Homemade BEAR NUT Recipe: A Healthier, Crunchier Alternative

Introduction

BEAR NUT, a beloved product from Bear Naked, is known for its delicious, crunchy granola that's perfect for snacking, breakfast, or as a topping. This homemade version captures the essence of the original while offering a healthier profile with less sugar and more customizable ingredients. Making it at home allows you to control the ingredients, save money, and enjoy a fresher product. Plus, it's a fun and rewarding process that lets you tailor the recipe to your taste preferences. I remember the first time I made homemade granola; it was a revelation—so much fresher and flavorful than store-bought. This recipe brings that same excitement, with the added benefit of being better for you.

Why Make It at Home?

Making BEAR NUT at home offers several advantages:

• Control Over Ingredients: Choose the type and amount of sweeteners, nuts, and add-ins.
• Cost-Effective: Often cheaper than buying pre-packaged granola.
• Customization: Tailor flavors to your liking, whether it's more spice, less sugar, or different nuts.
• Better Nutrition: Reduce sodium and sugar content for a healthier snack.

Personal Anecdote

I recall the first time I made homemade granola; it was a revelation—so much fresher and flavorful than store-bought. This recipe brings that same excitement, with the added benefit of being better for you.

Recipe Details

• **Prep Time:10 minutes
• **Cook Time:25 minutes
• **Total Time:35-40 minutes
• **Yield:4 cups (about 4 servings)

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 4 cups (400g) rolled oats
• 1 cup (120g) mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts)
• 1/2 cup (60g) pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup (60g) sunflower seeds
• 1/2 tsp (2g) ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp (1g) ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60g) honey
• 2 tbsp (30g) maple syrup
• 2 tbsp (30g) coconut oil, melted
• 1 tsp (5g) vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1/2 cup (60g) dried fruit (cranberries, raisins)
• 1/4 cup (30g) dark chocolate chips

Instructions

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until well combined.
• Add Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Pour over dry ingredients and mix until everything is evenly coated.
• Bake: Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until lightly toasted and fragrant.
• Cool: Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet. It will crisp up as it cools.
• Add-Ins: Once cool, stir in optional dried fruit or chocolate chips.
• Store: Transfer to an airtight container.

Variations

• Low-Sugar Version: Reduce honey and maple syrup to 2 tablespoons each.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Smoky Version: Add a pinch of smoked paprika.

Special Equipment

• Large mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Optional: food processor for chopping nuts

Pro Tips

• Toasted Nuts: Toast nuts in a dry pan before chopping for enhanced flavor.
• Chunky Texture: Avoid overmixing to retain chunkiness.
• Crispiness: Ensure granola cools completely for the best texture.

Nutritional Comparison

FAQ

• Q: Can I use fresh fruit?
  A: Yes, but it's best added after baking to prevent sogginess.
• Q: What if it's too sticky?
  A: Bake a few minutes longer.
• Q: How long does it last?
  A: Up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
• Q: Can I make it vegan?
  A: Yes, using maple syrup as the sweetener.
• Q: Can I scale the recipe?
  A: Yes, adjust ingredients proportionally.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy as cereal with milk.
• Top yogurt or oatmeal.
• Snack on its own or mix into trail mix.

Conclusion

This homemade BEAR NUT recipe offers a healthier, crunchier alternative to store-bought granola. With customizable ingredients and improved nutrition, it's a great addition to your pantry. Try it and enjoy the freshness and flavor of homemade goodness!