No-Recipe Granola

I didn't make granola for the longest time because I was so intimidated (my first pumpkin pie protein granola recipe here). Now, I realize that it's actually quite easy and very customizable! 

So, here's a recipe without any fuss. Use what you like, throw in what you've got, and make granola. I think it's pretty hard to mess this up, so have fun playing with the many variations you can come up with.

It's as simple as mixing some ingredients in a bowl, tossing them in the oven, and... yup that's about it.

This granola is perfect for snacking on, topping your favorite dessert, enjoying as cereal, etc. It's very crunchy and satisfying!

​No-Recipe Granola

2 cups any combination of the following: nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, buckinis*
1 1/4 cups rolled oats* (gluten-free if needed)
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup pure maple syrup (or honey, brown rice syrup, date paste, mashed banana, etc.)
1/3 cup nut butter (I like almond)
Pinch of sea salt
Optional: dried fruit, spices, flavors. Play with different ingredients and flavor combinations (2 ideas below)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 F.
In a large mixing bowl, add the nuts/seeds, oats, and a pinch of sea salt.
On the stove, gently warm the coconut oil, maple, and almond butter (or chosen ingredients) until melted and thoroughly mixed. 
Add wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir to combine. 
Spread evenly across a baking sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, gently mixing after the first 10 minutes, and checking every 3-4 minutes after that. Granola should turn slightly golden but not burnt.
Once it's cool, store in an airtight container or jar. 

Recipe Notes:
To make granola without any grains, just sub the oats for more of the nuts or seeds.
Seeds: chia, flax, sunflower, pepitas, hemp, quinoa, poppy, sesame
Nuts (I would chop first): walnuts, almonds, cashews, macadamia, brazil nuts, hazelnuts, pistachios

---

Toasted Cinnamon Granola
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup flax seeds
1/2 cup coconut flakes
1/4 cup pepitas
1 1/4 cups oats
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup maple
1/3 cup almond butter
pinch of salt
​cinnamon
​

Chocolatey Granola
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup sesame and chia seeds (mixed)
1/4 cup cacao nibs
1/4 cup cacao powder
1 1/4 cups oats
1/3 cup maple
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup almond butter
pinch of salt