We’ve always loved starting our day with a nutritious twist on classics, and our steel cut oatmeal granola recipe delivers just that. This hearty version swaps rolled oats for steel cut ones, offering a nuttier texture and extra fiber to keep you energized longer.
It’s perfect for busy mornings or as a customizable snack, blending wholesome ingredients into something irresistibly crunchy. Join us as we dive into this simple yet satisfying homemade favorite.
Ingredients
As we dive into creating our steel-cut oatmeal granola, we start with the key ingredients that give this crunchy, nutty treat its wholesome appeal. These components are selected for their nutritional benefits and texture, ensuring a satisfying breakfast or snack packed with fiber and sustained energy.
We’ll list the ingredients in the order they are typically prepared and combined, with specific measurements and prep notes for accuracy. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Steel-cut oats: 2 cups – We prefer these for their hearty, chewier texture compared to rolled oats, as they provide extra fiber and a nuttier flavor that forms the base of our steel-cut oatmeal granola.
- Raw almonds: 1 cup, roughly chopped – Toast these briefly for enhanced crunch and a rich, toasted aroma that complements the oats.
- Pumpkin seeds: ½ cup – Unsalted and raw, these add a subtle sweetness and protein boost; we recommend rinsing them first for a cleaner taste.
- Dried cranberries: ½ cup – Choose unsweetened varieties to keep the recipe balanced; they offer a tart contrast once mixed in.
- Honey: ¼ cup – Use local honey for its floral notes; it acts as our natural binder and sweetens the mix without overpowering the other flavors.
- Coconut oil: 2 tablespoons, melted – This provides a light, tropical undertone and helps achieve that golden, crispy finish when baked.
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon – Freshly ground if possible, for its warm, aromatic spice that elevates the overall sensory experience of our granola.
- Sea salt: ½ teaspoon – Just a pinch to enhance the natural flavors and balance the sweetness.
For optimal results, we suggest measuring all ingredients precisely and preparing any that require chopping or toasting ahead of time to streamline the process. This combination not only makes our steel-cut oatmeal granola deliciously addictive but also customizable based on your dietary preferences.
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our steel cut oatmeal granola efficiently, we need a few essential tools and equipment that ensure even baking and easy mixing. These items help us achieve that perfect crunchy texture while minimizing mess. Below, we’ve listed them in the order they’re typically used, with italics for key terms and bold for important items.
- Large mixing bowl: We start by combining ingredients in this bowl to evenly coat the steel cut oats, nuts, and seeds. Opt for a bowl with a capacity of at least 4 quarts for ample space.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key for our recipe, so use these to measure out ingredients like honey and coconut oil precisely. We recommend a set that includes 1-cup, ½-cup, and 1-tablespoon measures.
- Baking sheet or rimmed tray: This is crucial for spreading the granola mixture evenly to promote uniform toasting. Choose a standard 13×18-inch sheet for best results, and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: We use this for stirring and mixing the ingredients thoroughly in the bowl, ensuring every oat gets coated for that nutty, flavorful bite.
- Oven thermometer: If precision matters, this tool helps us maintain the ideal baking temperature—around 350°F—to avoid over-browning our granola.
With these tools in hand, we’re ready to move seamlessly from mixing our wholesome ingredients to baking a batch of delicious steel cut oatmeal granola.
Instructions
We walk you through the straightforward steps to prepare our hearty steel-cut oatmeal granola using the ingredients and tools we’ve outlined. This process ensures a crunchy texture and balanced flavors for a nutritious breakfast option.
Prep
Before we begin, let’s prepare our workspace and ingredients for efficient assembly. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to guarantee even baking. In a large mixing bowl, measure out 2 cups of steel-cut oats and set them aside. Roughly chop 1 cup of raw almonds and ½ cup of pumpkin seeds if they are not already in small pieces for better texture integration. Measure ½ cup of dried cranberries, ¼ cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of sea salt. These steps set the foundation for a nutty, flavorful granola that will fill your kitchen with enticing aromas.
Mix Ingredients
We combine the elements to create a cohesive mixture. In the large mixing bowl with the steel-cut oats, add the chopped almonds, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries. In a small separate bowl, whisk together the honey, melted coconut oil, ground cinnamon, and sea salt until fully blended—this forms a sticky base that binds everything. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly with a spatula or wooden spoon until every oat and nut is evenly coated. This step is crucial as it ensures the granola bakes into golden, clustered pieces with a satisfying crunch.
Bake
With our mixture ready, we move to baking for that perfect golden finish. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and spread the granola mixture evenly across it, pressing it down lightly to form a single layer—this promotes uniform crisping. Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent burning and achieve an even golden color. Watch closely in the last few minutes as the granola develops a rich, nutty scent and a deep golden hue, signaling it’s done.
Cool
Finally, we cool the granola to set its texture and make it easy to store. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the sheet for about 20-30 minutes undisturbed—this allows it to harden into crunchy clusters. Once cooled, break it into pieces and transfer to an airtight container. At this stage, your steel-cut oatmeal granola is ready to enjoy, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors that last up to two weeks when stored properly.
Make-Ahead and Storage
We understand that life gets busy, so making our steel cut oatmeal granola ahead of time ensures you always have a crunchy, nutritious snack ready. This approach allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the nutty texture and subtle sweetness for an even more satisfying treat.
Make-Ahead Tips
To prepare our steel cut oatmeal granola in advance, follow these simple steps for optimal results:
- Prepare the Mixture Early: Combine the dry ingredients—steel cut oats, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries—in a large mixing bowl up to 24 hours before baking. This lets the flavors start to infuse without losing crunchiness.
- Mix Wet Ingredients Separately: Whisk together honey, coconut oil, ground cinnamon, and sea salt in a separate bowl and store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the wet and dry mixtures for a quick assembly.
- Bake and Cool: If you prefer to bake ahead, spread the fully mixed granola on a lined baking sheet and bake as directed in the previous section. Allow it to cool completely on the sheet to form those irresistible clusters, then portion it out immediately.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage is key to preserving the fresh, golden crunch and nutty aroma of our steel cut oatmeal granola. Always use airtight containers to lock in flavor and prevent staleness.
For detailed storage options, refer to the table below, which outlines the best methods based on duration and conditions:
| Storage Method | Duration | Conditions and Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 2 weeks | Store in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight; this keeps the granola crisp and easy to grab for breakfast. |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 month | Transfer to an airtight container to maintain texture; ideal if your kitchen is humid, as it prevents softening. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Freeze in portions using freezer-safe bags or containers; thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to restore that fresh-baked crunch without losing flavor. |
We recommend checking for signs of freshness, such as a firm texture and vibrant aroma, before consuming. If the granola loses its signature crunch, simply spread it on a baking sheet and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes to revive its delightful, toasted essence. Always label your containers with the date to track storage time accurately.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this steel cut oatmeal granola recipe as a simple way to boost your mornings. It’s packed with nutrients and that satisfying crunch we all crave.
Give it a try and make it your own—it’s a versatile treat that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is steel cut oatmeal granola?
Steel cut oatmeal granola is a nutritious twist on traditional granola, made with steel cut oats for a nuttier texture and more fiber. It’s a crunchy, customizable breakfast or snack option that’s easy to prepare at home, perfect for busy mornings or as a wholesome treat.
Why use steel cut oats in granola?
Steel cut oats provide a heartier, nuttier texture compared to rolled oats and offer more fiber for sustained energy. They’re less processed, making them a healthier choice that helps with digestion and keeps you fuller longer, enhancing the overall nutritional value of your granola.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
You’ll need steel-cut oats, raw almonds, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, honey, coconut oil, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Each ingredient adds flavor, crunch, and health benefits like fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants, making the granola both tasty and nutritious.
What tools are required to make steel cut oatmeal granola?
Essential tools include a large mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, a baking sheet or rimmed tray, a spatula or wooden spoon, and an oven thermometer. These ensure even mixing, precise measurements, and perfect baking for a crunchy result.
How do I prepare steel cut oatmeal granola?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix dry ingredients like oats, nuts, and seeds with a wet blend of honey, coconut oil, cinnamon, and salt. Spread evenly on a lined baking sheet, bake for about 20-25 minutes while stirring halfway, then cool to form clusters.
Can I customize this granola recipe?
Yes, feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences, like using different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. Adjust sweeteners for dietary needs, such as maple syrup instead of honey, to keep it vegan, and experiment with spices for unique flavors while maintaining the recipe’s core benefits.
How should I store homemade granola?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or refrigerate for longer freshness. For extended storage, freeze in portions. To restore crunch, reheat in the oven briefly. Always check for signs of staleness before eating.