Quick & Easy Homemade Cinnamon Granola

Is it me or does baking with cinnamon always take you mentally to a bakery? Making this simple cinnamon granola gives that same feeling, but without the sugar, butter and oils that bakeries pile on!

Most store-bought or even “healthy” granolas have way too much sugar in them. So, I set out to make my own low sugar, less oil, gluten-free granola that still felt decadent in its own ways. I don’t know why I was always intimidated by the idea of making my own granola. Turns out it is extremely simple and anyone who is an absolute cooking newbie can make their own granola.

I’ve kept the ingredient list down to 6 (my usual sweet spot of 5-6 ingredients still stands!). Instead of adding nuts, which make granola a heavy snack, I’ve added in pumpkin seeds. Like nuts, pumpkin seeds are a great source of protein and unsaturated fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They also contain a good range of nutrients, including iron, calcium, folate without being very calorie-dense. This recipe is quick, easy and it takes a total 20 minutes in the oven for crisp, yummy granola to pop out.

Here’s all you need:

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup pumpkin seeds

1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 tbsp cinnamon powder

1 tbsp vanilla essence

Directions:

1. Mix all dry and wet ingredients in a bowl. make sure that all the oats and seeds get coated with the coconut oil and maple syrup.

2. Preheat the oven to 180C for 10 minutes while you’re prepping the granola. Bake the granola for 20 minutes. Line any baking pan with parchment

paper to make taking out the granola easier.

3. Here’s the most important part- Take out the granola at midway point – 10 minutes, and mix the bowl around. This makes sure the bottom and top parts get evenly cooked.

4. Once its done,switch off the oven but let the pan cool for 45 minutes. This is what gives granola its famous crunch.

Store it in an airtight jar and enjoy. I love making vegan breakfast parfaits with my granola. All you need is some jam, this granola and a dollop of coconut yogurt!