This Is The Best Homemade Granola Recipe You Need In Your Life

Are you stuck in a breakfast rut? 

Do you find yourself yawning as you reach for that same old box of cereal? 

Store-bought granola often promises a lot but delivers little. It can be too sweet, too bland, or just plain boring. You might be trying to eat healthier. Maybe you’re watching your budget. Or maybe you just want a breakfast that actually tastes good. 

We get it. 

These are common frustrations. 

That’s why making your own granola is a game-changer. It’s a simple switch that can make a huge difference in your mornings. 

You are in charge when you make your own. 

You get to pick what goes in it, so it is always just right.

And, lets face it, people are always impressed when you make your own granola.

The Only Homemade Granola Recipe You Will Ever Need

Okay, let’s cut to the chase. 

This is our favorite way to make granola. 

We have tried lots of recipes, and this is the best. 

This recipe is easy to follow and hard to mess up. It is also easy to change up to make it your own. 

You will end up with granola that is way better than what you can buy.

Granola Recipe Ingredients – A Guide to Goodness

Don’t just throw things in a bowl and hope for the best.

Choose each ingredient with care.

We want stuff that tastes amazing and is good for you.

Let’s see what we have:

• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Oats are the star of the show. They give granola that chewy texture we love. Use old-fashioned, not quick oats. Oats have lots of fiber. Fiber fills you up and helps your tummy.
• Mixed Nuts: Nuts make it crunchy and give you healthy fats. Use almonds, pecans, walnuts, or a mix. You can use any nuts you like. Nuts are also good for your brain.
• Pumpkin Seeds: These little seeds are full of good stuff. They have magnesium, zinc, and iron. They also add a nice little crunch.
• Sunflower Seeds: These seeds are small but mighty. They have vitamin E, which is good for your skin. Sunflower seeds also add a nice flavor.
• Pure Maple Syrup: This is how we make it sweet. Maple syrup is natural and has a great taste. It also has some antioxidants.
• Raw Honey: Honey is another great sweetener. It has a different flavor than maple syrup. Raw honey is good for you, too.
• Melted Coconut Oil: This oil helps make it crispy. Coconut oil also adds a little sweetness. It has healthy fats, too.
• Chopped Dried Fruit: Add this after baking. It makes the granola sweeter and chewier. Use cranberries, raisins, apricots, or any fruit you like.
• Ground Cinnamon: This spice is a must. Cinnamon makes granola taste warm and cozy. It is also good for your blood sugar.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Vanilla makes everything taste better. It adds a special something to the granola. Use the real stuff, not imitation.
• Sea Salt: Salt in granola? Yes! A little salt makes all the flavors pop. It is a secret weapon.
• Ground Nutmeg: This is our secret ingredient. A pinch of nutmeg takes it to the next level. It adds a warm, spicy note that is so good.

Now that you’ve got your ingredients sorted, you might want to try your hand at making this delicious peanut butter and coconut cookies recipe for another healthy snack option.

Making Granola With An Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let’s make some granola! 

Follow these simple steps for granola greatness. It is super easy. 

You will be done in no time. Your kitchen will smell amazing, too.

First, heat your oven to 300°F (150°C). 

Get a baking sheet and put parchment paper on it. 

In a big bowl, mix your oats, nuts, seeds, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. 

In another bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla. 

Now, pour the wet stuff over the dry stuff. 

Mix it all up. 

Make sure everything is coated. 

Spread the mix on your baking sheet. 

Bake it for 25 minutes. Stir it halfway through so it gets brown all over. 

Let it cool on the baking sheet. 

When it is cool, add your dried fruit. 

You just made awesome granola!

With your granola baking, why not get a head start on dinner with our marry me chicken recipe for a dish that’s sure to impress?

Achieving Granola Perfection – Crispy, Chewy, or In Between

Do you like your granola super crunchy? Or do you prefer it a bit chewy? You are in control. Here’s how to get it perfect:

• Crispy: Bake it a little longer, about 28-30 minutes. Watch it so it does not burn.
• Chewy: Bake it for less time, around 20-22 minutes. It will be a little softer.
• Cooling is Key: Let it cool all the way on the baking sheet. This makes it crispy.

Your Granola, Your Way With Endless Variations and Mix-in Magic

Now for the fun part! You can change up this granola however you want. Here are some ideas:

• Go Nuts: Use lots of different nuts. Try cashews, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts.
• Tropical: Add dried pineapple, mango, and coconut after baking.
• Chocolate: Mix in chocolate chips after it cools.
• Spice it Up: Add ginger, cardamom, or allspice.
• Seeds: Add chia, flax, or hemp seeds.
• Peanut Butter Lover: Add a scoop of peanut butter to the wet ingredients for a rich flavor. Drizzle melted peanut butter on top after baking for extra indulgence.
• Fruit Fanatic:  Add a variety of dried fruits like blueberries, cherries, or chopped dates after baking for a colorful and flavorful mix.
• Maple-Pecan: Use only pecans as your nut and add extra maple syrup for a sweet, rich flavor.
• Seedy Mix: Use a blend of your favorite seeds like sesame, poppy, and caraway seeds along with pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
• Superfood Boost: Add goji berries, mulberries, or other superfood ingredients after baking for an extra nutritional punch.

You can do almost anything. Make it your own special recipe.

Beyond Breakfast – Delicious Ways to Enjoy Your Granola

Granola is not just for breakfast. There are lots of ways to eat it. Here are a few ideas to get you started. You can eat it any time of day. It is a great snack. It is good for you, too.

• Yogurt: Put granola on top of yogurt. Add some fruit, too.
• Smoothies: Sprinkle granola on smoothie bowls. It adds a nice crunch.
• Ice Cream: Use granola as a topping for ice cream.
• Snack: Eat it by the handful when you are hungry.
• Baking: Add granola to muffins or cookies.
• Trail Mix: Mix granola with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a quick and easy trail mix that you can take on hikes or road trips.
• Salad Topper:  Add a bit of crunch and sweetness to your salads with a sprinkle of granola, particularly good with spinach or mixed greens.
• Fruit Crumble: Use granola as a topping for baked fruit dishes like apple or peach crumble, adding a delicious crunch to the soft, warm fruit.
• Pudding Parfait: Layer granola with chia seed pudding or other puddings and fruit for a healthy and satisfying dessert or snack.

Be creative! You might be surprised how much you like it.

Feeling inspired to expand your breakfast repertoire? Give our banana pancakes recipe a try for another delicious morning meal.

Looking for a sweet treat? Try adding it to our Simple Vanilla Pudding Recipe to curb your cravings.

Keep it Fresh – How to Store Your Granola Masterpiece

You made all this granola. Now you need to store it right. Here’s what to do:

• Airtight Container: Use a jar or container that seals tight.
• Room Temp: Keep it in a cool, dry place.
• How Long: It will last about two weeks.
• Freeze It: You can freeze it for up to three months.

Best Homemade Granola Recipe

The Only Homemade Granola Recipe You’ll Ever Need

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• Author: Ryan Yates
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x

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Description

This isn’t just another granola recipe. It’s the culmination of everything good and delicious about homemade granola, carefully crafted to be the only one you’ll ever need. It’s crunchy, it’s flavorful, and it’s totally customizable to your liking. Make a big batch this weekend and enjoy a healthy and satisfying breakfast all week long!

Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Airtight container for storage

 

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)
• 1 cup mixed nuts, roughly chopped (almonds, pecans, walnuts are great!)
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (Our secret ingredient!)

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional Mix-Ins (Add after baking):

• 1 cup chopped dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, apricots, etc.)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup coconut flakes

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Instructions

1. Get Started: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the rolled oats, chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sea salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Give it a good mix, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Make sure they are well combined.
4. Marry Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly with a spatula, making sure all the dry ingredients are coated in the liquid goodness.
5. Bake to Perfection: Spread the granola mixture in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes. At the halfway point, around 12-13 minutes, pull the tray out and give the granola a gentle stir. This is to ensure even browning.
6. Cool Down: Once it’s a beautiful golden brown, remove the granola from the oven. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Don’t be tempted to move it! It gets crispier as it cools.
7. Add Mix-Ins (Optional): If you’re using any dried fruit, chocolate chips, or coconut flakes, now’s the time to mix them in.
8. Store and Enjoy: Once completely cooled, transfer your granola to an airtight container. It will keep fresh at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for longer.

Notes

• The Secret Ingredient: The addition of a pinch of ground nutmeg elevates the flavor profile of this granola, giving it a warm, subtly spicy depth that sets it apart from other recipes. Most recipes don’t call for it. Nutmeg complements the cinnamon and adds a unique complexity that people won’t be able to put their finger on, but will absolutely love.
• Sweetener Swap: If you prefer honey, use the same amount as the maple syrup.
• Oil Options: Olive oil can be used in place of coconut oil. However, keep in mind that it will alter the flavor slightly.
• Nut Allergies: If you have nut allergies, simply omit the nuts and add more seeds or other mix-ins like dried fruit or chocolate chips.
• Customization is Key: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to create your perfect granola blend.
• For Chewy Granola: Reduce baking time by 5 minutes.
• Extra Crispy: Increase baking time by 5 minutes, but keep watch on it so it doesn’t burn.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 Serving
• Calories: 280-320
• Sugar: 10g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 8g

Nutritional Insights

Our granola is way better for you than the store-bought kind. You control what goes in it. There are no hidden sugars or weird ingredients. Here is what you get in a serving (without extras):

• Calories: About 280-320
• Fat: About 18g, mostly good fats
• Saturated Fat: Around 6g
• Carbs: Roughly 30g
• Fiber: About 5g
• Sugar: Around 10g
• Protein: About 8g

It is a healthy way to start your day. It will give you energy and keep you full. This is just a guide. It will change a bit based on what you use.

Ingredient Alternatives

Can’t find something? No problem. Here are some swaps:

• No Maple Syrup? Use honey or agave.
• No Coconut Oil? Try olive oil or avocado oil.
• Nut Allergy? Use more seeds instead of nuts.
• No Dried Fruit? Use chocolate chips or seeds.
• Don’t Like Cinnamon? Try ginger or nutmeg.
• No Parchment Paper? Lightly grease your baking sheet with coconut oil, ensuring it’s a thin layer to prevent the granola from becoming too oily.
• Out of Vanilla Extract?  While vanilla adds a unique depth, you can omit it in a pinch. The granola will still be tasty.
• Want it Sweeter? Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the dry ingredients for extra sweetness and a deeper molasses flavor.
• Prefer a Different Texture? Pulse a portion of the oats in a food processor for a few seconds to break them down slightly, creating a finer texture in the finished granola.
• Need More Crunch? Add a tablespoon of unsweetened shredded coconut to the mix before baking for added crunch and a subtle coconut flavor.

Use what you have. Make it work for you.

Homemade Granola FAQ’s

Looking for more baking inspiration? Learn how to make this simple moist chocolate cake for a dessert that is always a crowd-pleaser.

The Final Bite

So there you have it, friends. You’re now equipped to make granola that’s not just good, but truly great.

A bowl of this homemade goodness is more than just breakfast, it is a little act of love. A great way to start the day.

Toss it on your yogurt, grab a handful for a snack, or get creative with your own toppings.

Enjoy the process, savor each crunchy bite, and know you’re giving yourself the gift of a delicious, healthy, and satisfying treat.

You’ve got this! Happy crunching.

Disclosure: This article uses automation for structure, but all insights and advice are provided by Ryan Yates, an experienced executive chef with over 20 years of expertise. Additionally, this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our work and allows us to keep providing high-quality content.