This post may contain affiliate links for which I earn a commission. Read my disclosure page here.
Easy to make from scratch, this homemade granola recipe is healthy, wholesome and filling. Perfect for a quick breakfast, or enjoy as a snack, this oatmeal granola is naturally sweetened and loaded with dried fruits, nuts and seeds.
Save This Recipe
Enter your email and we'll send the recipe directly to you!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Delicious Meets Healthy.
Table of Contents
- Why you will love this Healthy Granola recipe!
- Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Guide for making homemade granola
- Tips and Tricks for Crunchy, Clumpy Granola
- Flavor Variations to Try
- Healthy Add-Ins for Extra Nutrition
- Creative Ways to Enjoy Granola
- Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness
- Common Granola-Making Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Health Benefits of Homemade Granola
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Breakfast Recipes
- Homemade Granola Recipe
Start your mornings the right way with this delicious and healthy homemade granola recipe. Simple to make, it’s a great go to on busy mornings, or have it on hand for a healthy snack.
Made with almonds, coconut, pepitas and dried cranberries, this oat based granola is full of texture and flavor. Sweetened with maple syrup, it’s quick and easy to make a big batch for a fuss free breakfast.
Be sure to try my Healthy Homemade Granola Bars and Cranberry Dark Chocolate Granola Bars too!
Why you will love this Healthy Granola recipe!
- Crunchy and clumpy granola: This granola recipe uses the right amount of wet and dry ingredients to create those delicious crunchy and clumpy bites of granola.
- Perfect for meal prep: This recipe makes 16 servings and it has a great shelf life. It’s perfect to grab on those busy mornings for a hearty and healthy breakfast.
- Easy to make: Simply mix together the ingredients and bake! This is one effortless and tasty recipe!
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItIngredients
Creating the perfect granola starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Oats: Used rolled oats (also known as old fashioned) for the best results. If you have a gluten intolerance, check that they are gluten-free certified.
- Slivered Almonds and pepitas: These nuts and seeds add a great crunchy texture.
- Coconut flakes: These help to sweeten the granola and add texture.
- Flavor enhancers: Cinnamon, sea salt and vanilla extract.
- Coconut oil: Oil adds fat which helps bind the ingredients and add richness. I like to use coconut oil for flavor, but you can use other healthy alternatives like applesauce, peanut butter or almond butter to bind the ingredients together.
- Maple syrup: To naturally sweeten the granola. Other natural sweeteners like honey, agave nectar, or coconut sugar are great options.
- Dried cranberries: These are mixed in at the end for a sweet and tangy flavor, and a little bit of a chewy texture.
Step-by-Step Guide for making homemade granola
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, almonds, pepitas, coconut flakes, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to distribute evenly.
- Blend Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. This mixture ensures that every bite of granola is perfectly sweet and rich.
- Combine: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat all the dry ingredients evenly.
- Bake: Spread the mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet and press the mixture to encourage clumping. Bake in a preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, ratating the sheet halfway through to ensure even toasting. Use a fork to gently break the granola apart just a bit.
- Cool and Add Fruits: Once the granola is golden brown, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely. Stir in dried fruits if using.
TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN
Tips and Tricks for Crunchy, Clumpy Granola
- Mix the ingredients together well so that the oats are not dry and are coated with the oil and maple suryp.
- If doubling the recipe, you will need to use an additional baking sheet so that the granola mixture isn’t too thick.
- Rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking so that it browns evenly.
- Let cool fully before storing. This will also help create those big clusters of oats and nuts.
- This recipe is vegan and gluten-free.
Flavor Variations to Try
It’s so easy to make your homemade granola just the way you like it! You can easily swap the almonds for other nuts like peanuts, walnuts, pecans, or cashews. You could also add sunflower seeds, and the cranberries can be swapped for other dried fruits like raisins, apricots, dates or bananas. Once the granola has cooled, you can also add in chocolate chips if you like.
Here are some of my favorite granola flavor variations:
- Classic Honey Almond: A simple yet timeless combination of honey and sliced almonds.
- Tropical Paradise: Coconut flakes, dried pineapple, and a hint of lime zest transport your taste buds to an island getaway.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Delight: Add cocoa powder to the mix and stir in chocolate chips after baking for a decadent treat.
- Berry Bliss: Mix in dried blueberries, strawberries, and a touch of vanilla extract for a fruity explosion.
Healthy Add-Ins for Extra Nutrition
Enhance the nutritional profile of your granola with these add-ins:
- Superfoods: Chia seeds, flaxseeds, and hemp hearts boost omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
- Protein Powders: Incorporate your favorite protein powder to make your granola a post-workout snack.
- Vegetable Powders: Sneak in some dried beet or spinach powder for an extra health kick.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Granola
I love to have granola on hand for a healthy mid afternoon snack, but it’s of course perfect for breakfast! Serve it with milk or Greek yogurt, or use it to top parfaits or baked goods. Honestly, there’s no bad time for it!
- Breakfast Bowls: Sprinkle over homemade yogurt or smoothie bowls for added crunch.
- Snacks: Pack it as a trail mix with additional nuts and chocolate pieces.
- Desserts: Use granola as a topping for ice cream or as a base for a fruit crumble.
Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness
Room Temperature
I love to make up a huge batch of granola as it has a great shelf life. To keep your homemade granola fresh and crunchy, once it is fully cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. (I like to use a wide mouth mason jar.) Properly stored, it can last up to two weeks.
Freezer
For longer shelf life, consider freezing your granola, and it will keep well for about 4 to 6 months. Just ensure it’s completely cooled before sealing it in a freezer-safe container. Place it in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible, and thaw it overnight at room temperature.
Common Granola-Making Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Before I mastered making great granola every time, I had occasial mishaps. Here’s how to avoid common issues:
- Burnt Granola: Watch your oven temperature and rotate the baking sheet to prevent burning.
- Soggy Granola: Ensure your granola is spread out evenly on the baking sheet for proper toasting.
- Unbalanced Flavor: Taste and adjust the sweetness and spices before baking.
Health Benefits of Homemade Granola
Granola is not just delicious; it’s also packed with healthy ingredients. It’s a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. The nuts and seeds contribute healthy fats and protein. When made with natural sweeteners, granola provides a steady source of energy without the sugar crash. This homemade healthy granola recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Bake it at a low temperature and stir occasionally. Pressing the mixture down before baking can also help create clumps.
Soggy granola can result from not baking it long enough or from using too much wet ingredient. Make sure to spread it out evenly and bake until golden.
Yes, you can use alternatives like applesauce, nut butters or an egg white to bind the ingredients together.
Fresh fruit can introduce moisture, making granola soggy. Stick to dried fruits for best results.
Wrap them individually in parchment paper and store in an airtight container.
More Breakfast Recipes
Breakfast Recipes
Healthy Apple Muffins
Breakfast Recipes
Ham and Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Desserts
Banana Nut Chocolate Muffins
Breakfast Recipes
Breakfast Sandwich
Homemade Granola
Save This Recipe
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Delicious Meets Healthy.
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole rolled oats
- 1 ½ cup sliced almonds & pepitas
- ½ cup coconut flakes
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup melted coconut oil
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the oats, almonds, pepitas, coconut flakes, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Stir until combined. Spread the granola onto the baking sheet and press the mixture to encourage clumping.
- Bake for 15 minutes in a preheated oven, rotate the sheet halfway, and use a fork to gently break the granola apart just a bit. Bake for 15 minutes more, or until golden brown. Sprinkle with dried cranberries. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Mix the ingredients together well so that the oats are not dry and are coated with the oil.
- If doubling the recipe, you will need to use an additional baking sheet so that the granola mixture isn’t too thick.
- Rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking so that it browns evenly.
- Let cool fully before storing.
- This recipe is vegan and gluten-free.
Wow, I never realized how easily you could make granola. This is great!!
I hope you give it a try! It really is easy. 🙂