10-ingredient Easy and Healthy Homemade Granola

This easy-to-follow Homemade Easy Granola recipe will lead you to crunchy clusters of oats, nuts, and dried fruits, baked to perfection. All ready in 40 minutes!

Why Homemade Granola?

Granola is a wholesome breakfast option that's taken over the old-school cereal bowl. While there are plenty of store-bought options, most come loaded with sugar and artificial flavors. Homemade granola is a better choice; you can mix and match nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and natural sweeteners to create your own blend that's never boring. You can also use this homemade oat granola to make granola bars without peanut butter as a delicious and wholesome snack!

It's also much cheaper! Store-bought granola, especially organic or specialty brands, can get pricey. By buying ingredients in bulk and using pantry staples on a budget (like leftover nuts, seeds, or dried fruit), you save money, cut down on waste, and still end up with a delicious, customized granola.

The most significant advantage of making granola at home is having complete control over the ingredients used. Store-bought granola often contains additives, preservatives, and unhealthy oils that can harm one's health. By making granola from scratch, you can choose high-quality ingredients, such as organic oats, raw nuts, and natural sweeteners, ensuring a healthier and more nutritious final product. If you wish to learn more about healthy eating habits, please check my blog posts on How to Plan to Start Eating a Healthier Diet (3-day Healthy Meal Plan) and How to Start Eating Clean for Beginners (Healthy List). 

Jump to:

• Recipe Summary
• Why Homemade Granola?
• Customization Options for Homemade Granola
• Flavor and texture enhancers
• Healthy binders
• Ingredients You'll Need for this Simple Granola Recipe
• Step-by-Step Instructions 
• Serving and Enjoying Homemade Granola
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Related
• Pairing
• Let's Hear From You
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Customization Options for Homemade Granola

• Dried fruits - an excellent addition to homemade granola, adding natural sweetness, chewiness, and a burst of flavor. Here are some dried fruits you can consider including in your granola recipe: raisins, cranberries, apricots, cherries, dates, figs, prunes, pineapple, and mango. 
• Coconut flakes - a fantastic addition to homemade granola, adding a delightful tropical flavor and a pleasant crunch. You can use unsweetened coconut flakes if you wish to avoid excess sugar. 
• Flavorings - adding flavorings to your homemade granola can elevate its taste. For example, a small amount of sea salt can balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile; orange or lemon zest can be added for a refreshing citrusy twist; a splash of pure vanilla extract can improve the overall flavor of this delicious granola.

Flavor and texture enhancers

• Dried fruits - an excellent addition to homemade granola, adding natural sweetness, chewiness, and a burst of flavor. Here are some dried fruits you can consider including in your granola recipe: raisins, cranberries, apricots, cherries, dates, figs, prunes, pineapple, and mango. 
• Coconut flakes - a fantastic addition to homemade granola, adding a delightful tropical flavor and a pleasant crunch. You can use unsweetened coconut flakes if you wish to avoid excess sugar. 
• Flavorings - adding flavorings to your homemade granola can elevate its taste. For example, a small amount of sea salt can balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile; orange or lemon zest can be added for a refreshing citrusy twist; a splash of pure vanilla extract can improve the overall flavor of this delicious granola.

Healthy binders

• Nut butter - is an excellent addition to homemade granola, providing flavor, richness, and a satisfying texture. You can use almond butter, cashew butter, or peanut butter. 
• Coconut oil - a perfect binder that adds subtle coconut aroma and richness. 
• Applesauce - an excellent option to add natural sweetness and moisture while reducing the amount of oil or other fats. 

Ingredients You'll Need for this Simple Granola Recipe

• Old-fashioned rolled oats
• Whole almonds, chopped
• Walnuts, chopped
• Pumpkin seeds
• Dried plums, chopped
• Maple syrup
• Coconut oil or vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Sea salt
• Ground flaxseed

Experiment with different combinations of nuts, seeds, sweeteners, and flavorings to create a granola that suits your taste preferences. Scroll up for the customization option for your easy homemade granola recipe. 

Step-by-Step Instructions 

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) and line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Chop the nuts and dried fruits in a food processor or a manual food chopper (I love mine so much!).
3. Combine the oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well.
4. In a small saucepan, heat the maple syrup, coconut oil or vegetable oil, and vanilla extract over low heat until melted and well combined.
5. Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated.
6. Spread the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
7. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. The granola will become crunchier as it cools.
9. Once cooled, break the granola into clusters and store it in an airtight container.

Serving and Enjoying Homemade Granola

This delicious homemade granola can be an excellent breakfast option. If you tend to skip breakfast, read my blog post on Easy Healthy Yogurt Breakfast Ideas (Benefits of Breakfast) to learn why skipping breakfast is not a good idea. 

• Enjoying your homemade granola with milk and fruits is a classic and delicious way to start your day. Add a handful of granola to the bowl and pour your milk of choice on top (you can use regular milk, coconut, or almond milk). Choose fruits that complement the flavors in your granola. Berries, sliced bananas, diced apples, and chopped mango are great choices. Add the fresh fruits to the bowl on top of the granola and milk. Allow yourself to enjoy by adding some chocolate chips for a touch of extra sweetness. Who cares? You can start your day with chocolate, right 😉? 
• Creating homemade granola yogurt parfaits is a delightful and visually appealing way to enjoy your homemade granola. You can start by adding a spoonful of plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt) to the bottom of the glass. This will anchor the layers and create a creamy base. Add a layer of your homemade granola on top of the yogurt. Drizzle a small amount of honey or your preferred sweetener over the granola layer. This adds sweetness and flavor throughout the parfait. Add a layer of fresh fruit on top of the granola. Repeat the layers and finish the parfait with a final dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of granola on top for added texture. 
• Homemade granola can make a great snack option. It's versatile, customizable and can provide a satisfying balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and proteins. Simply munch on a handful of homemade granola for a quick, crunchy snack. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Related

Looking for ideas on what to make with oats? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with these granola bars without peanut butter: