How to make it
- 1Preheat oven to 160°C and line a baking tray
Low and slow is the key to even, golden granola without burning. 160°C may feel too low — trust it. Higher temperatures produce unevenly browned granola with burnt edges and raw centres.
- 2Mix dry ingredients
Combine oats, chopped almonds, pecans, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well — you want the spice evenly distributed before the wet ingredients go in.
- 3Combine wet ingredients separately
Whisk together melted coconut oil, honey, and vanilla extract in a small bowl or jug. The mixture should be uniform and fluid.
- 4Combine and mix thoroughly
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly — every oat and nut should be coated. Use your hands for this; it is the most effective way to ensure even coating.
- 5Spread flat and do not stir during baking
Spread the mixture in a thin, even layer on the lined baking tray. Press it flat with the back of a spoon. Do not stir during baking — undisturbed granola forms clusters. Bake for 20–25 minutes until deep golden.
- 6Cool completely before breaking into clusters
Remove from the oven and leave completely undisturbed on the tray until fully cooled — at least 30 minutes. The granola will feel soft when warm and crisp up as it cools. Once cold, break into clusters and store in a sealed jar.
The three things that make granola clump into satisfying clusters rather than staying as loose oats: pressing the mixture flat before baking, not stirring during baking, and leaving completely undisturbed until fully cooled. Honey (rather than maple syrup) also helps — its thicker consistency creates better binding. Break the cooled slab by hand rather than scooping to get the biggest, most satisfying clusters.
Ways to use it
- Add ½ cup desiccated coconut in the last 10 minutes of baking for a tropical version
- Add dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots after baking (not during — they burn)
- Use walnuts and cashews instead of almonds and pecans
- Add 2 tbsp sesame seeds for extra nuttiness and nutritional depth
- Add 1 tbsp maca powder for an adaptogenic, energising morning granola