Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe

Introduction

This healthy granola recipe is a delicious and nutritious way to start your day or enjoy as a snack. Made with rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners, it’s crunchy, flavorful, and easy to customize.

Ingredients

• 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free granola)
• 1 ½ cup raw nuts and/or seeds (1 cup pecans and ½ cup pepitas recommended)
• 1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt (reduce to ¾ teaspoon if using table salt)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
• ½ cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅔ cup dried fruit, chopped if large (dried cranberries suggested)
• Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips or coconut flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts and/or seeds, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well to blend evenly.
3. Step 3: Add the melted oil, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly to coat all oats and nuts.
4. Step 4: Spread the granola mixture evenly on your prepared baking sheet using a large spoon.
5. Step 5: Bake for 21 to 24 minutes until lightly golden, stirring halfway through. For chunkier granola, press down the granola with a spatula after stirring halfway.
6. Step 6: Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet, undisturbed, for at least 45 minutes. Once cool, mix in the dried fruit and optional chocolate chips or coconut flakes. Break into pieces if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Try swapping pecans for walnuts, almonds, or your favorite nuts to change the flavor profile.
• Use a combination of maple syrup and honey for a richer sweetness.
• Add toasted coconut flakes or cinnamon chips for extra texture and taste.
• Pressing the granola firm during baking helps create delicious clusters for a chunky texture.

Storage

Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. If frozen with dried fruit, allow it to warm to room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this granola gluten-free?

Yes, just be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats to avoid any gluten contamination.

How do I get clumpier granola?

Press the granola firmly down into the pan halfway through baking and avoid stirring too much. This helps the oats and nuts stick together in clusters.

Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 84 reviews

This Healthy Granola recipe combines old-fashioned rolled oats, raw nuts and seeds, and a touch of natural sweetness from maple syrup or honey. Baked to a golden crisp and mixed with dried fruit, it makes a perfect nutritious breakfast or snack that’s easy to customize and store.

• Author: Viktoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 24 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 19 minutes
• Yield: About 8 cups 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free granola)
• 1 ½ cups raw nuts and/or seeds (1 cup pecans, ½ cup pepitas)
• 1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt (or ¾ teaspoon table salt)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
• ½ cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

• ⅔ cup dried fruit, chopped if large (dried cranberries recommended)
• Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips or coconut flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, raw nuts and seeds, sea salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir thoroughly to blend all dry components evenly.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted coconut or olive oil, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract. Mix well, ensuring every oat and nut is lightly coated with the wet mixture for uniform sweetness and crispiness.
4. Spread & Bake: Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer using a large spoon. Bake for 21 to 24 minutes until the granola is lightly golden, stirring halfway through. For chunkier granola, press the mixture down with a spatula after stirring to create clumps.
5. Cool Completely: Allow the granola to cool undisturbed on the baking sheet for at least 45 minutes. This helps it crisp up fully. Once cooled, add the chopped dried fruit and optional chocolate chips or coconut flakes. Break the granola into pieces with your hands for big chunks or stir to distribute evenly for a less clumpy texture.
6. Store Properly: Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks, or freeze it in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Let frozen granola warm at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving as dried fruit may harden.

Notes

• Use certified gluten-free oats if you require a gluten-free version.
• Adjust salt quantity if using table salt instead of sea salt to avoid oversalting.
• Mix nuts and seeds of your choice for personalization.
• Maple syrup or honey adds natural sweetness but can be substituted with agave syrup for a vegan option.
• Chocolate chips or coconut flakes are optional but add extra flavor and texture.
• Pressing granola during baking helps form clusters for those who prefer clumpy granola.
• Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness and crunch.

Keywords: Healthy Granola, Gluten Free Granola, Homemade Granola, Breakfast Recipe, Easy Granola, Nut and Seed Granola