This homemade granola recipe perfectly combines sweet maple syrup, hearty old-fashioned oats, crunchy almonds, and roasted pepitas for a breakfast that’s as wholesome as it is delicious. Healthy granola doesn’t have to be bland, y’all. When it’s made from scratch with simple pantry staples and a little love, every bite is bursting with warm cinnamon, rich maple flavor, and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re sprinkling it over yogurt or grabbing a handful for a quick snack, this easy homemade granola recipe is one you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this homemade granola recipe because it’s a simple, foolproof recipe that’s easy to customize to your family’s tastes. Whether you’re craving warm fall flavors or a classic everyday granola, this recipe is the perfect starting point. In the fall, I love adding a little pumpkin pie spice to create a cozy, seasonal breakfast or snack.
One of the biggest benefits of making homemade granola is having complete control over the ingredients. Unlike many store-bought granolas, you can adjust the amount of sweetener, choose high-quality ingredients, and skip unnecessary additives or preservatives. You also get to customize the mix-ins to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
I especially appreciate being able to choose the nuts that go into my granola because one of my sons has allergies to certain varieties. Whether you prefer almonds, pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or even a completely nut-free granola, this recipe makes it easy to create a batch that’s just right for your family.
Homemade Granola Recipe
One of the things I love most about this homemade granola recipe is that it uses simple, wholesome ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating crunchy granola that’s perfectly sweetened, evenly spiced, and full of delicious texture. Let’s get into these ingredients.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – I use Bob’s Red Mill Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats because they bake into the perfect crunchy granola. Be sure to use rolled oats instead of quick oats, as quick oats won’t give you those hearty clusters. If you need a gluten-free granola, choose certified gluten-free rolled oats.
Almonds – You can use sliced or chopped almonds to add a satisfying crunch. Almonds also add a boost of protein and healthy fats. Feel free to substitute your favorite nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, or leave them out altogether if you’re making a nut-free version.
Pepitas – Known as shelled pumpkin seeds, pepitas add a subtle nutty flavor. They’re also packed with nutrients, making them one of my favorite granola mix-ins.
Ground Cinnamon – Cinnamon gives this homemade granola its warm, cozy flavor and pairs beautifully with the maple syrup. Feel free to add a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice during the fall for a seasonal twist.
Raw Cane Sugar – I like using raw cane sugar because it adds just a touch of extra sweetness while helping the granola caramelize as it bakes. You can substitute brown sugar or coconut sugar if that’s what you have on hand.
Pure Maple Syrup – Maple syrup naturally sweetens the granola while helping create those irresistible crunchy clusters. I recommend using pure maple syrup instead of pancake syrup for the best flavor.
Coconut Oil – Melted coconut oil helps the granola toast evenly and creates a wonderfully crisp texture. If you don’t have coconut oil, you can substitute another neutral cooking oil.
Dried Cranberries or Cherries – Stir the dried fruit into the granola after it has completely cooled. This keeps the fruit soft and chewy while adding little bursts of sweetness throughout every bite.
How to Make Homemade Granola
Making homemade granola is much easier than you might think. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of crunchy, golden granola that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or topping your favorite yogurt. The hardest part is letting it cool before digging in!
Preheat the oven.Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mix the ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almonds, pepitas, cinnamon, raw cane sugar, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil. Stir until all of the oats and nuts are evenly coated with the maple syrup mixture.
Bake the ingredients. Spread the granola mixture into an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the granola is lightly golden and fragrant.
Cool and enjoy. Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving warm. If you’re adding dried cranberries or dried cherries, stir them in after the granola has cooled to keep the fruit soft and chewy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for an easy breakfast or snack throughout the week.
What Can I Eat With Granola
This recipe is so versatile and can easily be paired with many different things and used in many ways.
Sprinkle it over Greek yogurt for an easy breakfast.
Serve it with your favorite milk like a bowl of cereal.
Add it to smoothie bowls for extra crunch.
Layer it into a breakfast parfait with fresh berries.
Top fresh fruit salad with a handful of granola.
Sprinkle it over baked apples or roasted pears.
Enjoy it by the handful as an afternoon snack.
Use it as a crunchy topping for vanilla ice cream.
Variations
One of the best things about this easy homemade granola recipe is how simple it is to customize. Whether you’re looking for a healthy homemade granola recipe, a crunchy granola for breakfast, or a version that fits your dietary needs, this recipe is the perfect place to start. Let’s look at how many variations are available.
Homemade Granola Recipe with Honey
Swap the maple syrup for an equal amount of honey to make a delicious homemade granola recipe with honey. Honey creates a slightly chewier granola with rich floral sweetness.
Homemade Nut-Free Granola Recipe
Need a homemade granola recipe with no nuts? Simply omit the almonds and replace them with extra pepitas, sunflower seeds, hemp hearts, or chia seeds for plenty of crunch without the nuts.
Homemade Cinnamon Granola Recipe
If you’re a cinnamon lover, double the cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg and cloves for an even warmer flavor that’s perfect during the fall and winter months.
Homemade Chocolate Granola Recipe
Once the granola has completely cooled, stir in dark chocolate chips, cacao nibs, or mini chocolate chips for a fun breakfast or afternoon snack.
High-Protein Homemade Granola Recipe
Boost the protein by adding hemp hearts, chopped almonds, pecans, walnuts, or your favorite protein-rich seeds. Serve it over Greek yogurt for an even more satisfying breakfast.
Homemade Gluten-Free Granola Recipe
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free rolled oats and double-check that your remaining ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.
Lower Sugar Granola
This homemade granola recipe is already lightly sweetened with maple syrup and just a teaspoon of raw cane sugar. For an even lower-sugar version, simply omit the raw cane sugar and let the maple syrup provide all the sweetness.
Storage
Allow your homemade granola to cool completely before storing it. As it cools, it develops the crunchy texture that makes this one of the best homemade granola recipes with oats. Store the granola in an airtight container or glass jar at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain its freshness and crunch. For longer storage, freeze the granola in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Is this a healthy homemade granola recipe?
Yes! This homemade granola recipe is made with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, almonds, pepitas, cinnamon, and pure maple syrup. Because you’re making it from scratch, you have complete control over the ingredients and sweetness.
Can I make this homemade granola recipe with honey instead of maple syrup?
Absolutely. Honey can be substituted for maple syrup in equal amounts. The flavor will be slightly different, but the granola will still be delicious.
Can I make this homemade granola recipe without nuts?
Yes! Simply leave out the almonds and replace them with more pepitas, sunflower seeds, or other seeds to make a crunchy homemade nut-free granola.
Is this a low-sugar homemade granola recipe?
Compared to many store-bought granolas, this recipe is lightly sweetened. If you’d like an even lower-sugar version, omit the teaspoon of raw cane sugar and use only maple syrup.
Can I make homemade granola in the air fryer?
Yes! Spread the granola in a thin layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 300°F, stirring every 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.
How do I make crunchy homemade granola?
For the crunchiest granola, spread the mixture into an even layer on the baking sheet and allow it to cool completely before breaking it apart. Cooling is what creates those delicious, crunchy clusters.
Can I make homemade vanilla granola?
Definitely! Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the maple syrup and coconut oil before mixing everything for a warm vanilla flavor.
How long does homemade granola last?
Stored in an airtight container, homemade granola will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks at room temperature or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Easy Granola Recipe
If you loved this homemade granola recipe, don’t stop there! Making simple pantry staples from scratch is one of my favorite ways to create wholesome, flavorful meals while keeping full control over the ingredients.
Looking for more delicious recipes to enjoy alongside your granola? Pair it with my Honey Vanilla Iced Coffee for an easy breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up, serve it over myFruit Salad with Honey Lime Basil Dressingfor a fresh and flavorful brunch, or round out your weekly meal plan with my Easy Vegan Chickpea Curry for a hearty, nourishing dinner the whole family will love.
If you make this easy homemade granola recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating to let me know your favorite way to enjoy it. Did you keep it classic, add your own mix-ins, or create a brand-new variation? Happy cooking, y’all!
This easy homemade granola recipe combines hearty rolled oats, crunchy almonds, pepitas, warm cinnamon, and pure maple syrup for a delicious breakfast or snack. Perfectly crunchy and lightly sweetened, it’s delicious served with yogurt, milk, fresh fruit, or enjoyed by the handful.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, if desired.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almonds, pepitas, cinnamon, raw cane sugar, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Spread the granola mixture into an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant.
Remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool. Stir in the dried cranberries or dried cherries after the granola has cooled. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later.
Notes
For chunkier granola, avoid stirring the granola while it bakes and allow it to cool completely before breaking it into clusters.
Add the dried fruit after baking to keep it soft and chewy.
Store homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Customize your granola with your favorite nuts, seeds, spices, or dried fruit.
Enjoy it with yogurt, milk, smoothie bowls, fresh fruit, or by the handful as a snack.
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