Stop buying expensive store-bought granola
that is full of sugar and mystery ingredients!
This Easy Homemade Granola Recipe makes
the most perfectly crunchy, golden,
naturally sweetened granola in just
30 minutes — for a fraction of the
cost of store-bought!
Once you make homemade granola,
you will never go back. Ever.
Why Homemade Granola is Better Than Store-Bought
Store-bought granola costs $8-12 per bag
and is typically loaded with refined sugar,
artificial flavors, and preservatives.
This homemade version costs less than $3,
contains only real whole ingredients,
and tastes infinitely better.
You also control exactly what goes in —
more nuts, less sugar, extra coconut,
different spices — completely customizable
to your exact preferences!
Costs 75% less than store-bought
No preservatives or artificial ingredients
Customizable to your exact taste
Makes your whole house smell incredible
Stays fresh for 2 weeks at room temperature
Perfect for breakfast, snacking, and gifting
Ingredients (Makes 6 Cups)
For the Granola Base:
– 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
– 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts)
– 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Binding Mixture:
– 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
– 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or honey
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Mix-Ins (Add After Baking):
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup raisins or dried blueberries
– 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Nutrition Information (Per 1/2 Cup Serving)
– Calories: 285
– Protein: 7g
– Carbohydrates: 32g
– Fat: 15g
– Fiber: 4g
The Secret to Perfectly Crunchy Granola
Most homemade granola turns out soft
and disappointingly not crunchy.
Here are the three secrets to
perfectly crunchy granola every time:
Secret 1: Do NOT stir during baking.
Leave the granola completely undisturbed
for the first 15 minutes. This allows
the clusters to form and crisp up!
Secret 2: Let it cool completely
on the pan before breaking up or storing.
Granola crisps up as it cools —
it will seem soft when it comes
out of the oven but becomes
perfectly crunchy as it cools!
Secret 3: Low and slow baking.
325°F for 25-30 minutes gives you
even golden color without burning.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Line a large rimmed baking sheet
with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl combine oats,
mixed nuts, seeds, shredded coconut,
cinnamon, and salt. Toss together.
Step 3: Make the Binding Mixture
In a small bowl whisk together
melted coconut oil, maple syrup,
vanilla extract, and brown sugar
until completely combined.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Pour the liquid mixture over the
dry ingredients. Using a rubber
spatula, toss and fold everything
together until every oat and nut
is evenly coated.
The mixture should look golden
and glossy — not dry or clumpy!
Step 5: Spread and Bake
Spread granola in an even layer
on the prepared baking sheet.
Press down firmly with the spatula —
this creates those incredible
chunky clusters!
Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from
oven and gently stir just the edges
(leave the center untouched).
Return to oven for another 10-15 minutes
until golden brown all over.
Watch carefully in the last 5 minutes —
granola can go from perfect to burnt quickly!
Step 6: Cool Completely
Remove from oven and let cool
COMPLETELY on the pan — at least
30 minutes. Do not touch or move it!
As it cools it will become
perfectly crunchy with big beautiful clusters.
Step 7: Add Mix-Ins and Store
Once completely cool, break into
clusters with your hands.
Add dried cranberries, raisins,
and chocolate chips if using.
Transfer to an airtight jar or container.
10 Amazing Granola Flavor Combinations
Classic Honey Almond — honey,
almonds, vanilla, and cinnamon.
The timeless classic!
Tropical Paradise — macadamia nuts,
dried mango, coconut, and lime zest.
Dark Chocolate Cherry — dark chocolate
chips, dried cherries, almonds,
and a pinch of espresso powder.
Pumpkin Spice — pumpkin seeds,
pumpkin spice blend, pecans,
and dried cranberries.
Matcha Green Tea — matcha powder,
white chocolate chips, and
macadamia nuts for a Japanese-inspired twist.
Maple Pecan — pure maple syrup,
pecans, and a generous amount of cinnamon.
Chai Spice — cardamom, ginger,
cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper
for a warming chai-inspired granola.
PB and J — peanut butter mixed
into the binding mixture with
dried strawberries and raspberries.
Apple Pie — dried apples,
cinnamon, nutmeg, and pecans
for the taste of apple pie in granola form.
Savory Everything Bagel — skip
the sugar, add everything bagel
seasoning, sesame seeds, and
dried herbs for a savory granola
that is incredible on salads!
How to Use Your Homemade Granola
With milk — the classic breakfast
that never gets old.
With yogurt parfait — layer with
Greek yogurt and fresh berries
for a beautiful, healthy breakfast.
On smoothie bowls — sprinkle on
top for incredible crunch.
As a snack — eat by the handful
straight from the jar!
On ice cream — the warm and cold
combination with granola crunch
is absolutely incredible.
As a salad topping — savory granola
is incredible on green salads.
Gift in a jar — homemade granola
in a beautiful mason jar with
a ribbon makes the most thoughtful
homemade gift!
How to Store Homemade Granola
Room temperature — store in an
airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer — freeze for up to 3 months.
Let come to room temperature before eating.
Keep completely away from moisture —
any moisture will make your granola soft!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
No — quick oats are thinner and
will burn before the granola
gets properly toasted.
Always use old fashioned rolled oats!
Why is my granola not clustering?
Make sure to press the granola
firmly before baking and do not
stir during the first 15 minutes.
The clusters form from undisturbed baking!
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes! Reduce maple syrup to 1/4 cup
for a less sweet version.
You may lose some crunchiness
as the sugar helps with caramelization.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes if using maple syrup instead
of honey and skipping the chocolate
chips or using dairy free chocolate!
The Bottom Line
This Easy Homemade Granola Recipe
is the breakfast game changer
you have been waiting for.
Perfectly crunchy. Naturally sweet.
Incredibly fragrant. Endlessly customizable.
Ready in 30 minutes. Stays fresh for 2 weeks.
Make a big batch this weekend and
enjoy the best breakfast of your life
every single morning!
Share this recipe with someone who
still buys store-bought granola —
do them the biggest favor of their life!