Nutrient-Dense Color My Food Granola
A Nourishing Upgrade from Cereal
Homemade granola is an excellent transition away from breakfast cereal and typical breakfast of bagels, muffins, baked goods. It’s nutrient-rich, fiber-rich, and simple to prepare. It also makes breakfast feel easy, colorful, and steady — exactly what your brain and body need.
And the best part? Granola never gets boring. There are endless combinations to keep your mornings nourishing and fun:
🫚 Spices
🌰 Nuts/seeds
🍒 Dried fruit (always add after baking)
🍏🫐 Fresh, seasonal fruit — berries, peaches, and plums in summer; sweet potato and pumpkin in fall; cranberries and gingerbread flavors in winter 🍑
Build a More Balanced, Brain-Friendly Breakfast
Enjoy your granola with grass-fed Greek yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese, or coconut yogurt. These add essential fatty acids and protein. They help keep your blood sugar steady so you avoid the mid-morning crash.
Add fresh seasonal fruit for more fiber, more nutrients, and more flavor.
Top it with a tablespoon of ground flaxseed or hemp hearts for even more essential fatty acids your brain and hormones love.
Other Ways to Use This Granola
✔️ Use as a topping on chia pudding or quinoa breakfast bowls.
✔️ Add a spoonful or two into oatmeal or overnight oats for crunch.
✔️ Enjoy a few tablespoons with dark chocolate chips for a fiber-rich dessert your taste buds will love.
Flavor Variations
As always with Color My Food, think of this recipe as a launching pad. Mix and match spices, herbs, pureed fruits, and toppings you have in your kitchen.
Use fresh seasonal fruit to bring color and nourishment into every bowl.
These variations keep breakfast colorful, seasonal, and fun 🤩
Variations
Almond joy: Use almonds for the chopped nuts, add 2 cuts shredded, unsweetened coconut. Optional – add 1/4 teaspoon almond extract when mixing melted coconut oil and maple syrup. Add cacao nibs or dark chocolate chips after baking.
Orange Cranberry: Zest 3–4 oranges and mix the zest into the oats. After baking, add 1½ cups dried cranberries
Banana Bread: Add 2 mashed or pureed bananas to the melted coconut oil and maple syrup mixture.
Lemon Poppyseed: Zest 3 lemons and mix zest into the oats. Add ¼ cup poppy seeds.
Pumpkin pie:Add 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice mix to the oats. Mix 1 cup pumpkin puree with melted coconut oil and maple syrup.
Moroccan Sweet Potato: Add 1/2 tablespoon Golden Milk spice blend to the oats. Add 1 cup sweet potato puree
Gingerbread Granola: Add 1 teaspoon ginger, 1 teaspoon cloves, and ½ teaspoon nutmeg to the oats.
This homemade granola is a simple, nourishing upgrade for busy women, growing kids, and anyone wanting a steadier, more colorful start to the day. It also makes a great afternoon snack with Greek or Coconut yogurt😊
⭐ FAQ: Homemade Granola
Is homemade granola healthier than store-bought granola?
Yes. Homemade granola is usually lower in sugar, higher in fiber, and made with whole-food ingredients. You control the oils, sweeteners, nuts, seeds, and spices — making it a more nutrient-dense and nourishing option for your family.
How do I make granola a balanced breakfast?
Pair it with Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or kefir for protein and healthy fats. Then add fresh seasonal fruit for colorful plant nutrients and fiber. This combination supports steady energy, balanced blood sugar, and better focus.
Can I make this granola gluten-free?
Absolutely. Simply choose certified gluten-free oats. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes. You can reduce the maple syrup by up to one-third without affecting texture. Adding fresh fruit and warm spices also boosts natural sweetness.
How long does homemade granola last?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I customize the flavors?
Definitely. This recipe is a base you can build on. Add spices, citrus zest, pureed fruits, or seasonal ingredients like pumpkin or sweet potato to keep breakfast colorful and nourishing.
Is granola good for perimenopause or menopausal women?
Granola can be part of a nourishing breakfast when paired with protein and healthy fats. The fiber and plant diversity support gut health, hormone balance, and steady energy — key needs during perimenopause and menopause.
Updated from original March 2021 recipe
- 6 cups old fashioned oats
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 cups nuts (walnut, almond, etc) chopped
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
- Preheat oven to 325. Mix oats and cinnamon in a big bowl. Mix in chopped nuts
- Melt coconut oil, stir in maple syrup. Mix well
- Pour melted coconut oil and maple syrup over oats. Mix well.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Spread half of granola on each
- Bake at 325 for 10 minutes. Remove from oven switch trays or at least mix and back 8 - 10 more minutes until golden.
- Let it cool
- To serve: Enjoy with Greek yogurt or kefir or over cottage cheese. Top with 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed and/or hemp hearts & fresh, seasonal fruit
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