You're looking at the ultimate homemade granola recipe, slightly sweet and extra crunchy. Making homemade granola is easier than you think and much better than store-bought. Sprinkle over yogurt for breakfast, enjoy it on its own for a snack or add to pancakes– this delicious homemade granola recipe will be your favorite!
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Homemade granola might be boring to some people, but it's one of my favorite things to much on. When I was pregnant with my daughter I was granola obsessed, I couldn't get enough of it – especially when it tasted like peanut butter cups.
I originally published this recipe back in 2020, and I still make it often. In fact, I just made a batch the other week! This homemade granola is the best of the best, the OG of granola. A combination of vanilla, maple, almond and cinnamon with never ending crunchy bites. I swear, this is the best granola recipe – sprinkled over yogurt, served straight with milk, enjoyed on the go, or mix it in pancakes. The possibilities are endless!
Here's Why This Is The Best Granola Recipe
- 7 simple, pantry ingredients – the kind you can pronounce
- Easy to make, just 3 steps!
- No refined sugars – sweetened naturally with pure maple sugar
- Slightly sweet and extra crunchy
- You have complete control over the ingredients
- Vegan and gluten free (if using certified gluten free oats)
- Versatile – there's ways to enjoy it!
Homemade Granola Ingredients, There's Only 7!
- Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats make up the bulk of the recipe. I don't recommend using quick oats. If needed, you can also easily substitute with gluten free oats!
- Almonds: Almonds add additional crunch and texture while giving the granola more flavor. I usually grab slivered almonds, but you can use sliced or roughly chopped instead.
- Cinnamon: Adds a ton of flavor.
- Salt: Just a touch of salt to enhance the flavors.
- Maple Syrup: We're using pure maple syrup to add flavor and sweetness while binding the ingredients together.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is the key to the crunch so don't leave it out!
- Vanilla Extract: We want maximum flavor so we're adding in 2 Tablespoons, yes, 2 Tablespoons.
4 Steps To Make This Easy Granola Recipe
This is an easy granola recipe, I repeat, this is an easy granola recipe with 4 steps – with the last step completely hands off to allow it to cool completely. So, basically 3 steps.
- Whisk together the wet ingredients.
- Stir in the dry ingredients.
- Spread onto a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes, giving it a stir a few times.
- Allow to cool completely.
Yes, that's really it. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool – no judgement if you walk by it a few times grabbing handfuls.
Is Granola Healthy?
Let's talk about this as it's a question that comes up often. The term "healthy" varies from one person to the next because we are all different. However, this is a healthy granola recipe in terms of ingredients, there's only 7!
Most of the "healthy" store-bought granola include more ingredients than what is actually needed, some of which you can't even pronounce and loaded with excess sugar. Making granola at home gives you complete control over the ingredients ensuring that you know what went into it.
Success Tips
- Whisk the wet ingredients together well before adding in the dry ingredients. This ensures that the coconut oil and maple syrup gets evenly distributed.
- Make sure the dry ingredients, specifically the oats, are all coated and moistened from the wet ingredients.
Ways to Enjoy Granola
- Sprinkle or pile it on your yogurt
- Make yogurt parfaits – a fun way for kids to get involved too!
- Toss it into your favorite pancake batter for a little crunch
- Eat it straight out of the jar
- Pour milk on top like cereal
- Sprinkle over grilled or baked fruit
- Make yogurt bark or yogurt bites – another fun way for kids to join in!
Once you've tried this granola recipe, I'm certain that you won't go back to store-bought.
FAQ
Yes! The benefits of making your own is you control the ingredients that go into the granola recipe and the cost savings. Most store-bought granola have way more ingredients than actually needed and are often ingredients that you can't pronounce and come with a hefty price tag.
Just like anything else, eat in moderation.
They are! There are 3 tricks: make sure all the ingredients are coated evenly, bake at a low temperature and allow to cool completely at room temperature as the air gives it that crunch.
Unless you have all the ingredients on hand, you will likely spend more money up front when making granola at home. However, over the long run it will be cheaper as you can also make it in bulk.
When compared to store-bought, yes. Homemade granola will typically have less sugar and calories with much cleaner ingredients.
When compared to store-bought, typically yes. Depending on the granola recipe you follow it will have less sugar and calories and much cleaner ingredients than store-bought.
More Breakfast Recipes
- Easy Peanut Butter Granola
- Homemade Fluffy Pancakes
- Blender Banana Oat Pancakes
- The Best Overnight Oats
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Muffins
Homemade Granola (7 Ingredients)
Description
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup slivered, sliced or chopped almonds
- ¾ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 Tablespoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract until combined. Stir in the oats, almonds, cinnamon, and salt – tossing together until everything is completely coated and moistened.
- Spread onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes, gently stirring every 15 minutes.
- Set the granola aside to cool completely – the air allows the granola to obtain a crunchy texture. Stir gently before storing.
Notes
- Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: Granola is one of the best recipes to make ahead because it stays fresh for so long. Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Oats: If needed, you can substitute certified gluten free old-fashioned whole rolled oats.
Mila says
I've been making this granola for 2 months now and no looking back. I add it to my yogurt bowls and my teenagers love it in yogurt or with milk.