Looking for a healthy granola recipe that’s crunchy, flavorful, and packed with nutrients—without all the refined sugars found in store-bought versions? You’re in the right place. This homemade granola is incredibly simple to make, customizable, and filled with wholesome ingredients like whole-grain oats, nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or a midday snack, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of taste and nutrition.
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, or cashews), roughly chopped
- ½ cup seeds (chia, pumpkin, or sunflower)
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ⅓ cup honey or pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ½ cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots), optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, seeds, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and sea salt. - Combine the wet ingredients
In a small bowl or saucepan, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. - Stir everything together
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated. - Spread on baking sheet
Spread the granola in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. - Bake until golden
Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until lightly browned and fragrant. - Cool completely
Let the granola cool without stirring for chunkier clusters. Once cooled, mix in any dried fruits. - Store
Transfer to an airtight container and store for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbs | 42 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
Tips & Variations
- Make it lower sugar: Swap half the honey/maple syrup for mashed ripe banana or unsweetened applesauce.
- Add more crunch: Stir in ¼ cup quinoa (uncooked) or crushed pretzels.
- Go gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
- Flavor twist: Add cocoa powder, pumpkin pie spice, or espresso powder.
- Protein boost: Mix in 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds before baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Sprinkle over Greek yogurt with fresh berries.
- Enjoy with your favorite milk or dairy-free alternative.
- Use it as a topping for smoothie bowls.
- Take along as a portable, crunchy snack.
- Layer into parfait jars for quick meal-prep breakfasts.
FAQs
1. How do I keep granola crunchy?
Bake at a low temperature and let it cool without stirring—this helps form perfect clusters.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use pure maple syrup instead of honey.
3. How long does homemade granola last?
Stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
4. Can I freeze granola?
Yes, granola freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This healthy granola recipe is easy to make, customizable, and significantly better than most store-bought options. With wholesome ingredients and endless flavor variations, it’s the perfect addition to your breakfast routine or snack rotation. Make a batch today and enjoy a nutritious, crunchy treat all week long!
