A delightful granola recipe with a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness, ideal for breakfast or snacking.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, sesame seeds, flaked coconut, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Ensure the dry ingredients are evenly mixed for consistent flavor.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
Warming the maple syrup slightly can make it easier to mix.
Pour the syrup mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated.
Use a spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl and ensure all ingredients are coated.
Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
Press the mixture down slightly for clumpier granola.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even baking.
Keep an eye on the granola during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
Turn off the oven and leave the granola inside for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up.
This step helps achieve a perfect crunch without overcooking.
Remove the granola from the oven and stir in the raisins and chopped dates. Let cool completely.
Adding the dried fruits after baking prevents them from hardening or burning.
Store the cooled granola in an airtight container for freshness.
Use a glass jar or a resealable bag to keep the granola fresh for longer.