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. Make your customizable granola and savor the satisfaction of crafting something delightful and nourishing. 

Why Homemade Granola?

Granola is a versatile and nutritious food that has gained popularity and won over the traditional cereal for breakfast. While store-bought granola is readily available (and many healthy options exist at a grocery store), homemade granola offers a unique and customizable experience. 

Even though you can find somehow healthy options, there is one big problem with store-bought granola – it often contains excessive amounts of sugar and artificial flavors. On the other hand, homemade granola allows you to experiment with various combinations of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and sweeteners, resulting in a personalized and delicious blend. You can use different nuts or dried fruits every time you make it, so you’ll never have the same old boring granola 😏. 

And, of course, I must mention the cost 😏. Store-bought versions can be pretty expensive, especially if you prefer organic or specialty varieties. You can significantly reduce expenses by purchasing ingredients in bulk and making granola in larger batches. Additionally, homemade granola allows for the utilization of pantry staples, reducing waste and saving money in the long run (yay 👌). For example, I am sure we all have leftover nuts, seeds, or dried fruits from other recipes that we can use and minimize food waste while creating a delicious and economical homemade granola blend.

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). 

Customization Options for Homemade Granola

Basic ingredients in a healthy homemade granola recipe

• 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 Needed for this Simple Granola Recipe

• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup whole almonds, chopped
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup of dried plums, chopped
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil or vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1 tbsp 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

Homemade granola offers numerous advantages over store-bought options. Its superior taste, cost-effectiveness, and ability to control ingredients make it worthwhile. By making granola at home, you can enjoy a personalized and delicious blend, save money, and ensure a healthier and more nutritious snack. You got to love this!

If you like this recipe, here are some other great options to try:

• Easy Healthy Yogurt Breakfast Ideas (Benefits of Breakfast)
• Easy Homemade Granola Bars (No Peanut Butter)
• Easy Fluffy Whole Wheat Pancakes with Kefir
• Best Pumpkin Muffin Recipe
• Easy No-Bake Protein Balls with Peanut Butter and Farro