Granola Recipe Question

by Curtis
(San Diego)

Hi:I have a granola recipe question. While traveling recently I came across a great granola recipe. The people were kind enough to give me the recipe and a sample of their granola for matching purposes. I have baked 4 batches but none really compare to the original.

My question:The original granola is buttery and dry while mine is more sticky and moist. How can I make my granola more dry like the original?

For reference purposes, the sauce I pour over the dry cereal contains butter, vegetable oil, brown sugar, a sugar cane syrup and honey. I have increased the butter to match the buttery taste but reduced the oil, honey & syrup to reduce the sweetness and hopefully the moistness. I thought about eliminating the oil altogether but I just don't know. What do you think?

Also, I'm baking the mix at very low temperature, as instructed, for a long period to increase the toastiness.

Help! Thanks Curtis

Hi Curtis, I love granola! Without seeing the full recipe it will be hard for me to know the answer to your question. The oil contributes to the crunchiness, so I would suggest not decreasing the amount of that ingredient. I believe the butter may be making it too moist. Just guessing though.

The oven you bake the granola in makes a difference. For instance, did the original get baked in a convection oven? The air flowing around the ingredients would dry it out more. What temperature are you baking it at? 300 degrees is my suggestion for 40 - 45 minutes but you will have to experiment with that a little bit. I do hope that helps. You have inspired me to add my favorite granola recipe. Thanks for visiting and please respond back to let me know how it goes.

My Favorite Granola Recipe

This is a large batch that I used to make for a breakfast cafe in town using large sheet pans and a convection oven.
Convection oven 250 for 30 - 40 minutes or until golden
1 cup oil
1 cup honey
12 cups oats
4 cups sunflower seeds
2 cups walnuts
2 cups sesame seeds

After baking add 2 2/3 cups raisins

A small batch for a home oven

Bake in a 300 degree oven for 45 minutes or until golden
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup honey
3 cups oats
1 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup sesame seeds

1/4 - 1/2 cup raisins