Microwave Maple Granola
A few years ago, I was really craving some granola, but I didn’t want to heat up the oven. I decided to do an experiment! Rather than purchase granola in plastic I prefer to make it. What if I could make crunchy granola… in the microwave? I combined my granola mix, put it in the microwave and waited to see what would. To my surprise, it worked, resulting in a crunchy granola without the using the oven.
There are a few reasons this recipe works. One, microwaves heat water molecules (by exciting them— the heat comes from friction). Two, I used maple syrup as the sweetener and binder– maple syrup has water that evaporates while heating in the microwave. Three, the rolled oats also give up their remaining moisture. An oven does all this too, while also giving granola it’s toasty flavor. To get toasty flavors in microwaved granola, I use pre-toasted nuts and seeds.
Microwave Granola
Yields: 1 Serving
Ingredients:
1/3 cup Rolled Oats
1 ½ - 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup
1 tsp Toasted Seeds (Sesame or Sunflower)
2 Tbsp Toasted Nuts (Chopped or Sliced Almonds, Chopped Walnut, or Pecans)
Pinch of Cinnamon
Pinch of Cardamom (Optional) (or Nutmeg)
Pinch of Salt
Other Optional Toppings: Dried or Fresh Fruit, Chocolate Chips, Toasted Coconut, etc.
Directions:
Combine the 1/3 cup rolled oat, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, salt and spices of choice, and 1 teaspoon toasted seeds in a small bowl. Stir to combine (I suggest a small rubber spatula to help scrap down the bowl).
Place a square of parchment on a microwave safe plate. Then spread granola mixer across the parchment.
Microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds. Remove from the microwave and stir, turning over the mixture. As you start to spread it back out, make sure that you leave some in small clumps to create crunchy clusters.
Return the plate to the microwave and heat for another 1 minute 30 seconds. (If you have an older microwave or know it is not very powerful, it may take an extra 30 seconds). Carefully remove from the microwave. You may need a potholder or towel.
Slide the parchment off the plate and allow to cool on counter for 5 minutes. This will also allow for extra moisture to evaporate. After 5 minutes, if it is not mostly dehydrated then return to the microwave for another 30 seconds. Add in any toasted nut and other add-ins. Serve with milk or yogurt.