If you’re craving a crunchy, wholesome treat with a delightful twist, this Tahini Citrus Granola Recipe is an absolute must-try. It marries the nutty richness of tahini with vibrant bursts of fresh orange, creating a beautifully balanced granola that’s perfect for breakfast bowls, snacking, or even an energizing mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Every bite offers a lovely combination of toasted oats, nutty seeds, and a subtle sweet citrus glow that feels both comforting and refreshing. Trust me, once you make this granola, it’ll quickly earn a special place in your pantry and your heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is refreshingly simple and relies on a handful of carefully chosen ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the granola. From the nutty tahini to the zesty orange, every component adds texture, flavor, or color that makes the final product knock it out of the park.
- Old-fashioned oats (1 cup): The classic base providing hearty chew and fiber for that perfect granola texture.
- Buckwheat (¾ cup): Adds a crunchy bite and naturally gluten-free goodness to boost nutrition.
- Sesame seeds (½ cup): Contribute a toasty flavor and boost the nutty punch alongside tahini.
- Raw flaked almonds (½ cup): For a lovely crunch and subtle buttery notes that balance the citrus.
- Ground sea salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and prevents sweetness from becoming overwhelming.
- Egg white (1, optional): Helps bind the granola for beautiful clusters if you prefer them.
- Tahini (¼ cup): The star ingredient that brings creamy, roasted sesame richness to the granola.
- Honey (6 tablespoons): Offers natural sweetness while helping everything stick together perfectly.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds moisture and a gentle fruity note to round out the flavors.
- Orange (1 small): Use both juice (2 tablespoons) and zest (½ tablespoon) to infuse bright, fresh citrus aroma and taste.
How to Make Tahini Citrus Granola Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 325 °F and lining a rimmed baking tray with parchment paper. The parchment ensures your granola won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Keep in mind that a larger tray means the granola will cook faster — a handy tip to remember during baking.
Step 2: Combine dry ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together all the dry ingredients: oats, buckwheat, sesame seeds, almonds, and salt. Mixing these first ensures that every crunchy bit gets coated evenly once the wet ingredients join in.
Step 3: Whisk wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy, which is optional but great for binding. Then add the tahini, honey, olive oil, orange juice, and zest. Whisk until smooth and fully combined. This mixture is where the magic happens, creating that luscious tahini citrus coating that transforms every morsel.
Step 4: Blend wet and dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until every oat and seed is evenly coated. This step is key for that just-right texture — not too dry, not too sticky.
Step 5: Bake the granola
Spread the granola evenly on your lined baking tray and place it in the oven’s middle rack. Bake for 20 minutes before rotating the tray for even cooking. Continue baking for 10 more minutes for the first round of toasty goodness.
Step 6: Stir to create clusters
Remove the tray and gently stir the granola with a flipping motion, being careful to preserve chunky clusters. Move any browned pieces from the edges back to the center for even baking. Bake another 10 minutes, then give it one more gentle stir to encourage more cluster formation.
Step 7: Final bake and cool
Return the granola to the oven for a final 5 to 10 minutes until it’s golden and perfectly crisp. Once out of the oven, allow it to cool completely on the tray — it will continue to crisp up as it cools. This patient wait is well worth it for that irresistible crunch.
How to Serve Tahini Citrus Granola Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Tahini Citrus Granola over bowls of creamy yogurt or a smoothie bowl and add a handful of fresh berries or sliced bananas for extra freshness. A drizzle of honey on top can amplify the sweetness while a pinch of cinnamon adds a cozy fragrance.
Side Dishes
Pair this granola with a scoop of fresh fruit salad or alongside a glass of chilled almond milk for a wholesome, balanced breakfast. It also complements sliced melon or citrus fruits beautifully, highlighting those bright orange notes in the granola.
Creative Ways to Present
Use the granola as a crunchy topping for baked apples or sprinkle over ice cream for a delightful dessert twist. You can even press it into bars by adding some nut butter and resting it overnight — perfect for on-the-go snacking with that lovely tahini citrus flavor shining through.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your homemade granola fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays crunchy and delicious for up to two weeks, making it easy to grab whenever hunger strikes.
Freezing
If you want to extend the shelf life, freezing granola is a smart move. Place it in a well-sealed freezer bag or container, and it will last for up to three months without losing that amazing crunch and flavor.
Reheating
To bring back the freshly baked warmth and crunch, pop your granola in a low oven (around 275 °F) for 5 to 10 minutes or simply enjoy it cold; the flavors are equally delightful either way. Reheating enhances the aromas and crunchiness for that just-baked experience.
FAQs
Can I make this Tahini Citrus Granola Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the egg white or replace the honey with maple syrup to keep it completely plant-based without compromising on taste or texture.
Is it okay to use regular oats instead of gluten-free?
Yes, regular old-fashioned oats work perfectly here, but if you need to keep it gluten-free, make sure to select oats labeled gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
Can I swap out any nuts or seeds?
Definitely! Feel free to substitute almonds with walnuts or pecans and sesame seeds with sunflower or pumpkin seeds according to your preference or pantry availability.
How long does it take to bake this granola?
The total baking time is about 45 minutes, including intermittent stirring to develop those irresistible clusters and even toasting throughout.
What’s the best way to store granola to keep it crunchy?
Storing granola in an airtight container away from humidity and heat is crucial to maintaining crunchiness and freshness over time.
Final Thoughts
This Tahini Citrus Granola Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone seeking a wholesome, flavorful snack that’s bursting with personality. The balance of nutty tahini and bright citrus notes creates a satisfying treat perfect for many occasions. I encourage you to give it a try and watch it become your go-to granola in no time!
Print
Tahini Citrus Granola Recipe
This Tahini Granola recipe combines wholesome oats, crunchy buckwheat, sesame seeds, and almonds with a deliciously nutty tahini and honey mixture. Baked to golden perfection with a hint of fresh orange zest and juice, it’s a healthy, flavorful breakfast or snack option that can be stored for up to two weeks.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats (gluten-free if required)
- ¾ cup buckwheat
- ½ cup sesame seeds
- ½ cup raw flaked almonds
- 1 teaspoon ground sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 egg white (optional)
- ¼ cup tahini
- 6 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small orange (juice – 2 tablespoons, zest – ½ tablespoon)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Tray: Preheat your oven to 325 °F (163 °C) and line a rimmed baking tray with parchment paper. Using a larger tray helps cook the granola faster, so monitor it closely to avoid burning.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the oats, buckwheat, sesame seeds, almonds, and ground sea salt until well distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy. Then add the tahini, honey, olive oil, 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice, and ½ tablespoon of orange zest. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until all the dry ingredients are thoroughly coated with the wet mixture.
- Spread Mixture on Tray: Transfer the combined granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking tray, spreading it out to ensure even cooking.
- Bake and Rotate: Place the tray in the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then carefully rotate the tray to promote even baking and prevent hot spots.
- Stir to Create Clusters: Bake for an additional 10 minutes, then remove the tray and gently stir the granola with a flipping motion to retain chunky clusters, moving darker bits from the edges to the center.
- Further Baking: Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes. Stir again gently to mix and maintain clusters.
- Final Bake: Bake for a final 5 to 10 minutes until the granola turns a golden color all over, indicating it’s perfectly toasted.
- Cool and Store: Allow the granola to cool completely in the baking tray. It will crisp up further as it cools. Once cooled, store the granola in a sealed container for up to two weeks for fresh snacking.
Notes
- The egg white is optional; it helps bind the granola but can be omitted for an egg-free version.
- Using a larger baking tray thins the layer of granola and decreases baking time; make sure to check frequently to avoid burning.
- Ensure the granola is completely cool before storing to maintain its crispness.
- This granola is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats.
- Feel free to substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free
