The smell of homemade granola baking in the oven is one of my favorite things. It fills the whole house with warmth and makes mornings feel special. This Granola Recipe is crunchy, lightly sweet, and so much better than anything you'll find at the store.
My daughter eats it straight from the jar, my husband sprinkles it over yogurt, and I love it with cold milk. Once you make your own, you'll never go back to store-bought.
Why You'll Love This Granola Recipe
This is the best Granola Recipe because it's incredibly versatile and uses ingredients you already have. You get big, crunchy clusters of oats, nuts, and dried fruit that stay crisp for weeks. It's perfect for meal prep, healthy breakfasts, or even snacking straight from the jar.
My sister makes a batch every Sunday and swears it's easier than any other homemade granola healthy recipe she's tried. Plus, you control the sweetness and can skip any ingredients you don't like.
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What You'll Need
Just a few wholesome ingredients come together to make the crunchiest, most delicious homemade granola. Everything is pantry-friendly, and you can customize it however you like.
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raw nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts), roughly chopped
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates)
Optional Extras
You can add chia seeds, flax seeds, or pumpkin seeds for extra protein and crunch. Swap honey for agave if you want a vegan granola option, or use brown sugar for deeper flavor. Some people like adding dark chocolate chips after baking for a sweet treat.
Check the recipe card for exact amounts and full instructions.
How to Make Granola Recipe
Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. Make sure your baking sheet has sides so the granola doesn't slide off when you stir it.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the oats, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and salt. Toss everything together so the spices are evenly distributed. This oat granola recipe base is what gives you those perfect crunchy clusters.
Add Wet Ingredients
In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey and coconut oil together until melted and combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and stir really well until everything is evenly coated. My mom taught me to use a spatula and fold it like you're mixing muffin batter.
Q: Can I make granola without oil?
Yes! You can use applesauce or mashed banana instead of oil for a lower-fat version. The clusters won't be quite as crunchy, but it still tastes great and works well as a healthy homemade granola recipe.
Bake Until Golden
Spread the granola mixture evenly on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Press it down gently with the back of a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the granola is golden brown and fragrant. The key to crunchy baked granola is letting it cool completely without stirring.
Add Fruit and Store
Once the granola is completely cool, break it into clusters and stir in the dried fruit. Store it in an airtight container or a glass jar with a lid. It stays fresh and crunchy for up to 3 weeks at room temperature. Perfect for breakfast granola or snacking anytime.
Aliana's Top Tip
The secret to big crunchy clusters is pressing the granola flat on the baking sheet before baking and not stirring it too much.
After you take it out of the oven, let it cool completely on the pan without touching it.
That's when the clusters form.
Also, don't skip toasting the nuts with the oats because it brings out so much more flavor in this best granola recipe homemade.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
You can easily make this a gluten free granola recipe by using certified gluten-free oats. Swap honey for maple syrup to make it vegan. For a low sugar granola, reduce the sweetener to ¼ cup and add a bit more vanilla. Add protein powder to the dry ingredients for extra nutrition, or make it low carb granola by using mostly nuts and seeds with fewer oats.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Keep your homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. If you want it to last longer, store it in the fridge for up to 2 months or freeze it for up to 3 months. No need to reheat since it's meant to be eaten cold or at room temperature.
What to Serve With Granola Recipe
This homemade rustic granola recipe is perfect over Greek yogurt with fresh berries, stirred into smoothie bowls, or eaten with cold milk. My family loves making granola bowls with yogurt, sliced bananas, and a drizzle of honey. You can also sprinkle it over oatmeal, use it as a topping for baked apples, or eat it straight as a healthy snack.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →FAQs About Granola Recipe
Why isn't my granola crunchy?
Make sure you're baking it long enough until it's golden brown, and let it cool completely on the pan without stirring. Moisture is the enemy of crunch, so store it in an airtight container once it's totally cool.
Can I make granola bars from this recipe?
Yes! Press the warm granola mixture into a parchment-lined pan, let it cool completely, then cut into bars. You can also add a bit of nut butter to help them stick together better for no bake granola bars.
How do I make granola sweeter or less sweet?
Adjust the honey or maple syrup to your taste. Start with less and taste the raw mixture before baking. You can always add more sweetness, but you can't take it away.
What's the best way to store granola?
Use an airtight glass jar or container and keep it at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in humid areas like near the stove or dishwasher.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're craving more healthy breakfast ideas, my overnight oats are creamy, filling, and perfect for meal prep. For another crunchy favorite, try my homemade energy balls or explore more breakfast recipes in my collection. You'll find this recipe and many others in my Breakfast category, where morning meals shine.
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - I'd love to see your twist on it!
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Pairing
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