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
Scale
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
