 3 months—simply thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy our steel cut granola’s lasting energy boost.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To maximize convenience with our steel cut granola recipe, we can prepare components in advance for a quick, nutritious breakfast. This approach leverages the hearty texture of steel cut oats and ensures your granola retains its nutty flavor and crunch without last-minute effort.
Prepping Ingredients Ahead
We recommend starting by preparing the dry ingredients up to 48 hours in advance. This allows the flavors to meld while keeping preparation simple:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of steel cut oats, ½ cup of coarsely chopped raw almonds, ¼ cup of sunflower seeds, 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
- Store this mixture in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
For the wet ingredients, mix them separately up to 24 hours ahead:
- In a small bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup of honey, ¼ cup of melted coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
- Cover and refrigerate the wet mixture to prevent separation, as the coconut oil can solidify.
Assembling and Baking in Advance
If we want to go further, assemble the full granola mixture ahead of time. In our experience, this works best when done the night before:
- Combine the prepped dry ingredients with the wet mixture in a large bowl, stirring until evenly coated for optimal texture.
- Spread the mixture on a lined baking sheet and cover it with plastic wrap or foil.
- Refrigerate for up to 12 hours. When ready, preheat the oven to 350°F and bake as per the main instructions for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Storing Baked Granola
- Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet before adding ½ cup of dried cranberries and 2 tablespoons of flaxseeds for enhanced flavor.
- Transfer to an airtight container. As outlined in our previous section, it stores well at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, in the refrigerator for up to 1 month, or in the freezer for up to 3 months—ensuring a lasting energy boost.
| Storage Method | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 2 weeks | Short-term snacking |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 month | Moderate-term freshness |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Long-term preservation |
Conclusion
We’ve crafted this steel cut granola recipe to bring more wholesome goodness to your mornings. It’s a simple way to fuel our days with lasting energy and flavor we can count on.
Give it a try and see how it becomes your go-to snack. We’re confident it’ll elevate your routine and keep you coming back for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is steel cut granola?
Steel cut granola is a nutritious breakfast made with steel cut oats, offering a chewy texture and nutty flavor unlike traditional rolled oat versions. This recipe combines oats with seeds, nuts, and sweeteners for a hearty, energy-boosting snack that’s easy to prepare at home.
What are the benefits of using steel cut oats in granola?
Steel cut oats provide sustained energy, a satisfying crunch, and higher fiber than rolled oats, promoting better digestion and fullness. They’re packed with nutrients like iron and protein, making this granola a healthier option for a nutritious start to your day.
What ingredients are needed for this steel cut granola recipe?
You’ll need 1 ½ cups uncooked steel cut oats, chopped almonds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, ground cinnamon, honey, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, dried cranberries, and flaxseeds. These simple, nutrient-dense ingredients create a flavorful, wholesome granola.
How do I make steel cut granola?
Mix dry ingredients like oats, seeds, and cinnamon in a bowl. Whisk wet ingredients—honey, coconut oil, and vanilla—separately, then combine and coat evenly. Spread on a lined baking sheet, bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes with stirring midway, and add cranberries and flaxseeds after baking for extra flavor.
Can I prepare steel cut granola in advance?
Yes, mix dry ingredients up to 48 hours ahead and store in an airtight container. Wet ingredients can be whisked and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. For the full mixture, combine and chill for up to 12 hours before baking to save time.
How should I store homemade steel cut granola?
Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet for a crisp texture, then break into clusters. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, in the fridge for up to 1 month, or freeze for up to 3 months to keep it fresh and crunchy.
How long does steel cut granola last?
When stored properly, it lasts up to 2 weeks at room temperature, 1 month in the refrigerator, or 3 months in the freezer. Always check for freshness before eating to maintain its nutty flavor and texture for the best experience.