Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe

Introduction

This healthy granola recipe is a delicious and nutritious way to start your day or enjoy as a snack. Made with rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and a touch of natural sweetener, it’s easy to customize and perfect for batch prep.

Ingredients

• 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free granola)
• 1 ½ cups raw nuts and/or seeds (1 cup pecans and ½ cup pepitas recommended)
• 1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt (or ¾ teaspoon table salt)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
• ½ cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅔ cup dried fruit, chopped if large (such as dried cranberries)
• Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips or coconut flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts and/or seeds, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well to blend.
3. Step 3: Add melted oil, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until every oat and nut is lightly coated.
4. Step 4: Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 21 to 24 minutes, stirring halfway through. For chunkier granola, press mixture down firmly after stirring.
5. Step 5: Allow the granola to cool completely, at least 45 minutes, without disturbance. Once cooled, mix in dried fruit and optional chocolate chips or coconut flakes. Break into pieces by hand or stir to avoid large clusters.
6. Step 6: Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. If frozen, let dried fruit warm to room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of your favorite nuts and seeds to tailor flavors and textures.
• Swap coconut oil for olive oil to keep it dairy-free with a mild taste.
• For extra sweetness, drizzle a little more maple syrup right after baking while the granola is still warm.
• Add spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warming twist.
• Try adding puffed quinoa or millet for more crunch and nutrition.

Storage

Keep your granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, ensuring it stays crisp and fresh. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to three months. Allow frozen dried fruit in the mix to come to room temperature before serving to restore the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Quick oats are thinner and may result in a finer, less crunchy texture. For the best cluster and crunch, stick to old-fashioned rolled oats.

Is it possible to make this granola vegan?

Yes, use maple syrup as the sweetener and coconut or olive oil as the fat source to keep this granola completely vegan.

Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 147 reviews

This healthy granola recipe combines old-fashioned rolled oats, raw nuts and seeds, coconut oil, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, baked to a perfect golden crisp. It’s versatile, gluten-free when using certified oats, and customizable with dried fruits and optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or coconut flakes. A wholesome and delicious breakfast or snack that stores well and offers satisfying crunch and natural sweetness.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 21 to 24 minutes
• Total Time: 26 to 29 minutes plus 45 minutes cooling
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free granola)
• 1 ½ cups raw nuts and/or seeds (1 cup pecans and ½ cup pepitas recommended)
• 1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt (or ¾ teaspoon table salt)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
• ½ cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

• ⅔ cup dried fruit, chopped if large (such as dried cranberries)
• Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips or coconut flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts and/or seeds, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to blend all the dry ingredients uniformly.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted coconut or olive oil, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Mix thoroughly until every oat and nut is lightly coated with the wet ingredients.
4. Spread and Bake: Transfer the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 21 to 24 minutes, stirring halfway through. For chunkier granola, press the mixture down evenly after stirring.
5. Cool and Add Fruit: Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet, undisturbed, for at least 45 minutes so it crisps up. Once cool, stir in the dried fruit and optional chocolate chips or coconut flakes as desired.
6. Store: Store your homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months. If frozen with dried fruit, let it warm to room temperature before serving.

Notes

• Use certified gluten-free oats to keep the granola gluten-free.
• For a vegan option, choose maple syrup instead of honey.
• Pressing the granola down after stirring during baking creates bigger clusters.
• Let the granola cool completely before adding dried fruit to avoid sogginess.
• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
• You can customize the nuts, seeds, and dried fruit based on preference or availability.

Keywords: healthy granola, homemade granola, gluten free granola, baked granola, easy granola recipe, crunchy granola, breakfast cereal, natural sweeteners