A delightful homemade granola recipe with a golden crunch and a nutty sweetness.
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using parchment paper makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, almonds, and sunflower seeds.
Ensure the spices are evenly distributed for consistent flavor.
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and warm water.
Warm water helps the syrup mix more easily with the other liquids.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated for even baking.
Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
Spread the mixture in a single layer for uniform baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even browning.
Keep an eye on the granola during the last 10 minutes to prevent burning.
Remove from the oven and immediately stir in the raisins and dates.
Adding the dried fruits while the granola is warm helps them blend better.
Let the granola cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for storage.
Cooling completely prevents moisture buildup in the container.
