Sweet & Crunchy Snack Homemade Cinnamon Crunch Granola Recipe
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Imagine waking up to the irresistible scent of freshly baked cinnamon and oats filling your kitchen. Sounds like the perfect start to the day, right? Well, that’s exactly what you’ll experience with this Homemade Cinnamon Crunch Granola! This sweet and crunchy snack is not only delicious but incredibly versatile, making it the perfect breakfast or midday treat. Whether you sprinkle it over yogurt, enjoy it with milk, or simply snack on it by the handful, this granola is sure to become a household favorite.
What makes this granola truly special is its balance of sweetness, spice, and crunch. The cinnamon adds warmth and depth, while the oats provide a hearty, satisfying texture. Best of all, it’s easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes! If you’ve ever bought store-bought granola only to find it’s too sugary or lacking in flavor, this recipe will show you just how simple it is to create a homemade version that’s both healthier and tastier.
If you love the Maple Pecan Granola from my blog, you’ll definitely want to try this cinnamon version! It’s equally as customizable and packed with flavor. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to make your very own batch of homemade granola that will have everyone coming back for more!
What is Homemade Cinnamon Crunch Granola?
You might be wondering, “What exactly is Homemade Cinnamon Crunch Granola?” Well, think of it as a delightful blend of crunchy oats, sweet honey or maple syrup, a dash of warm cinnamon, and just the right balance of nuts and seeds. It’s the kind of granola that’s perfect for tossing in a bowl with milk or yogurt, or simply enjoying as a wholesome snack. It’s a delicious combination of textures and flavors that is both satisfying and nourishing.
But why “Cinnamon Crunch,” you ask? That’s because this granola gets its signature crunch from the combination of oats, nuts, and a light syrupy coating that bakes to perfection in the oven. Plus, that cinnamon? It’s what gives this granola that unmistakable cozy, warm flavor that pairs perfectly with everything. After all, they say “the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach,” and once you try this granola, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cinnamon Crunch Granola
Let’s break down why you’ll fall in love with this Homemade Cinnamon Crunch Granola:
- Packed with Flavor: The warm, aromatic cinnamon perfectly complements the natural sweetness of honey or maple syrup. With every bite, you’ll get a satisfying crunch, balanced with just the right touch of sweetness. It’s like a cozy hug in granola form!
- Cost-Effective & Healthier Than Store-Bought: One of the best things about making granola at home is the ability to control exactly what goes into it. No hidden sugars, preservatives, or excessive additives—just wholesome, nourishing ingredients. Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective. You can make a large batch for a fraction of the price of store-bought granola.
- Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to add your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. Want to make it extra indulgent? Throw in a handful of chocolate chips or dried cranberries. The possibilities are endless, and you can adjust it to fit your family’s tastes.
If you’ve ever made Maple Pecan Granola, you’ll recognize how similar this recipe is in terms of its simple ingredients and satisfying crunch. However, the addition of cinnamon gives this version a whole new level of warmth and flavor. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into how to make this incredibly easy and delicious granola.
How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Crunch Granola
Quick Overview
Making Homemade Cinnamon Crunch Granola is incredibly simple. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a crunchy, flavorful snack ready to enjoy. The oats, nuts, and seeds are coated in a sweet cinnamon syrup, then baked until golden brown. It’s that easy! You can have a batch ready to go in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect quick snack or breakfast addition. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it uniquely your own.
Key Ingredients for Homemade Cinnamon Crunch Granola
To make this delicious granola, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (or any nut of choice)
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional)
- 1/4 cup flaxseeds (optional)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
These simple ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and spice. You can swap out the nuts and seeds depending on what you have available or what you prefer. Get creative with your additions!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds. Toss them together until evenly distributed.
- Make the Sweet Cinnamon Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the honey or maple syrup, coconut oil, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the mixture is well combined and the oil is melted. Remove from heat.
- Combine and Coat: Pour the cinnamon syrup over the dry ingredients, and stir well until everything is evenly coated. Make sure the oats and nuts are fully coated in the sweet syrup.
- Bake: Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Cool and Add Extras: Once the granola is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, stir in any dried cranberries or chocolate chips if desired.
- Store and Enjoy: Store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Enjoy it as a topping for yogurt, mixed with milk, or by the handful as a tasty snack.
What to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Crunch Granola With
This Homemade Cinnamon Crunch Granola is versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas to serve it with:
- Greek Yogurt: Top a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt with a generous sprinkle of granola for a quick, protein-packed breakfast or snack.
- Milk: Enjoy the granola like cereal, with a splash of your favorite milk—dairy or plant-based.
- Smoothies: Add some granola on top of a smoothie bowl for extra crunch and flavor.
- Fruit Salad: Pair it with fresh fruit, such as berries, bananas, or apples, for a refreshing and balanced meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting Homemade Cinnamon Crunch Granola
- Don’t Overmix: When coating the oats with the cinnamon syrup, make sure not to overmix, as this can result in unevenly coated oats.
- Use a Timer: Granola can go from perfectly crunchy to burnt in no time. Use a timer and keep an eye on it while baking to ensure it turns out golden brown.
- Customize the Add-ins: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins. Try adding walnuts, pecans, chia seeds, or coconut flakes for extra flavor and texture.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storing: Allow your granola to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Granola is best served fresh, but if you want to reheat it, simply warm it up in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for about 5-10 minutes to bring back its crunch.
Recipe Schema Markup for Homemade Cinnamon Crunch Granola
- Preparation Time: PT10M
- Cooking Time: PT15M
- Total Time: PT25M
- Type of Recipe: Snack, Breakfast
- Cuisine: American, Vegan
- Keywords: granola, cinnamon granola, crunchy snack, homemade granola, healthy breakfast, cinnamon snack
- Recipe Yield: 4 servings
- Calories: 180 per serving
Pros
- Simple, easy-to-make recipe
- Customizable with your favorite nuts and seeds
- Healthier and less expensive than store-bought granola
Cons
- Requires some oven time for best results
- Can be easy to over-bake if not monitored carefully
So, there you have it—a Homemade Cinnamon Crunch Granola recipe that’s sweet, crunchy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a wholesome snack, this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen. Give it a try today, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and oats in every bite!