Homemade Crunchy Granola Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 1/2 cup of raw nuts and seeds (such as almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds)
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup of melted coconut oil or olive oil
  • 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup of dried fruit (such as cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots)

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius) and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts and/or seeds, salt and cinnamon. Stir to blend.
  3. Pour in the oil, honey or maple syrup and vanilla. Mix well, until every oat and nut is lightly coated.
  4. Pour the granola onto your prepared pan and use a large spoon to spread it in an even layer.
  5. Bake until golden, about 21 to 24 minutes, stirring halfway (for extra-clumpy granola, press the stirred granola down with your spatula to create a more even layer).
  6. The granola will further crisp up as it cools.
  7. Let the granola cool completely, undisturbed (at least 45 minutes).
  8. Break the granola into pieces with your hands if you want to retain big chunks, or stir it around with a spoon if you don’t want extra-clumpy granola.
  9. Stir in the dried fruit.
  10. Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks, or in a sealed freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of nuts or seeds, such as pecans, cashews, sunflower seeds, or flaxseeds.
  • Add shredded coconut or coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
  • Mix in dried spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for added flavor.
  • Replace the honey or maple syrup with agave nectar or brown rice syrup for a vegan option.
  • Include a handful of dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs for a touch of indulgence.
  • Add a tablespoon of nut butter, such as almond butter or peanut butter, to enhance the richness of the granola.
  • Incorporate dried spices like turmeric or matcha powder for unique flavor profiles.
  • Include dried coconut flakes or chopped dried fruit like pineapple, mango, or banana for a tropical twist.
  • For a savory option, sprinkle in some savory herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage.
  • Experiment with different sweeteners, like molasses, date syrup, or coconut sugar, for a different taste.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a healthy and delicious start to your day with this homemade granola recipe! Made with whole oats, nuts, and seeds, and sweetened with honey or maple syrup, this granola is a nutritious and versatile breakfast option. Tossed with a dash of cinnamon and a hint of vanilla, it provides a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. Baked until golden and crisp, the granola can be enjoyed on its own or used as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, and more. With a quick prep time and simple steps, this recipe is easy to whip up and can be stored for weeks, making it a great go-to for busy mornings. So, let's dive into the process and get started on your homemade granola!

Common questions

  1. Can I use instant oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats? No, it is recommended to use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture and results in this granola recipe.
  2. Can I substitute the nuts and seeds? Yes, you can customize the nuts and seeds based on your preference or dietary restrictions. Just make sure to use an equal amount of nuts and/or seeds in the recipe.
  3. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey or maple syrup? Yes, you can use agave syrup, brown rice syrup, or any other liquid sweetener of your choice as a substitute for honey or maple syrup.
  4. Can I replace the coconut oil with another oil? Yes, you can use melted butter or any other vegetable oil as a substitute for coconut oil.
  5. Can I omit the dried fruit? Yes, you can omit the dried fruit if you prefer or if you have dietary restrictions. The granola will still be delicious without it.
  6. Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch. Just make sure to use a larger baking sheet and adjust the baking time if needed.
  7. Can I add spices like nutmeg or cardamom? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices to add more flavor to your granola. Just adjust the quantities to your taste.
  8. Can I use parchment paper? Yes, using parchment paper makes it easier to transfer and clean up the granola. However, you can also lightly grease the baking sheet instead.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking sheet - For baking the granola in the oven.
  • Parchment paper - To line the baking sheet and prevent the granola from sticking.
  • Mixing bowl - To combine the oats, nuts, and other ingredients.
  • Spoon or spatula - For mixing the granola ingredients and spreading it on the baking sheet.
  • Measuring cups - To measure the oats, nuts, oil, honey/syrup, and dried fruit.
  • Measuring spoons - To accurately measure the salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
  • Airtight container - For storing the granola once it has cooled.

Origin stories

Granola as we know it today - the sweet, toasted mixture of oats, nuts, and dried fruit - has its roots in the 19th-century American health movement. Dr. James Caleb Jackson, a fervent believer in healthy nutrition and its effects on wellbeing, created the first granola in 1863 at his New York sanitarium. Interestingly, it was not the crunchy delight we enjoy now, but a dense, dry biscuit made of graham flour that needed to be soaked overnight to be edible. It was only in the 1960s that granola was reinvented into its current form, during the resurgence of the health and nutrition movement. This time, it emerged out of California, living up to its reputation as a health food staple and becoming a beloved breakfast and snack choice worldwide.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.