There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own homemade granola from scratch. Not only does it fill your kitchen with the warm, cozy aroma of toasted oats, nuts, and cinnamon, but it also gives you complete control over the ingredients. Whether you love your granola packed with crunchy clusters, lightly sweetened, or loaded with nuts and dried fruit, this recipe is easy to customize and far more delicious than most store-bought options.
One of the best things about this easy homemade granola recipe is how simple it is to prepare. With just a handful of pantry staples like rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, coconut oil, and your favorite mix-ins, you can create a batch in under an hour. It’s perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or keeping on hand for quick and wholesome snacks throughout the week.
This crunchy granola recipe is ideal for so many uses. Sprinkle it over yogurt, pair it with milk, top your smoothie bowls, or enjoy it by the handful straight from the jar. It’s a versatile staple that works for breakfast, snack time, or even a healthier dessert topping. Plus, once you start experimenting with flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, coconut, chocolate chips, or dried berries, you can create endless variations to suit your taste.
If you’ve been searching for the best homemade granola recipe, this one checks all the boxes: crisp texture, naturally sweet flavor, and simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Whether you’re making it for your family, meal prepping for the week, or creating a homemade food gift, this granola is a must-try recipe that’s as practical as it is delicious.
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Homemade Granola
This Homemade Granola is crunchy, lightly sweet, and incredibly easy to customize with your favorite nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and spices. It’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or topping yogurt and smoothie bowls. Once you make it from scratch, you may never want store-bought granola again.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings (about 1/2 cup each) 1x
Ingredients
4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup chia seeds or flaxseed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots or dates (optional)
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a large baking sheet or sheet pan with parchment paper.
Mix the Dry IngredientsIn a large mixing bowl, combine:
rolled oats
pecans
almonds
shredded coconut
sunflower seeds
chia seeds
cinnamon
salt
Stir until evenly mixed.
Add the Wet IngredientsIn a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together:
honey or maple syrup
melted coconut oil
vanilla extract
Pour the wet mixture over the oat mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Spread and BakeSpread the granola mixture into an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through if you want a looser granola texture.
For big crunchy clusters, press the granola down lightly before baking and avoid stirring too much.
Cool CompletelyRemove from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. This is when it crisps up.
Add Dried FruitOnce fully cooled, stir in the dried cranberries and chopped dried apricots or dates.
Store and EnjoyStore in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Cooking Tips
- Use rolled oats, not quick oats for the best hearty texture.
- Watch closely near the end of baking—nuts and coconut can brown quickly.
- Let it cool completely before breaking it apart for the crunchiest granola.
- For chunkier granola, use maple syrup or honey and press the mixture firmly onto the pan.
- Add dried fruit after baking so it doesn’t harden or burn.
- Rotate the pan halfway through if your oven bakes unevenly.
- Add a whipped egg white before baking for extra crisp clusters.
Variations
1. Peanut Butter Granola
Replace the coconut oil with 1/3 cup melted peanut butter for a rich, nutty flavor.
2. Chocolate Chip Granola
Stir in mini chocolate chips after the granola has completely cooled.
3. Tropical Granola
Add dried pineapple, mango, coconut flakes, and macadamia nuts.
4. Apple Cinnamon Granola
Use extra cinnamon and stir in freeze-dried apples after baking.
5. Pumpkin Spice Granola
Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice and add pumpkin seeds.
6. Nut-Free Granola
Skip the almonds and pecans, and use extra seeds like pumpkin, sunflower, and hemp hearts.
7. Protein Granola
Mix in hemp hearts or a scoop of vanilla protein powder (reduce oats slightly if needed).
8. Vanilla Almond Granola
Use extra vanilla and sliced almonds for a classic flavor combo.
9. Coconut Cashew Granola
Swap pecans for cashews and increase the coconut for a tropical crunch.
10. Less Sweet Granola
Reduce the honey or maple syrup to 1/3 cup for a more lightly sweet version.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight jar or container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed freezer-safe bag.
- Serving Ideas: Enjoy with milk, layered into yogurt parfaits, sprinkled over smoothie bowls, or eaten by the handful.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
