Homemade Healthy Granola
My very favorite, easy-to-make, homemade granola recipe!
About This Healthy Granola Recipe
Do you love granola but can’t find one in-store that does not have a bunch of added fats, sugar, and preservatives? That was my position before I learned how easy it is to make your own right at home! This week, I’m sharing my base granola recipe, which can be customized to make your favorite granola.
This granola recipe is a healthier option since it’s made with whole grains, unrefined oil, and naturally sweetened. You truly can’t beat freshly baked granola packed with delicious and good-for-you ingredients. Not to mention, homemade granola is super easy to make.
For maximum clumps, gently press down on the granola with the back of a spatula after stirring at the half-way baking point. Also, be sure to leave the granola undisturbed as it cools.
This granola will keep in an airtight container for weeks but I doubt it would last that long because you can’t help but eat it. You can also preserve that freshly baked flavor by storing this granola in the freezer.
Why Homemade Granola Is Amazing
As I mentioned above, store-bought granola can be filled with unnecessary fats, sugars, and preservatives; whereas, homemade granola is filled with fresh baked goodness! The best part about my favorite granola recipe is you can play around with the mix-ins and spices to make it your favorite granola.
Ways To Use Granola
-
- On a yogurt parfait
- As cereal in milk
- A crunchy snack
- Top a smoothy or acai bowl
- In baked goods like cookies
- Homemade granola bars
Granola Mix-In Options
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- Nuts
- Almonds
- Brazil
- Cashew
- Hazelnuts
- Macadamias
- Pecans
- Pine nuts
- Pistachios
- Walnuts
- Dried fruits
- Raisins
- Coconut
- Currants
- Apricots
- Dates
- Banana Chips
- Orange zest
- Cherries
- Cranberries
- Goji Berries
- Mango
- Peaches
- Pears
- Apple
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Seeds
- Pumpkin
- Flax
- Sesame
- Poppy
- Sunflower
- Chia
- Sweets & Spices
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Chocolate chips
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla
- Nut butter
- Cardamom
- Chili powder
- Nuts
If you make this recipe don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes y’all have made is my favorite!
Homemade Healthy Granola
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield 8 cups
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 4 – 5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups raw nuts and/or seeds (I use 1 cup walnuts and ½ cup mix of flax and chia)
- 1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried fruit, chopped if large (I use golden raisins)
- 1/2 cup optional mix-ins (I use coconut shavings)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. (Note: I have also made this without parchment paper and had no sticking problems)
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts, seeds, salt, and cinnamon. Stir to blend.
3. Add the oil, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla. Mix well, until everything is lightly coated. Pour the granola onto your prepared pan and use a large spoon to spread it in an even layer.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, then stir in the dried fruit and coconut shavings. Bake for an additional 10 – 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it does not burn.
5. Let the granola cool completely, undisturbed (at least 45 minutes). Break the granola into pieces with your hands if you want to retain big chunks, or stir it around with a spoon if you don’t want extra-clumpy granola.
6. Enjoy!
