Homemade Granola: A Crunchy, Nutty, Naturally Sweet Delight
There’s something deeply satisfying about making your own granola. The aroma that fills your kitchen as oats toast and honey caramelizes is enough to make anyone a morning person. Whether you sprinkle it on yogurt, enjoy it with milk, or snack on it by the handful, homemade granola offers a hearty, customizable, and wholesome option you’ll keep coming back to.
Today, I’m sharing my go-to granola recipe—nutty, lightly sweetened, and perfectly crunchy. The best part? You can tweak it to match your taste or use whatever you already have in your pantry.
Easy Homemade Granola Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Yield: About 5 cups
Ingredients:
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans – roughly chopped)
½ cup seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, or a mix)
½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
¼ cup coconut oil or olive oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ to 1 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped dates – added after baking)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, seeds, coconut, cinnamon, and salt.
Warm the wet ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey (or maple syrup) and coconut oil. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Combine and coat: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
Spread and bake: Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Keep an eye on it toward the end—golden brown is good; too dark is bitter.
Cool and add fruit: Once the granola is golden and fragrant, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely. Stir in dried fruit.
Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks—or freeze for longer shelf life.
Tips & Customizations:
More crunch? Add a whipped egg white to the wet ingredients for extra clusters.
Lower sugar? Reduce sweetener to ¼ cup or swap in mashed banana or applesauce.
Flavor twist? Add a teaspoon of orange zest, a sprinkle of nutmeg, or a tablespoon of cocoa powder.
Final Thoughts
Homemade granola is one of those small rituals that make a big difference in your daily routine. It’s budget-friendly, adaptable, and a perfect gift in a mason jar. Once you try it, you might never go back to store-bought again.
Let me know in the comments how you make yours unique—or tag me in your creations on social media. Happy baking!
