This easy homemade hummus recipe is simple, flavorful, and delicious. The addition of crispy chickpeas in this dish will take your hummus to the next level.

There is nothing quite like freshly made, creamy hummus. This recipe is one of my favorite weekday snacks because it is easy, nutritious, and tastes amazing! Homemade hummus also makes an amazing appetizer for any dinner party or special occasion. Plus, this recipe has the unique addition of crispy chickpeas to take your hummus game to the next level! The textural combination of smooth and creamy hummus alongside the crispy and flavorful chickpeas is a truly magical experience!

My obsession with Crispy Chickpea Hummus was inspired by my favorite restaurant of all time – Suraya. If you are in the Philadelphia area, you have to make a reservation at Suraya. Specializing in Lebanese fare, this enchanting restaurant is also a cafe, a market, and an outdoor garden all in one. I can assure you that every item on their menu will blow you away, but their hummus is a must-have. It is unbelievably smooth, flavorful, and served with a pillow of steaming hot pita straight from their brick oven. I’m honestly drooling just thinking about it! After ordering their Crispy Chickpea Hummus time and time again, I finally decided to create my own version that I could enjoy every day!

Although the chickpeas in Suraya’s hummus are fried, the chickpeas in this recipe are baked to crispy perfection to ensure that this dish is still a guilt-free and healthy choice! I also chose to season the chickpeas with chili powder, cumin, and salt. These flavors complement and amplify all of the ingredients in the hummus by adding a bit of spice! Side note: These chickpeas are extremely addicting. Sometimes I eat them before they can even make it onto the hummus!

Homemade Hummus Ingredient Breakdown:

Let’s start with the chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, these legumes are the main ingredient in hummus. Chickpeas are rich in vitamins, a great source of fiber, and high in protein, which makes them a wonderful addition to any vegan or vegetarian diet!

Next up, we have tahini. Tahini is made from sesame seeds that have been toasted and ground into a paste and has a similar texture to nut butter. The tahini you add to your hummus should be rich, creamy, and slightly nutty. This powerful ingredient will ensure your hummus has hints of sesame and nuttiness in every bite.

High-quality olive oil is another important player in creating a sophisticated flavor profile by adding the perfect tang to your creamy hummus.

Fresh lemon juice, garlic cloves, and salt are key ingredients that will add tons of flavor depth to your homemade hummus. When these ingredients are paired with the tanginess from the olive oil, and nuttiness from the tahini; you have an amazing (and addictive) flavor combination.

Lastly, ICE cold water will help to make your hummus EXTRA creamy and smooth. If you are having trouble obtaining the texture that you want, try adding a little more cold water to help this process along!

Once you make this hummus, you will never turn to store-bought again. Bring this dish as an appetizer to your next dinner party and the crispy chickpeas will make your homemade hummus a crowd favorite! Check out my other chickpea recipes for more inspiration: Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies and Flourless Peanut Butter Blondies.

Print

Easy Homemade Hummus

Easy, creamy, and delicious homemade hummus recipe that will beat store bought every time!

Course Appetizer, Snack

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Ingredients

Crispy Chickpeas

• 1 can of chickpeas (15 oz) rinsed, drained, and patted dry
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Hummus

• 1-2 fresh garlic cloves
• ½ lemon, squeezed
• ¼ cup ice cold water
• ¼ cup tahini
• 1 can of chickpeas rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1-2 teaspoons salt
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin optional

Instructions

Crispy chickpeas

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Combine chickpeas, olive oil, and salt and spread evenly on a tray (be sure to first rinse your chickpeas and pat them dry before combining with other ingredients).
• Bake for 30 minutes and then add the rest of the spices.
• Bake for another 10-15 minutes until crispy.

Hummus

• Start by adding your garlic and lemon juice to a food processor and pulse for 30 seconds.
• Add your ice cold water to your food processor and pulse on high for another 30 seconds.
• Add your tahini and pulse on high until you have reached a light and fluffy consistency.
• Add your chickpeas and blend until completely smooth and creamy.
• While your food processor is still on, drizzle in your olive oil until completely incorporated.
• Add in salt, cumin, and any other additional spices and blend until completely combined.
• Top with additional olive oil, spices, parsley, and crispy chickpeas.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in fridge.

The post Easy Homemade Hummus appeared first on Splurge with Ella.

This is my go-to guac recipe and it never fails to please a crowd! It is always a requested appetizer at every family event. This recipe is made with real and simple ingredients, and can be whipped up within minutes! Check out my Easy Homemade Hummus recipe for another great appetizer.

Key ingredients to making perfect guacamole

Be sure to use RIPE avocados for a creamy texture

Red onion and jalapeño will help to give your guac extra spice

Freshly squeezed lime juice and fresh cilantro are important ingredients when trying to obtain the classic guacamole flavor profile

Adding a touch of cumin to your guac will help to create an extra special and elevated flavor

Keepin’ it green

Save one avocado pit and place it in your guac to prevent it from turning brown! Keeping a pit in your guacamole helps to keep it looking fresh and vibrant.

Print

Perfect Guacamole

This Guacamole is simple, flavorful, and extremely addicting! This will be your new go-to recipe when you need to please a crowd.

Course Appetizer

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 6 people

Ingredients

• 3 ripe avocados
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
• 1-2 tablespoons finely chopped jalapeño
• 1 lime squeezed
• salt, pepper, and cumin to taste

Instructions

• Mash avocados and then add and mix in the rest of the ingredients. 
• Serve with chips, plantain chips, toast or add to anything else you desire.

The post Perfect Guacamole appeared first on Splurge with Ella.

You will absolutely LOVE these thick and chewy Peanut Butter Chickpea Cookies! Yes, you read that right. These cookies are made with chickpeas, and YES they’re amazing. Did I mention these little gems are also vegan, refined sugar-free, and grain-free? Although, I promise you would never know the difference because these cookies are filled with peanut butter flavor and melt in your mouth with every bite.

I developed this recipe during a phase of chickpea obsession. After eating chickpeas multiple times a day, I finally decided that I wanted to utilize them as a healthy flour alternative in baking. I first tried to make my own chickpea flour out of dried chickpeas, but it was slightly unsuccessful. I then moved onto using canned chickpeas, which lead to the creation of these amazing cookies!

Why this recipe works

I wanted this recipe to be easy, guilt-free, and still taste indulgent. There are four key ingredients in this recipe: chickpeas, peanut butter, maple syrup, and baking soda.

Chickpeas have become one of my new favorite flour alternatives. Not only are they are filled with health benefits, but they also make these cookies super thick and chewy. Using peanut butter in this recipe gives these cookies the addition of healthy fat, and further gives them their amazing peanut butter flavor! I chose to use maple syrup as the sugar alternative to help thin out the dough and add a wonderful sweetness. The last key ingredient is baking soda. This leavening agent is used in baked goods to help give batters or doughs a lighter texture, and works to give these cookies a little extra lift!

Now that you know the basics, all you have to do is throw together everything in a food processor! Then you will have your amazing and healthy cookies in less than 15 minutes! Be sure to check out this Flourless Peanut Butter Blondie recipe for another easy, healthy, and amazing dessert.

These cookies have become a staple item in our household, and I have definitely made this recipe multiple times in a day because they disappear so fast! I hope you enjoy these guilt-free indulgences as much as we do. Happy baking!

Print

Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies are made secretly healthy and vegan with a little help from chickpeas. Chickpeas make these cookies soft, chewy, and completely guilt free!

Course Dessert

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 10 people

Ingredients

• 1 cup canned chickpeas (well rinsed and drained)
• ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon of creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup maple syrup (add an extra tablespoon for extra sweetness)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ¼-⅓ cup chocolate chips vegan if desired

optional

• a pinch of salt if using unsalted peanut butter

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Place all ingredients except for the chocolate chips, in a food processor and blend until completely smooth (you may have to scrape the edges and blend a few times).
• Stir in chocolate chips by hand.
• Place heaping tablespoons of dough onto prepared cookie sheet and flatten slightly (or shape to desired size) since these cookies do not spread much in the oven. 
• Bake for about 10-12 minutes until bottoms are light golden brown.
• Cool on pan for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack. Enjoy!

The post Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies appeared first on Splurge with Ella.

Cauliflower Rice is definitely my latest dinner addiction. I have been making this recipe almost every single day because it is just that good. Sometimes I even make a whole batch and eat the entire thing myself without feeling an ounce of guilt because it is so low in calories and low in carbs!

Cauliflower is a wonderful vegetable that makes the perfect base to take on any flavors. This recipe called for soy sauce and chives to give this rice it’s simple flavor profile, but it is so versatile. You can add whatever seasonings, spices, or sauces that you like. Check out my Lemon Roasted Asparagus recipe for another one of my favorite side dishes.

Print

Simple Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower Rice is an easy, healthy, and delicious rice alternative. This recipe calls for soy sauce and chives to take this simple dish to the next level.

Course Side Dish

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 2 people

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped cauliflower
• 2-3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1-2 tablespoons soy sauce
• salt and pepper to taste
• chopped chives for serving

Instructions

• Pulse cauliflower in a food processor a few times until it has reached rice consistency.
• Add the olive oil and chopped onions to a pan over medium heat. Cook for about 3 minutes and then add the cauliflower rice. 
• Stir and cook rice over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes. Add soy sauce and season with salt and pepper and stir until evenly combined. 
• Serve warm alongside your favorite dish and garnish with chives!

The post Simple Cauliflower Rice appeared first on Splurge with Ella.

Ever since I was a kid, my favorite pie was always Chocolate Pudding Pie. My eyes would light up every time my grandmother brought out her homemade chocolate pudding pie for dessert. It was always silky, chocolatey, soft, and oh so addicting. This is what inspired me to write my own vegan version of this recipe, which I am so excited to share with all of you.

Determined to create a healthier and plant-based version of this dreamy pie, I decided to make the crust out of oats and almonds. This results in a healthier base that has a similar texture and flavor to a graham cracker crust. When you get a bite of this salty and perfectly crunchy crust paired with the silky chocolate pudding, it is truly magical. Did I mention it is topped with a creamy, soft, and delicately sweetened whipped cream made from coconut milk?

Recipe Breakdown

There are three layers to this decadent dessert:

The Crust: The crust of this pie is the only part that ever goes in the oven. This is why you should start with this portion of the recipe to allow for cooling time. With that being said, it is so easy to make! Just throw the ingredients in a food processor or high powered blender until combined, press into your pie plate, and bake until golden brown. This is one of my favorite components of this recipe because it is so simple but so addicting. I promise you will want to use this pie crust recipe for everything you make!

The Chocolate Pudding: This chocolate pudding is easy, and no one would ever guess that it is vegan. Made with basic ingredients like almond milk, cocoa powder, and cornstarch (for the perfect consistency). In order to create a silky texture, be sure to whisk your mixture constantly while it is on the stovetop until you have reached the consistency you are looking for.

The Coconut Milk Whipped Cream: It is important to remember to place your can of coconut milk in the fridge at least four hours before you need to make the whipped cream. This is crucial because when coconut milk is refrigerated, the cream rises to the top and separates from the coconut water. You will only be needing the coconut cream for this recipe, but you can still save the coconut water to add to your smoothies the next morning!

If you love chocolate be sure to check out these other indulgent desserts: Vegan Chocolate Donuts, Vegan Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies, and Double Chocolate Muffins.

Print

Vegan Chocolate Pudding Pie

This chocolate pudding pie is truly amazing, and surprisingly made with wholesome plant-based ingredients!

Course Dessert

Prep Time 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 8 people

Ingredients

crust

• 1 cup oats
• 2/3 cup almonds
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon coconut oil melted

chocolate pudding

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cool water
• ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon white sugar
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• small pinch of salt
• 1 ½ cups almond milk

whipped cream

• 1 can unsweetened coconut milk that has been placed in fridge for at least 4 hours before beginning the recipe
• 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

crust

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Combine all dry ingredients in a food processor until everything is combined and the mixture has reached a sand like texture.
• Add the coconut oil to and stir to combine.
• Evenly spread crust mixture into a greased pie plate. Use the bottom of a cup to firmly and evenly press the mixture down.
• Bake crust in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Set aside to cool.

pudding

• Combine cornstarch and cool water in a small bowl and stir until smooth.
• Combine sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a small bowl and whisk to combine.
• Add almond milk to a small saucepan over medium heat. Add in the rest of the ingredients and stir or whisk to combine. Stir constantly until it begins to thicken – about 4 minutes.
• Once thickened, remove from heat and stir for another 2 minutes. Pour into prepared pie crust and let cool for 5 minutes before putting pie into the fridge (cover with foil).

whipped cream

• Place coconut milk in the fridge for 4-5 hours.
• Place glass bowl and mixer attachments in the freezer for 1 hour before making your whipped cream.
• Scoop out the thickened coconut cream (leaving the coconut water behind) beat in chilled bowl on high for 3-5 minutes until fluffy.
• Add in the rest of ingredients and beat for another minute.
• Spread on top of chilled pie, serve and ENJOY!

The post Vegan Chocolate Pudding Pie appeared first on Splurge with Ella.

These Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars will bring you right back to your childhood. We are definitely big peanut butter lovers in my household and my little brother has been asking me to create a peanut butter granola bar recipe as long as I can remember, and I finally have the perfect recipe for him and all of you.

Granola bars are one of my favorite healthy snacks, but the processed bars are usually hiding unwanted and unhealthy ingredients. Sometimes they even have as much sugar as a candy bar (yikes!), but I am happy to say that these homemade bars are made with nutritious and wholesome ingredients you can feel good about.

Why this recipe works

These granola bars require no time in the oven. All you have to do is combine the ingredients, press the mixture firmly into a pan, and pop in the freezer to set! Once they have set for about an hour, you can remove and slice each bar into whatever size you desire. Not baking these bars help to add to their chewiness, as well as make this recipe SO easy! These bars make the perfect summertime treat because you don’t need to turn on the oven.

Note: it is better to store these bars in the fridge or freezer after slicing to make sure that the peanut butter does not melt.

The addition of adding shredded coconut to this recipe also helps to make these bars extra chewy and flavorful. I prefer to use slightly sweetened coconut because it is often softer than unsweetened varieties. The honey and peanut butter work together to create a wonderful texture and salty and sweet flavor profile. If you love granola bars, chocolate, and peanut butter – you will adore these healthy treats! Be sure to check out these recipes for more: Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies and Vegan Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

Print

Chewy Peanut Butter Granola Bars

These granola bars are chewy and filled with peanut butter flavor. This recipe only requires 6 simple ingredients and no time in the oven, which makes them the ultimate snack!

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour

Ingredients

• ½ cup all natural peanut butter 
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon softened/melted coconut oil
• 1 ¾ cups old fashioned oats
• 3 tablespoons shredded coconut (I prefer sweetened)
• 3-4 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (vegan if desired)

Instructions

• Line an 8×8 pan with one sheet of parchment paper.
• Combine the first 4 ingredients in a bowl and stir until well combined.
• Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until well combined. 
• Pour all ingredients into lined baking pan and spread evenly. Use the bottom of a cup or another flat surface to firmly press down mixture until it is firmly packed. 
• Place pan into the freezer to set for 1-2 hours. Remove from freezer, remove the granola bars from the pan by lifting up the parchment paper and cut or slice into desired sizes. 
  Store granola bars in a container in fridge or freezer.

The post Peanut Butter Granola Bars appeared first on Splurge with Ella.

Unlike most homemade jams, this strawberry jam requires no refined sugars or pectin! I love starting my morning with strawberry jam, but it can be hard to find a recipe or brand that is free from unhealthy additives. After reading countless nutrition labels at the store, I decided to make my own homemade jam that I could feel good about eating.

Why this recipe works

I wanted this jam to highlight the sweetness and flavors that strawberries naturally contain. I chose to utilize honey as a healthier sugar alternative. Not only does honey contain many vitamins, but it also has a lower glycemic index than white sugar. This means that it will be digested more slowly, which helps to prevent spikes in blood glucose levels. Most jam recipes require you to use pectin. Pectin is a settling agent used to thicken jams or jellies. This recipe calls for cornstarch, which also works as a thickening agent as the jam cools. Lastly, a tablespoon of lemon juice helps to brighten and enhance the jam’s strawberry flavor.

Many homemade jam recipes can often be time-consuming and will call for large amounts of ingredients, but this recipe only requires 2 and 1/3 cups of strawberries. This cooks down into one 8 oz jar of jam. If you want to make a larger quantity, feel free to double the recipe, although it may require more time on the stove.

In less than 25 minutes you can have amazing, healthy, and homemade jam at your fingertips..so what are you waiting for?! If you want to start your day with another healthy recipe checkout my favorite Granola recipe.

Print

Easy Strawberry Jam

This Strawberry Jam recipe is easy to make, healthy, and only requires 4 simple ingredients. In less than 30 minutes you will have amazing homemade jam that you can feel good about!

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 2 ⅓ cups fresh or frozen strawberries (or berries of choice)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3-4 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Instructions

• Add berries to a food processor or high powered blender and blend until smooth.
• Add the blended berries to a small pot or saucepan over medium heat along with all other ingredients. Stir mixture constantly until it begins to bubble. Lower heat to medium-low and stir frequently (almost constantly) for another 15-20 minutes until the jam begins to thicken (It will thicken more as it cools).
• Remove from heat and transfer jam into a jar. Cool and store in fridge and serve on bagels, toast, biscuits or anything else desired!

Notes

Makes about 8 ounces: If you want a larger quantity of jam, double or triple the recipe, and allow to cook down longer on the stove. 

The post Easy Strawberry Jam appeared first on Splurge with Ella.

Trying to balance college, friends, staying healthy, and starting my own blog can often leave little time to think about what to make for dinner. Thankfully, my best friend will eat just about anything, but after eating vegetable stir fry for two weeks straight, she finally asked if we could make something else. I wanted to make sure that our next dinner was something she would be excited about, so when I went to the store I immediately ran straight for the sweet potatoes. She loves sweet potatoes and they are also a healthy, delicious, and affordable ingredient to utilize.

With only limited time for dinner on weeknights, I wanted to make something that was quick and easy. All you need to do is slice the potatoes in half, bake them for 40 minutes, and pile on the toppings! This recipe quickly became a household favorite and earned a spot (or three) on our weekly dinner rotation.

You will be blown away at how simple and delicious these loaded sweet potatoes are, and I hope you enjoy them as much as we do! Be sure to check out this Simple Roasted Asparagus recipe for another great vegetable dish!

Print

Easy Loaded Sweet Potatoes

These Loaded Sweet Potatoes will be your new favorite weeknight dinner. They only require a handful of simple ingredients, and are simply delicious. This recipe will definitely be a crowd pleaser amongst all types of eaters.

Course Main Course

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 3 sweet potatoes
• 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
• 1 green bell pepper diced
• 1/4 of a large white onion diced
• olive oil
• salt and pepper
• grated white sharp cheddar cheese (vegan if desired)

optional

• A small jalapeño pepper, avocado, any other desired toppings

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a tray with parchment paper.
• Wash potatoes and cut into halves. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them on the tray cut side down and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a fork easily goes through. 
• While potatoes are roasting, sauté peppers (add jalapeño if desired) and onions with a tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Once potatoes are cooked, flip them over and push down the centers with a fork to flatten. Top with desired amount of black beans and cheese and bake again for about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
• 
  Top with the peppers and onions and any other desired toppings (avocado, guac, hummus, etc.)

The post Easy Loaded Sweet Potatoes appeared first on Splurge with Ella.

Asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables, and I have made this recipe countless times. Sometimes I will even make a whole tray just for a snack! This recipe is extremely simple but so delicious. The addition of lemon to this recipe adds a wonderful brightness and flavor that will always have you reaching for seconds.

Be sure to check out this Simple Cauliflower Rice recipe for another great side dish!

Why this recipe works

Roasting vegetables can be an amazing way to highlight flavors and obtain the perfect texture. Although, it is so important not to leave your veggies roasting for too long. This asparagus is roasted at high heat for a short amount of time. This method helps to create a tender, but a crisp bite to this asparagus.

Adding a few thin slices of lemon to the top of your asparagus before it goes in the oven helps to elevate the lemon flavor while roasting. If you want to take this asparagus to the next level, try adding freshly grated parmesan cheese to the dish right before or after it comes out of the oven!

Print

Simple Lemon Roasted Asparagus

Healthy, fresh, and perfectly tender asparagus. This easy recipe is made with five simple ingredients that result in amazing asparagus every time.

Course Side Dish

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb asparagus spears (I prefer a medium-thick spears)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• a squeeze fresh lemon
• salt and pepper to taste
• 3-4 lemon slices (optional while roasting)
• grated parmeasan cheese (optional for serving)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 415 degrees and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
• Trim the ends off of the asparagus and spread evenly onto the pan. Brush with a light coating of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Evenly lay on optional lemon slices for extra lemon flavor.
• Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until tender but still crisp. Top with optional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

The post Simple Roasted Asparagus appeared first on Splurge with Ella.

There is nothing better than fresh, warm, homemade granola. This is one of the first recipes I ever wrote, and it has become one of my favorite recipes of all time. I have eaten this granola almost every single day for the last 5 years; and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon! Everyone who tries this granola is always begging me for the recipe. My friends and family grew to love it so much that I started to package it and give it away as gifts around the holidays!

My favorite thing about this recipe is that it is easy to make and made with wholesome ingredients. The truth is that most store-bought granolas are filled with unhealthy fats, refined sugars, and a long list of other processed ingredients (not to mention it can be so expensive). I was determined to make one of my favorite snacks truly healthy and delicious. The warm hints cinnamon combined with the delicate sweetness from honey creates a truly special flavor combination that you will crave over and over again.

As if you need any more reason to try this granola recipe, it is so versatile. Feel free to substitute your favorite nuts, seeds or dried fruits and unleash your creativity! Be sure to check out these Peanut Butter Granola Bars for another healthy breakfast option!

Print

The BEST Granola

This healthy and delicious granola will be your new favorite recipe. It is filled with good-for-you ingredients, naturally sweetened, and is so easy to make.

Course Breakfast, Snack

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups old fashioned rolled oats (use gluten-free oats for gluten free granola)
• 3/4 cups chopped or sliced almonds and/or pecans (I like to use 1/2 cup of almonds and 1/4 cup of pecans)
• 1/4 – 1/3 cup raisins
• 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds
• 3 tablespoons pepitas
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (canola oil can also be used to replace the coconut oil)
• 4-5 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• a pinch (⅛ teaspoon) salt
• 1 ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 315 degrees.
• Stir the first 5 dry ingredients in a medium bowl until well combined. 
• Add the wet ingredients along with cinnamon and salt. Stir until well incorporated and all ingredients are evenly coated (you may add extra honey or maple syrup if mixture seems too dry).
• Evenly spread granola onto a nonstick baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes in preheated oven until light golden brown.
• Allow granola to cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes before serving. Eat warm, in a bowl with milk, with yogurt or however you desire! Enjoy!

Storing method

• Place granola into a large ziplock bag or container and store in freezer for optimum freshness.

The post The Best Granola appeared first on Splurge with Ella.