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Irresistible Homemade Baked Granola in a Jar: The Perfect Thoughtful Gift

This Homemade Baked Granola in a Jar is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Jewel-Osco. All opinions are 100% mine.

Discover the joy of creating a truly special gift with this easy-to-make, utterly delicious homemade baked granola. Perfect for any occasion, this crunchy, wholesome treat is packed with nourishing ingredients that your friends and family will adore. Beyond its incredible taste, presenting homemade granola in a jar adds a personal touch, making it an ideal expression of care and warmth.

The Unforgettable Taste of Wholesome Granola

The moment my husband took his first bite of this homemade granola, his exact words were, “This is the BEST granola I’ve ever had!” And he didn’t stop at one handful; he kept reaching for more. My kids wholeheartedly agreed, cementing its status as a permanent favorite in our household. This recipe isn’t just good; it’s a keeper, guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters.

This delightful granola also transforms into the perfect gift-in-a-jar. Imagine the smiles on the faces of your friends, family, and neighbors when they receive such a thoughtful, handcrafted present. It’s more than just a snack; it’s a gift that truly keeps on giving, offering enjoyment long after it’s received.

In a world where everything often feels uncertain, the simple act of giving a handmade gift carries profound meaning. A gift crafted with love and care, like this homemade granola, speaks volumes, offering comfort and connection when it’s needed most. It’s a tangible expression of affection that truly resonates.

Elevating Your Gift: Pairing Granola with Festive Touches

To make your granola gift even more special and comforting, consider pairing it with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a festive candle. This thoughtful combination instantly adds holiday spirit, warmth, and joy to anyone’s home decor, creating a truly memorable present.

I found this gorgeous floral arrangement and a wonderful winter-spiced candle, both from debi lilly design™, available exclusively at Jewel-Osco. Debi Lilly, renowned as Oprah’s favorite party pro, truly understands how to bring uplifting beauty and elegance into any space. Her winter-spiced candle emits a soft glow and a cozy aroma, transforming any room into a haven of warmth and festive cheer.

The particular floral bouquet I chose is called “Winter Frost.” All debi lilly design™ bouquets are not only stunning but also incredibly affordable, with prices starting at just $12.99. These bouquets come prearranged and expertly designed, so all you have to do is pick one up and spread a little kindness. They feature farm-fresh blooms, perfectly curated to be trendy for the season, and make a gorgeous centerpiece for any table.

I had the pleasure of attending a live event with Debi Lilly herself, where she shared some invaluable floral tips. I’m excited to pass these professional secrets on to you:

Expert Floral Tips from Debi Lilly

Perfect Vase Placement: For an elegant display, flowers should sit beautifully at the top of the vase, minimizing the visible stem length. Measure your flowers against the vase and trim the stems sufficiently so that the blooms gracefully emerge from the rim.
Angle Your Cuts for Hydration: Never cut your flower stems straight across. Instead, cut them at an angle. This simple technique significantly increases the surface area of the stem, allowing the flowers to absorb more water and stay fresh for longer.
Remove Submerged Leaves: Before placing your flowers in the vase, carefully remove any leaves that would fall below the waterline. Submerged leaves can decompose, creating bacteria in the water that shortens the life of your beautiful blooms. Keeping the water clean helps your flowers thrive.

Crafting Your Granola: Essential Ingredients for a Wholesome Treat

One of the best parts about making this baked granola is how simple it is to gather the high-quality ingredients. I conveniently shopped at Jewel-Osco, but you can also find these exclusive products at any of the Albertsons Companies family of stores, including Albertsons, Safeway, ACME Markets, Randalls, Shaw’s Supermarket, Star Market, Tom Thumb, and Vons. These stores make healthy and delicious cooking accessible to everyone.

This recipe calls for just seven healthy ingredients, all easily found during your next shopping trip to @JewelOsco. Opting for organic and natural brands like O Organics® and Open Nature® ensures you’re starting with the best quality for the most delicious and nutritious granola.

O Organics® olive oil
O Organics® Maple Syrup
O Organics® cinnamon, ground
Salt
O Organics® Old fashioned rolled oats
Open Nature® pecans, halves or chopped
Open Nature® walnuts, shelled or chopped
O Organics® dried cranberry

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Baked Granola

Making your own homemade granola is a rewarding and straightforward process. Follow these easy steps to create golden, crunchy perfection every time:

Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup, ensuring your granola slides right off.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the oats. This step lays the foundation for a perfectly flavored granola.
Add Wet and Nutty Elements: To the oat mixture, add your pecans, walnuts, olive oil, and maple syrup. Stir everything together exceptionally well. Ensure that every oat and nut piece is coated with the liquid mixture. This coating is crucial for achieving that irresistible golden color and crispy texture.
Spread and Press: Transfer the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out into an even layer, pressing it down lightly into the pan. This helps the granola bake uniformly and encourages the formation of desirable clusters. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, use two baking sheets.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake the granola for 20 minutes. After the first 10 minutes, gently stir the oats to ensure even toasting. This prevents the edges from burning while the center remains undercooked, guaranteeing a beautifully golden and uniformly crunchy batch.
Introduce Cranberries and Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. While the granola is still warm, sprinkle in the dried cranberries. If you prefer larger, snack-sized clusters, gently press the granola together with a spatula. Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. It will crisp up significantly as it cools.
Package for Freshness: Once fully cooled, the granola is ready for packaging. Transfer it into airtight containers to maintain its freshness and crunch.
Gift Presentation: For gifting, place your homemade granola into small glass debi lilly design™ canning jars. For an extra charming touch, wrap the lid with a square of parchment paper and tie it securely with twine. Add a personalized gift tag for that final bespoke flourish.

Isn’t it just the cutest and most thoughtful gift you ever did see? The simple elegance of the jar, coupled with the homemade goodness inside, truly makes a statement.

I purchased the gift tags on Etsy, which allowed for personalization, adding an extra layer of thoughtfulness. However, you could easily find beautiful tags at any craft store or get creative and make your own at home, tailoring them to the recipient’s style or the occasion.

Homemade Granola: Your Questions Answered

Common Questions and Expert Tips

Can this granola be made ahead of time? Absolutely! This homemade baked granola is perfect for meal prep or planning ahead for gifts. You can prepare it up to two weeks in advance, making it a convenient option for busy schedules.
How should I store homemade granola to keep it fresh? To maintain its delicious crunch and freshness, store your homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid is ideal, as it also makes for an attractive pantry display.
How long does homemade granola last? When stored properly in an airtight container, homemade granola typically stays fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks. Some even find it lasts a bit longer, but it’s usually devoured long before then!
How do I get granola clusters? For delightful granola clusters, gently press the mixture down onto the baking sheet before baking. After baking and adding the cranberries, let the granola cool completely undisturbed on the baking sheet. Once fully cooled, break it apart into your desired cluster sizes. The maple syrup acts as a binder, helping those clusters form.

Recipe Substitutions for Your Perfect Blend

One of the best things about making your own granola is the flexibility to customize it to your taste or what you have on hand. Feel free to get creative with these delicious substitutions:

Sweeteners: While maple syrup provides a unique depth of flavor, you can easily substitute it with an equal amount of honey for a different, yet equally delightful, sweetness.
Dried Fruits: The possibilities are endless! I used dried cranberries for a festive touch, but you could also use dried cherries, dried apricots (chopped), golden raisins, or even a mix of several different dried fruits to explore various flavor profiles.
Nuts: Go nuts! This granola features pecans and walnuts, which offer a wonderful texture and rich flavor. However, almonds, cashews, pistachios, or even Brazil nuts would also be fantastic additions or substitutions. Feel free to use your favorite nut combination, whether halved or chopped.

Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Granola

This homemade baked granola is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many delicious ways. Here are some of our favorite serving suggestions:

By the Handful: The simplest and often most satisfying way to enjoy this crunchy treat is straight out of the jar, by the handful! It’s an ideal quick snack for any time of day.
With Yogurt: Sprinkle a generous amount over your favorite Greek yogurt or plain yogurt for a satisfying breakfast or a healthy dessert. The granola adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that perfectly complements creamy yogurt.
Smoothie Bowls: Elevate your morning smoothie bowl by adding a colorful and crunchy topping of homemade granola. It provides texture, flavor, and an extra boost of energy.
On Top of Salads: For an unexpected burst of flavor and crunch, try adding a sprinkle of granola to a fresh green salad, especially one with fruit or goat cheese. It offers a surprising and delicious contrast.
Over Ice Cream: Transform a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream into a gourmet dessert with a scattering of warm or cool granola. The combination of cold, creamy, and crunchy is absolutely divine.

The Joy of Giving: Convenient Shopping for Homemade Gifts

Homemade gifts are always a thoughtful gesture, and they certainly don’t have to require a lot of effort. In fact, involving my kids in the process of making this granola (despite their constant “sneaking bites”!) made the gift even more meaningful and fun for everyone involved.

If you find yourself running low on time this holiday season, remember the convenience of Jewel-Osco’s Grocery Delivery and Drive Up & Go™ services. These fantastic options make it incredibly easy to shop for all your O Organics® and Open Nature® products, as well as those charming debi lilly design™ items. You can prepare beautiful, homemade gifts without the stress of extra errands, leaving you more time to enjoy the festive moments with your loved ones.

This homemade baked granola in a jar is more than just a recipe; it’s an opportunity to create cherished memories and spread joy with genuinely thoughtful, handcrafted gifts. Happy baking and happy giving!