Easy Granola Recipe

Homemade granola is super quick and easy to make using just a few basic ingredients. Great with milk or homemade yogurt, this homemade granola recipe satisfies anyone in need of a quick breakfast or a midday snack. 

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I have been making granola from scratch for the past few years because it’s easy, delicious, and cost effective. It’s hard to find granola that’s not full of sugar or seed oils. And the last time I was in the grocery store, I noticed just how expensive store-bought granola is. With four growing boys, a small bag of granola would be gone SO fast, so instead of buying it, I make a big batch of this healthy homemade granola recipe at least once a week. I love having it on the counter for a quick breakfast on mornings when we have to leave the house early. It also stores very well, which makes it a fun little gift!

If you’ve never made your own granola, you might be surprised by just how simple it is. This easy granola recipe uses old-fashioned rolled oats and chopped nuts as the base. Mix the dry ingredients with melted coconut oil and maple syrup and finish with a little cinnamon, and your house will smell heavenly while that delicious combo toasts in the oven. Follow the step by step instructions below to make some nourishing granola from scratch. 

​everything you’ll need to make this easy granola recipe

ingredients

rolled oats – Hearty, whole-grain old-fashioned oats are the bulk of this recipe. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you need gluten-free granola.

chopped nuts – I use chopped pecans most of the time. Other options include walnuts, chopped or slivered almonds, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts or sunflower seeds.

cinnamon – A subtle warming spice not only tastes great but makes your house smell divine while it’s baking too.

pinch of salt – Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.

coconut oil – Makes the granola the perfect crunchy texture. You won’t taste the coconut in the final product. 

pure maple syrup – I love using a natural sweetener (honey could be used too) in my homemade granola. The subtle maple flavor is delicious. 

vanilla extract – A hint of vanilla makes this granola even better. 

equipment

• large bowl
• saucepan
• rimmed baking sheet
• measuring cups and spoons

step by step instructions for making the perfect granola

1. Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine oats, chopped nuts, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. 

2. Melt the coconut oil and maple syrup. In a small saucepan, melt the coconut oil and maple syrup together over low heat. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. 

3. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and give it a good stir. 

​4. Bake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread the granola mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet and toast in the oven for 30 minutes until the edges are golden brown. 

5. Allow to cool completely before stirring or breaking apart. Store in an airtight container like a mason jar with a lid so it stays crunchy. 

recipe tips and notes

– If the granola still feels soft after it bakes, don’t worry, it will harden more as the granola cools.

– Bake the granola just until the edges are golden brown. Baking too long can cause the sweetener to burn on the bottom of the pan. 

– If you like a chunky granola, don’t stir it when it comes out of the oven. Let it cool down all the way to room temperature and then break into pieces. (See additional recommendations below.)

– Store granola in an airtight container to keep it crunchy. A mason jar and lid work well. 

potential recipe substitutions

This recipe is easily modified depending on your preference and what different ingredients you have.

• Swap the maple syrup for honey for a slightly different flavor. 

• ​My favorite way to make this granola is using chopped pecans. Chopped walnuts and/or chopped almonds are great too!

• Use different spices like nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon. Apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice are delicious.

After the granola has cooled, add:

• dried fruit
• unsweetened coconut flakes
• mini chocolate chips
• sunflower seeds
• chia seeds 

My favorite thing to eat after making a batch of granola is a yogurt parfait! Layer plain Greek yogurt sweetened with maple syrup, granola and fresh fruit in tall glass or mason jar. Fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries or sliced bananas are the best!

Follow the instructions found in this post HERE to make your own Greek yogurt. 

chunky granola tips

​An extra chunky granola is idea for snacking. Here are my tips to achieve the best clumps:

-Your mixture needs to be a little crowded in the pan so that they can stick together. 

-Line the pan with parchment paper so the sweetener sticks to your granola and not the pan. 

-Make sure you let the granola cool completely before stirring or breaking it up. 

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