Once upon a time, I stumbled into a café during a torrential downpour, seeking refuge and perhaps a touch of comfort. There, amidst the aroma of freshly ground coffee and the soft hum of chatter, I discovered carrot cake granola. It was like a hug in food form—crunchy yet soft, sweet yet spicy, and a complete contradiction that just worked. If you’ve ever wanted to wrap the essence of a cozy sweater into a snack, this recipe might just do the trick.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, grated carrots, pecans, walnuts, and optional coconut. Add maple syrup, melted coconut oil, cinnamon, salt, ginger, nutmeg, and optional cloves. Mix everything until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly onto a baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Once baked, allow the granola to cool to room temperature. Stir in the raisins.
- Enjoy the granola immediately or store it in a sealed container for up to two weeks.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats (use gluten-free oats if needed)
- 1 cup grated or shredded carrots
- 1 cup pecans
- 1 cup walnuts
- (optional) 1/2 cup shaved or shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of cloves (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins
FAQ
- Can I make this granola gluten-free?
- Yes, you can easily make this granola gluten-free by using certified gluten-free old-fashioned oats.
- What can I substitute if I don’t like raisins?
- If raisins aren’t to your taste, you can simply leave them out of the recipe or replace them with another dried fruit of your choice.
- Can I use only one type of nut in the recipe?
- Absolutely, you can use 2 cups of either pecans or walnuts if you prefer not to mix the two types of nuts.
- How should I store the granola, and how long will it last?
- Store the granola in a sealed container at room temperature, and it should remain fresh for up to 2 weeks.
- Is there a way to reduce the sweetness of the granola?
- To make the granola less sweet, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup used in the recipe.
Tips
- Stir Halfway Through Baking: To ensure even toasting and prevent burning, remember to stir the granola halfway through the baking process.
- Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to customize the recipe by using either pecans or walnuts exclusively, depending on your preference, or experiment with other nuts for different flavors and textures.
- Raisin Alternative: If raisins aren’t to your liking, omit them or replace them with another dried fruit of your choice, such as cranberries or chopped dates, for a different twist.
- Storage Advice: To maintain freshness, store the granola in a sealed container at room temperature, where it can last for up to two weeks.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Grater or Shredder (for the carrots)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
