Fruit And Nut Granola

Fruit and Nut Granola is a healthy and delightful breakfast. Crunchy nuts, chewy fruits and aromatic spices all wake up the senses in the morning.
Let Us Clear The Term Dry Fruits/Dried Fruits
There is a lot of confusion over this term when it comes to India or rather the Indian Sub Continent. You see there, they refer to dried fruits and nuts as dry fruits. So if you say dry fruits to them, it means all varieties of dried fruits and nuts. Some also include seeds. For the rest of the world dry fruits is fruit that is dried. And nuts is a different category.
Theme: Nutty Nut
As I was thinking what to make using both nuts and dried fruits, something healthy it suddenly dawned on me that I don’t have a homemade granola recipe on my blog.So homemade granola would take care of the confusion… add both nuts and fruits.
Memories
I was not too happy about using the quick oats but as the saying goes ‘beggars can’t be choosers’. Then on 4th Dec, my society WhatsApp group went mad with the announcement that a new supermarket Naivas has opened its doors to the public. You may wonder what’s so thrilling about a new supermarket. For the people of Mombasa especially on the island it is the biggest news ever. After the giant Nakumatt closed its doors (I hear its not because of lack of business but more to do with embezzlement!), we lacked a proper supermarket where mostly everything is available. Nakumatt had definitely spoiled us.
My daughter and I went to check out the new supermarket. As soon as I entered the place, I thought I was in a Supermarket in Nairobi or Dubai. No seriously, its so huge and practically everything is available there. I saw jumbo oats and immediately bought some without even asking the price. Excitement knows no bounds for a Food Blogger, don’t you agree? Did I mention that the Supermarket is just opposite to my apartment complex? Hubby reckons he will have to find me there whenever I’m not at home 😉
Ingredients Required For Fruit And Nut Granola
Getting down to the granola recipe, I seriously never thought that it would be so easy to make it at home and here I’ve been spending so much on ready made ones where we literally can count the number of nuts and fruits added. I’m a big fan of granola especially with plain yogurt.
Rolled Oats – look for rolled oats as opposed to instant oats. Rolled oats add a bit of texture and hold shape as opposed to instant variety. However, if you do not get rolled oats then use the instant variety but make sure you reduce the baking time. The texture also will be different.
Spice Powder/Mixtures – can add spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, or mixtures like apple pie spice mixture, pumpkin pie spice mixture, chai masala, etc.
Nuts – use only one type or a variety. I have used a mixture of nuts. Cut them into bite size, not too big or too small.
Dry Fruits – use any of your choice. Again use one type or a variety. I have used dried blueberries, cranberries, cherries and pineapple. Sometimes I add raisins, chopped figs, apricots, dried banana slices, etc.
Salt – use any type that you have. I sometimes use sea salt or pink rock salt. Salt helps to bring out the flavours of the nuts, fruits and spices.
Sweetener – use any of your choice. I prefer to use honey, maple syrup, agave. You can use brown sugar or jaggery powder too.
Butter – tends to add a lovely taste. However, you can use oil if you want to.
Vanilla Extract – helps to add a nice flavour. But can omit it. Can add other flavoured extracts or essence like strawberry, banana, butterscotch, pineapple, etc.
So here are some simple tips to making an awesome batch of granola at home.
- Use good quality oats.
- Use fresh nuts, seeds, desiccated coconut and dried fruit.
- Add dried fruits at the end as they can get chewy or burn.
- Make an even layer in the tray of the granola so that it gets baked evenly.
- You need to add good fat. Cannot make a good granola without it.
- Remember that the granola will continue to ‘cook’ even after its out of the oven. So don’t wait till it gets extra brown.
- There are no strict rules as to how much ingredients you can add to the granola. You prefer more nuts then by all means add more. Want to add more fruits, then do so.
- Swap ingredients to make granola taste interesting and different. E.g. instead of adding pumpkin seeds, add flax seeds sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, etc.
- Add cacao nibs at the end. Add cocoa powder once it is baked.
- Don’t use too much spice powder at the beginning. Add more if required. I usually add some more after the granola is baked.
- Temperature is of the utmost importance. My first batch of granola I had made a couple of years ago got burnt as the recipe that I followed suggested baking at 180°C for 30 minutes. I like to set the temperature at 150-160°C. That way the oats don’t brown too easily and the nuts don’t get burnt.
- Use good quality sweetener.
Lets now get to the simple recipe.
All the photos for this post have been taken by my daughter, Namrata. Check out her Instagram for some awesome photos.

FRUIT AND NUT GRANOLA
Ingredients
- 2 cups jumbo rolled oats
- 1-2 tsp spice powder/ spice mixture
- ½ cup nuts chopped to bite size
- ½ cup dried fruits
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160°C.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper or use a silicone mat.
- Mix the oats, spice, nuts in a big bowl.
- Add butter, flavoring, salt and maple syrup into a small pan.
- Heat it gently over low heat till the butter melts and the mixture is mixed well.
- Pour the mixture over the oats mixture and using a spatula, mix it well.
- Spread the granola into a thin even layer on the prepared tray.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, mixing it every 10 minutes for even baking.
- When the granola is golden brown, remove it from the oven.
- Remember it cooks even after you remove the granola from the oven. So don't allow it to become dark brown.
- Add the dried fruits and mix well.
- Let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Enjoy it for breakfast with cold milk, hot milk or yogurt.
Notes
- Add ingredients of your choice.
- Make a chocolate one for kids and adults too by adding chocolate chips at the end.
- Adjust the sweetener according to your taste.
- Replace ingredients to make a new flavor. I used Pumpkin Pie spice mixture.
- To get clump texture of granola, add a little more of the fat and sweetener, not too much. Then tightly pat down the mixture in the tray before putting it in the oven.
- I have used cashew nuts, almonds and walnuts.
Pin for Later:
A little request:
If you do try this recipe then please either
- add a comment below,
- send a picture to my email mayuri.ajay.patel62@gmail.com
- tag me as #mayuri_jikoni on Instagram
- or tag me on Twitter as #Mayuri1962
Sharing this recipe with the following event:
Members of this group cook fortnightly a dish according to the theme.
THEME: 58 HWCG #NUTTYNUT AT HW

Check out what members have made for the nutty nut theme:

Shahi Mega Korma/Royal Nuts Curry by Shalu
Badam Puri/ Flourless Butterless Almond Cookies by Ruchi
Salted Cashew Nuts by Jayashree
Monaco Mango Bites by Priya
Zarda Pulao by Vanitha
5 minute Pavlova Parfait with yogurt cream and dry fruits by Seema
Nutty Frutti Cookies by Rosy
Layered Fruit and Nut Raita by Geetanjali
38 Comments
The Girl Next Door
December 12, 2018 at 8:33 pm
Wow, the granola looks so inviting! I’d love to grab a couple of spoonfuls from that bowl. 🙂
mayurisjikoni
December 12, 2018 at 9:19 pm
Thanks Priya and its easy to make.
Ruchisvegkitchen
December 14, 2018 at 8:40 am
Superb. Looks tempting . Healthy and crunchy snack … Perfect for season and theme. Loved the detailed post. Lovely pictures
mayurisjikoni
December 14, 2018 at 5:25 pm
Thank you so much Ruchi, clicks are by my daughter who is here on holiday.
Ruchisvegkitchen
December 14, 2018 at 5:34 pm
Oh wow … So even she is a great photographer .. Best Wishes to her too
mayurisjikoni
December 14, 2018 at 5:38 pm
Thank you so much Ruchi.
Shalu Jain
December 14, 2018 at 10:43 am
Ahaaaaa!! Loving it💗💗
This is on my to do list.
Yours is looking so healthy, so perfect, so inviting.
mayurisjikoni
December 14, 2018 at 5:23 pm
Thank you so much Shalu.
curryandvanilla
December 14, 2018 at 2:29 pm
Wow!! I can have this any time of the day! A large bowl of this healthy granola full of nuts and a good book is all I need! Fabulous share dear <3
mayurisjikoni
December 14, 2018 at 5:21 pm
Thank you so much Vanitha, I love my granola with yogurt, makes a perfect snack too.
jayashreetrao
December 14, 2018 at 5:08 pm
Recently I too had made something similar and its a good snack to binge. Yours looks yumm.
mayurisjikoni
December 14, 2018 at 5:19 pm
Thank you Jayashree, it is definitely a good snack option too.
Geetanjali Tung
December 15, 2018 at 9:54 am
Granola looks so inviting… I can have this anytime. Perfect share for the theme☺
mayurisjikoni
December 18, 2018 at 5:55 pm
Thank you so much Geetanjali.
Sasmita Sahoo Samanta
December 15, 2018 at 1:20 pm
SUch a healthy and fully packed with nutrients is this granola. Such a lovely breakfast option. The clicks are so beautiful here di as well !!
mayurisjikoni
December 18, 2018 at 5:51 pm
Thank you so much Sasmita, and yes its healthy as one can control how much sweetener they want to add.
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings
December 19, 2018 at 2:23 am
I love all your tips for making the perfect granola. It’s so nice to have it in the house bc it can be used in so many ways and my kids love it!
mayurisjikoni
December 19, 2018 at 7:31 pm
Thank you so much Karen.
Preethicuisine
October 10, 2020 at 9:45 am
Home made granola is so nutritious and Delish. I have been thinking of making this for a Long time . Thanks for the lovely tips . Will be easier for me make now .
mayurisjikoni
October 10, 2020 at 1:38 pm
Thanks Preethi, making granola at home is very easy.
Laura | Wandercooks
December 21, 2018 at 7:22 am
Seriously, how much fun is it exploring a new supermarket?! We’re so addicted haha, it’s amazing all the new things you discover. I’ve never made granola at home before so definitely keen to give this one a try!
mayurisjikoni
December 23, 2018 at 10:45 am
Laura, for people staying in Mombasa town the new supermarket is like a treasure trove, as when the last closed down due to mismanagement, for nearly a year we would actually have to hunt for goods in different shops which is so irritating. Please do try out the granola at home, its so easy.
kavitafavelle
December 22, 2018 at 2:05 pm
Had no idea that the term dry fruits in India refers to nuts! That’s kind of crazy but so interesting! Very clever solution to go for a recipe that uses both nuts and dried fruits, the granola looks great!
mayurisjikoni
December 23, 2018 at 10:37 am
Thanks Kavita, during festivals you ask for dry fruit in shops and they’ll give you or point out nuts.
Natalie
December 23, 2018 at 3:03 pm
Superyummy! Looks sooooo tempting. Lovely photos, great work <3
mayurisjikoni
December 25, 2018 at 11:05 am
Thank you so much Natalie.
@Rosynayak
January 13, 2019 at 6:31 am
Granola are always a welcome breakfast option . They look crunchy and full of goodness
yarnsnknots
January 13, 2019 at 7:41 pm
What a fantastic share. Once i am done with the travels i want to make it.
mayurisjikoni
January 14, 2019 at 11:12 pm
Thanks Seema, do try out the recipe.
Janice
February 3, 2019 at 7:06 pm
I’m a bit fan of granola and this recipe looks wonderful
Renu Agrawal Dongre
January 11, 2020 at 4:26 pm
Homemade granola are the best. You can add whatever you like in it. I too make this and it becomes so handy for breakfast or even for your evening munching snacks
mayurisjikoni
January 11, 2020 at 6:10 pm
Thanks Renu, it does make a wonderful snack option too.
Priya Vj
April 27, 2023 at 1:14 pm
Home made granola are the best . I love to have it for breakfast ..certainly a healthy and filling choice.
mayurisjikoni
April 27, 2023 at 1:48 pm
Thank you so much Priya.
Kalyani
April 27, 2023 at 10:55 pm
the little minion at home has a sweet tooth especially for breakfast, and this homemade granola looks like a perfect, healthy fit ! bookmarked to try soon !
mayurisjikoni
April 27, 2023 at 11:21 pm
Thanks Kalyani, the granola is not too sweet but am sure she will enjoy it with added honey.
Sujata Roy
April 28, 2023 at 4:37 am
Granola is indeed a super healthy snack. Nuts, dried fruits, maple syrup and spices will give a wonderful taste. Never tried baked Granola. Loved your well explained recipe. Bookmarked it to try sometime.
mayurisjikoni
April 28, 2023 at 4:58 pm
Thanks Sujata.Hope you enjoy it when you try out the recipe.