I like crafting a variety of granolas geared to special occasions and seasons, but sometimes we just need a jar of Basic Granola sitting on the counter. No fancy bells and whistles … just the basic good stuff. And when it comes right down to it, good food is all about the basic good stuff, right?

Making a basic granola isn’t as much about a recipe as a formula. Once you have the basics down pat you can throw together a batch of granola in pretty much no time flat. And remember, just because we’re talking about basic granola here, that doesn’t mean it’s not delicious! Yes, my special occasion granolas (see a selection at the bottom of the post) have a lot of bells and whistles, but sometimes I just want some crunchy, chewy goodness to enjoy along with my yogourt and berries.

Keeping It Sweetly Unrefined

Around here sweetly unrefined means using minimal amounts of sweeteners that are as natural and minimally processed as possible.

Before we get into the formula, let me just say that at Urban Cottage Life a basic granola is a sweetly unrefined granola. Say what?

Around here sweetly unrefined means using minimal amounts of sweeteners that are as natural and minimally processed as possible. So, no high fructose corn syrup, no white sugar and so on. Instead, I rely on things that bring not just sweetness, but also flavour and even some nutrients (but let’s not kid ourselves … any sweetener isn’t exactly going to be health food).

So, What’s That Basic Granola Formula?

I’ve put together a handy infographic as a guide to making a basic granola.

Of course, this is just a guide. A meant-to-be-adapted-to-suit-your-fancy guide. Switch up the ingredients according to your tastes and what’s in your cupboard. Let your imagination fly! For instance, use less dried fruit, or maybe leave out the optional add-ins altogether. Or simply follow the recipe I share below for guaranteed goodness.

Basic Granola Ingredient Options

• Grains: I’ve always used oatmeal, but some other options you could use in whole or part are buckwheat groats, spelt flakes, millet … (time for me to experiment!)
• Spice: Cinnamon, cardamon, pumpkin spice blend …
• Nuts: Almonds, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts …
• Natural Sweeteners: Maple syrup, honey, buckwheat honey, molasses …
• Other Add-Ins: Flakes or shredded unsweetened coconut, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, hemp hearts … (toasted or not, depending on the particular ingredients)
• Dried Fruit: Raisins, cranberries, sour cherries, apricots, dates …

Let’s Make Granola!

My Basic Granola recipe is below, as an illustration of what you can do with the formula above. I’m not likely to make a Basic Granola exactly the same way twice. If nothing else, granola making is a good opportunity to clear the cupboard of those odds and ends of dried fruit and nuts left over from other baking projects.

What Are Your Favourites?

What are your favourite ingredients to put in your granola? You just might inspire me to try something new for my next batch!

Looking to Up Your Granola Game?

There’s nothing wrong (in fact, there’s everything good) with Basic Granola, but sometimes something a little fancier is just the ticket. The most spectacular granola I’ve made to date is this Pomegranate Pistachio version that brings a festive vibe to the table. And then there’s Triple Apple Granola (what a way to get your apple a day in!). And of course, I couldn’t resist jumping on the pumpkin spice bandwagon with this Pumpkin Spice Granola (and yes, it actually has pumpkin in it, no kidding).