Homemade Granola
Granola sounds healthy and tastes good, but most commercial varieties are loaded with sugars, fats, and additives. This is the healthiest and easiest homemade granola recipe. It only takes a few minutes to mix up and you probably have most of the ingredients on hand.
Granola is one of my favorite breakfast meals. I have been eating lots of granola all my life. Especially, during my study years, I practically lived on granola!! And, a yogurt parfait with granola is a healthy meal in less than 3 minutes. Always a winner!
And yet, did you know that most store-bought granola is loaded with a lot of sugar and oil? I didn’t know that until I saw a documentary about all the added sugar and oil. In fact, that’s when I started to make my own granola at home. Kinda feels good to know you are in control of what you put in your body and give your family. Isn’t it?
Why make homemade granola
- The best thing about this granola is that it is very versatile! You can add your favorite ingredients or omit those you don’t like.
- And most of the ingredients in this recipe are easy to find or simple pantry staples.
- I love to use a combination of 3 nuts, 3 seeds, and 3 dry fruits to enhance the flavors and texture of this granola.
- The recipe comes together in no time at all. It takes 5 minutes to combine the ingredients and 25 minutes to bake the granola.
- I love granola parfait with yogurt and fruits but just milk works just as well.
- And this granola can be stored in a jar for 10 to 15 days at room temperature.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Oats – Always use rolled oats and not the crushed variety. Those do well when cooking. And yet, the quick-cooking or crushed variety soaks up the liquid and becomes messy.
- Nuts – I love to use three nuts. Today I am using almonds, cashews, and pecans. But, hazelnuts, macadamias, walnuts, and pistachios are all an option.
- Seeds – I have used sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and flaxseeds.
- Dry fruits – I have used three fruits dried cranberries, currents, and raisins. But, you can also use other dry cherries, blueberries, apricots, and figs,
- Special ingredients – Flaxseeds and chia seeds are excellent fiber, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals sources.
- Oil – I used flavorless cooking oil or coconut oil but you can also use other types of oils. You can also use extra virgin olive oil if you like the flavor.
- Sweetener – Today, I am using natural sweeteners like honey, but brown sugar or date syrup will also do for sweetness.
- Optional ingredients – I love to use coconut oil and coconut flakes to give it a nice twist. You can also add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract, salt. Of course, chocolate chips are an option too.
Best homemade granola recipe
- Preheat the oven to 190°C/ 375°F/ Gas Mark 5. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Oil – In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oat and add the cooking oil. Combine well so each and every grain is coated with oil.
Pro tip – The oil will give the granola a nice golden color and adds crispness. - Honey – Add the honey and combine well. Then, add the nuts and seeds too. Combine well.
Pro tip – The honey will give the granola some nice clusters while also adding sweetness.
- Bake – Pour the granola onto a parchment-lined sheet pan and spread evenly. Bake on the middle rack for 20 to 25 minutes stirring once or twice in between.
- Fruit – Add the dry fruit to the hot granola as soon as it is out of the oven. Toss it well together.
Pro tip – The hot granola softens the fruit and makes it taste wonderful and easier to eat. - Cool – Make sure to cool the granola completely before you store it in an airtight container. I like to use these glass containers.
How to make a yogurt parfait
- In a glass, add 2 tbsp of Greek yogurt.
- Top with 2 tbsp of granola.
- Followed by chopped fruits, such as strawberries and blueberries.
- Then, top with more yogurt, granola, and fruits.
- You can also add some natural sweeteners like honey or silane.
Tips for Success
Making homemade granola can be a delicious and healthy option for breakfast or snacks. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect homemade granola.
- Choose high-quality ingredients: Select fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor. Opt for whole grains, such as rolled oats, or a combination of different grains, like quinoa, millet, or amaranth. Include a variety of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to add texture and flavor.
- Balance dry and wet ingredients: A good ratio of dry to wet ingredients is essential. The dry ingredients include oats, nuts, seeds, and spices, while the wet ingredients typically contain oil and sweeteners. Ensure the mixture is evenly coated but not overly saturated with the wet ingredients.
- Use healthy fats: Choose healthy fats like coconut, olive, or avocado. These oils add flavor and help bind the ingredients together. Avoid using highly processed oils or ones with a strong flavor that may overpower the taste of the granola.
- Sweeten wisely: Opt for natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar instead of refined sugars. These alternatives add sweetness while providing additional nutrients. Use the sweeteners sparingly, adjusting the amount based on personal preference.
- Add flavor with spices and extracts: Enhance the flavor of your granola by incorporating spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom. You can add extracts like vanilla or almond to impart a delightful aroma.
- Toast for perfect crunch: Spread the granola mixture evenly on a baking sheet and bake it at a moderate temperature (around 300°F or 150°C). Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure even toasting and prevent burning. Toasting the granola enhances its texture and brings out the flavors.
- Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on the granola while it bakes to prevent it from becoming too dark or burnt. The granola will continue to crisp up as it cools, so it’s better to undercook it than to overcook it slightly.
- Customize to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different combinations of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and flavors. You can add extras like coconut flakes, chocolate chips, or spices that you enjoy to make your granola unique and tailored to your preferences.
- Let it cool completely: Once baked, allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. This helps it become crisp and crunchy. Avoid stirring or breaking it apart until it has cooled down, as it will harden as it cools.
- Store properly: Transfer your granola to an airtight container to maintain its freshness once it has cooled. Stored correctly, homemade granola can last for several weeks.
Remember that granola is highly customizable, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find the combination of ingredients and flavors you love the most. Enjoy your homemade granola with yogurt, milk, or as a topping for smoothie bowls!
Granola variations
- Date and walnut granola – use date syrup instead of honey and walnuts for the nuts.
- Almond cranberry granola – Use more almonds for nuts and a variety of dried cranberries.
- Almond Blueberry granola – use lots of almonds ( i like a combination of blanched and skin-on) along with dried blueberries and koji berries for the fruit.
- Toasted coconut granola – Use coconut oil instead of cooking oil. Add coconut flakes with the nuts. You can even use 1/4 cup of coconut milk with the sweetener to enhance flavor.
- Spice granola – Use spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the oats.
- Gingerbread granola – perfect in winter. Use molasses instead of honey for sweetness along with gingerbread spice for flavor.
- Chai spice granola – Chai spice mix has a wonderful aroma that can be used instead of other spices in the oats.
- Banana granola – if you like bananas a good sprinkle of banana chips added at the end gives wonderful texture and crunch
- Pumpkin spice granola – perfect in winter! Use pumpkin spice in the oats and add 1/4 cup pumpkin puree to the sweetener.
- Maple Granola – Maple syrup can be a great substitute for any granola when affordable. A wonderful combination is maple walnut granola or maple pecan granola.
- Peanut butter granola – Add 1/4 cup peanut butter or almond butter to the oats along with the honey. This makes a wonderful clustered granola.
- Cinnamon apple granola – A winter classic. Add a generous sprinkle of ground cinnamon and use apple sauce instead of honey. Toss with dried apple chips when done.
- Chocolate chip granola – Obviously add a generous amount of chocolate chips to the baked granola.
Creative ways to serve granola
Homemade granola is versatile and can be used in various creative ways beyond just serving it as a cereal. Here are some ideas for serving and using homemade granola:
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer your favorite yogurt with fresh fruits and a generous sprinkle of homemade granola. This adds a delightful crunch and texture to the creamy yogurt.
- Smoothie Bowl: Top your smoothie bowl with a handful of granola for added texture and a satisfying crunch. It pairs well with smoothie bowls made with berries, tropical fruits, or acai.
- Ice Cream Topping: Sprinkle some granola on top of your favorite ice cream flavor for a delightful crunch. It adds a contrasting texture to the creamy ice cream.
- Salad Booster: Use granola as a salad topper to add a crunchy element to your greens. It works particularly well with salads that have fruits like apples, pears, or berries.
- Fruit Crisp or Crumble: Replace or mix granola with the traditional crumble topping in fruit crisp or crumble recipes. The granola adds extra flavor and texture to the dessert.
- Energy Bars: Press your homemade granola mixture into a baking dish, refrigerate or bake until firm, and then cut into bars. These energy bars are a nutritious on-the-go snack.
- Trail Mix: Mix homemade granola with dried fruits, nuts, and seeds to create a personalized trail mix. It’s perfect for hiking, road trips, or as a snack during the day.
- Stuffed Baked Apples: Core apples, fill them with a mixture of granola, cinnamon, and a sweetener, and bake until tender. The granola filling adds a delicious twist to the classic baked apple dessert.
- Granola Crusted Chicken or Fish: Use crushed granola to coat chicken breasts or fish fillets. It adds a flavorful and crunchy crust when baked or pan-fried.
- Granola Bars: Press your homemade granola mixture into a baking dish, bake until firm, and cut into bars. You can also add ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nut butter to enhance the flavor.
Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to using homemade granola. Feel free to get creative and incorporate it into your favorite recipes to add a nutritious and tasty twist
Homemade granola can stay fresh for several weeks when stored properly in an airtight container. Ensure that the granola has cooled completely before storing it to maintain its crunchiness and prevent moisture absorption.
Absolutely! Homemade granola is highly customizable. To suit your taste preferences, you can experiment with various combinations of grains, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and flavors. Feel free to get creative and try different ingredients to make it your own.
Yes, you can make granola without oil. Instead of using oil, you can use alternative binders like nut butter, applesauce, or mashed bananas. These ingredients help bind the granola together while adding flavor and moisture.
Well, the truth is it all depends on the ingredients you use. If you use granola loaded with sugar, it’s probably not as healthy as it can be. Granola contains nuts, dried fruits, and oats, which is a great diet, especially when combined with fresh fruits and yogurt.
To achieve clumpy granola, press the mixture firmly on the baking sheet before baking. Avoid stirring the granola too much while baking, as this can prevent clumps from forming. Once it’s done baking, allow the granola to cool completely before breaking it into desired-sized clusters
Eggs are commonly used as a binding agent in granola recipes, but you can achieve clusters without them. Nut butter, such as almond or peanut butter, can act as a binder. You can also mix a small amount of honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar with a little water to create a sticky mixture that helps bind the ingredients together.
Once the granola is baked, add 2 cups of your favorite cereal to the cooled granola. Try
2 cups of cornflakes to make cornflake granola.
2 cups of rice crispies to make rice puff granola,
or 2 cups of cinnamon crunch to make cinnamon crunch granola.
To make gluten-free granola, use certified gluten-free oats or substitute oats with gluten-free grains like quinoa flakes, buckwheat groats, or millet flakes. Ensure that all the other ingredients you use are also gluten-free, including nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
Yes, you can make granola without sweeteners, but keep in mind that sweeteners provide flavor and help with the crunchy texture. If you prefer to avoid sweeteners, you can reduce or omit them altogether. Alternatively, you can use natural sweeteners like mashed ripe bananas or unsweetened applesauce to add a touch of sweetness.
Yes, you can freeze homemade granola to extend its shelf life. Place the granola in an airtight container or freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before consuming or using in recipes.
Granola recipes are flexible, and you can often substitute ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. For example, you can swap one type of nut for another, replace one dried fruit with another, or use a different type of oil or sweetener. Just keep in mind that different ingredients may affect the final texture and taste of the granola.
While baking is the traditional method for making granola, you can also make no-bake versions. Combine the ingredients, omitting the oil, and let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. This no-bake granola can be a chewy and flavorful alternative to the traditional baked version.
Best Homemade Granola
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Ingredients
Dry ingredients
- 4 cups (324 g) Rolled oats
- ¼ cup (60 ml) Cooking oil
- ¼ cup (60 ml) Honey
- ½ cups (75 g) Almonds
- ½ cup (65 g) Cashews
- ½ cup (50 g) Pecans
- 2 tbsp Sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp Flaxseeds
- ½ cup (50 g) Dry cranberries
- ½ cup (70 g) Dry currants
- ½ cup (70 g) Raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190°C/ 375°F/ Gas Mark 5. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Oil – In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oat and add the cooking oil. Combine well so each and every grain is coated with oil. Pro tip – The oil will give the granola a nice golden color and adds crispness.4 cups Rolled oats, ¼ cup Cooking oil
- Honey – Add the honey and combine well. Then, add the nuts and seeds too. combine well. Pro tip – The honey will give the granola some nice clusters while also adding sweetness.¼ cup Honey, ½ cups Almonds, ½ cup Cashews, ½ cup Pecans, 2 tbsp Sesame seeds, 2 tbsp Flaxseeds
- Fruit – Add the dry fruit to the hot granola as soon as it is out of the oven. Toss it well together. Pro tip – The hot granola softens the fruit and makes it taste wonderful and easier to eat.½ cup Dry cranberries, ½ cup Dry currants, ½ cup Raisins
- Cool – Make sure to cool the granola completely before you store it in an airtight container. I like to use these glass containers.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Choose high-quality ingredients: Select fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor. Opt for whole grains, such as rolled oats, or a combination of different grains, like quinoa, millet, or amaranth. Include a variety of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to add texture and flavor.
- Balance dry and wet ingredients: A good ratio of dry to wet ingredients is essential. The dry ingredients include oats, nuts, seeds, and spices, while the wet ingredients typically contain oil and sweeteners. Ensure the mixture is evenly coated but not overly saturated with the wet ingredients.
- Use healthy fats: Choose healthy fats like coconut, olive, or avocado. These oils add flavor and help bind the ingredients together. Avoid using highly processed oils or ones with a strong flavor that may overpower the taste of the granola.
- Sweeten wisely: Opt for natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar instead of refined sugars. These alternatives add sweetness while providing additional nutrients. Use the sweeteners sparingly, adjusting the amount based on personal preference.
- Add flavor with spices and extracts: Enhance the flavor of your granola by incorporating spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom. You can add extracts like vanilla or almond to impart a delightful aroma.
- Toast for perfect crunch: Spread the granola mixture evenly on a baking sheet and bake it at a moderate temperature (around 300°F or 150°C). Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure even toasting and prevent burning. Toasting the granola enhances its texture and brings out the flavors.
- Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on the granola while it bakes to prevent it from becoming too dark or burnt. The granola will continue to crisp up as it cools, so it’s better to undercook it than to overcook it slightly.
- Customize to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different combinations of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and flavors. You can add extras like coconut flakes, chocolate chips, or spices that you enjoy to make your granola unique and tailored to your preferences.
- Let it cool completely: Once baked, allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. This helps it become crisp and crunchy. Avoid stirring or breaking it apart until it has cooled down, as it will harden as it cools.
- Store properly: Transfer your granola to an airtight container to maintain its freshness once it has cooled. Stored correctly, homemade granola can last for several weeks.
- Gluten-free granola – to make gluten-free granola use gluten-free oats
- Nut-free granola – to make it a nut-free granola use seeds such as pepita and sunflower instead of nuts
- Vegan granola – to make a vegan granola use maple syrup instead of honey, and coconut oil instead of canola oil
- Granola is delicious on its own, with milk or with yogurt for breakfast or snacks.
- Try yogurt granola parfait with yogurt and fresh fruits as we did in this granola parfait or breakfast parfait
Conversions Used
1 lb = 453 grams, 1 cup = 240 ml, 1 stick = 113g, 1 tbsp= 15 ml, 1 tsp= 5 ml,
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
It certainly looks like something I would enjoy having a few times a week in the morning. Delicious, great looking and, I am sure, as delicious as granola can be.
Thanks, Laura. Yes, it is really so easy to make Granola
This is a fantastic granola recipe. The dried fruit and nuts add some sweetness and crunch.
They sure do, Alison. A nice cruch with yogurt parfait