Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe
Introduction
Healthy granola is a delicious and versatile snack that’s easy to make at home. Packed with wholesome oats, nuts, and a touch of natural sweetness, it’s perfect for breakfast or a crunchy topping.
Ingredients
- 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free granola)
- 1 ½ cup raw nuts and/or seeds (e.g., 1 cup pecans and ½ cup pepitas)
- 1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt (scale back to ¾ teaspoon if using table salt)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup dried fruit, chopped if large (e.g., dried cranberries)
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips or coconut flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts and/or seeds, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well to blend the dry ingredients.
- Step 3: Pour in the melted oil, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until every oat and nut is lightly coated.
- Step 4: Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet using a large spoon.
- Step 5: Bake for 21 to 24 minutes, stirring halfway through. For clumpier granola, press it down with your spatula after stirring to create a more even layer. It will crisp up further as it cools.
- Step 6: Let the granola cool completely, undisturbed, for at least 45 minutes. Once cool, top with dried fruit and optional chocolate chips or coconut flakes. Break into pieces by hand or stir gently if you prefer less clumping.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of your favorite nuts and seeds to personalize flavor and texture.
- To make this vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- For chunkier granola, avoid stirring too much during baking and press down with a spatula for clumps.
- Try adding spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth.
Storage
Store granola in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. If frozen, allow dried fruit to warm to room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to soften.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other sweeteners instead of maple syrup or honey?
Yes, you can substitute with agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or another liquid sweetener, but adjust quantities to taste as sweetness levels vary.
How can I make my granola gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free rolled oats to ensure the granola is safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
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Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 19 minutes
- Yield: About 8 cups granola 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A wholesome and crunchy homemade Healthy Granola made with rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup. This gluten-free friendly recipe is perfect for breakfast or snacks and can be customized with dried fruits and optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or coconut flakes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free granola)
- 1 ½ cup raw nuts and/or seeds (1 cup pecans and ½ cup pepitas)
- 1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt (or ¾ teaspoon table salt)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- ⅔ cup dried fruit, chopped if large (dried cranberries recommended)
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips or coconut flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, nuts and/or seeds, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well to evenly blend all the dry components.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted coconut or olive oil, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract into the dry mix. Stir thoroughly until each oat and nut is lightly coated with the wet ingredients.
- Spread on Baking Sheet: Transfer the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out in an even layer using a large spoon to ensure consistent baking.
- Bake the Granola: Bake for about 21 to 24 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent burning and promote even toasting. For chunkier granola, press the mixture down with a spatula after stirring to help it clump together. Remember, the granola will crisp more as it cools.
- Cool and Add Mix-ins: Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet, undisturbed, for at least 45 minutes. Once cooled, stir in the dried fruit and optional chocolate chips or coconut flakes. Break apart chunks if desired for your preferred texture.
- Store Properly: Transfer the granola to an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks, or frozen in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. If freezing dried fruit mix-ins, allow them to warm to room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use certified gluten-free oats if you require a gluten-free recipe.
- Adjust salt quantity if using table salt instead of fine-grain sea salt to avoid oversalting.
- For a vegan version, ensure you use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Pressing the granola after stirring during baking helps form clusters if you prefer chunky granola.
- Store in an airtight container for maximum freshness and crunchiness.
- Optional mix-ins like chocolate chips should be added only after the granola has cooled to prevent melting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: healthy granola, homemade granola, gluten-free granola, granola recipe, breakfast granola, vegan granola, oat granola, nut and seed granola
