Homemade Granola

There's a lot to love about this homemade granola recipe. It's easy to make, it's healthy, it's delicious, and it will make your kitchen smell amazing!

Best granola

If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent hours in the granola aisle at the grocery store, trying to find just the right kind. You know the one – it has lots of fun mix-ins like nuts and dried fruit, it’s sweet, but not too sweet, it’s spiced with cinnamon, and it’s filled with big clusters of oats and nuts. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve come to realize that it’s nearly impossible to find the perfect granola at the store.

Enter: my homemade granola recipe! Instead of using white or brown sugar, I sweeten it naturally with a modest amount of maple syrup, so it’s just the right amount of sweet. I spice it generously with cinnamon, and I add a scoop of almond butter to form lots of nutty clusters. It’s also customizable, a yummy template for whatever dried fruits and nuts I (or you) might be craving.

But best of all, it’s easy to make! Just stir together the dry ingredients, drizzle in the wet ingredients, and mix it all together. Bake for 30 minutes, and it’s ready to go. Healthy, simple, and totally delicious, this recipe is guaranteed to make you a homemade granola convert!

Oats, nuts, coconut, and cinnamon in a bowl

Granola Recipe Ingredients (+Variations!)

My healthy granola recipe starts with four basic ingredients: whole rolled oats, maple syrup, cinnamon, and coconut oil. Then, I add these mix-ins for extra flavor and texture:

  • Almond butter – The key ingredient for creating delicious nutty clusters! Plus, it packs this granola recipe with protein.
  • Chopped walnuts – They add crunch, protein, and healthy fats! Walnuts are my go-to here, but I often swap them for another nut or seed or use a mix. Chopped or slivered almonds, pecans, pistachios, cashews, and sunflower seeds are some of my favorites.
  • Unsweetened coconut flakes – If you’re not a coconut person, feel free to leave these out, but I love their toasty, buttery flavor and crispy texture in this recipe.
  • Dried cranberries – For a pop of sweetness and yummy chewy texture! I’m a cranberry fan, but goji berries, raisins, chopped dried apricots, dried currants, tart cherries, and blueberries would all be great. And if you prefer your granola without dried fruit, go ahead and skip it!

Let me know what variations you try!

How to make granola

Homemade Granola Tips

  • More nutty clusters = better granola. Big clusters of oats and nuts are hands down the best part of granola. To encourage these clumps to form, press the oats mixture into a 1-inch thick oval for the first 15 minutes of baking. Then, remove the pan from the oven and use a fork to gently break the oval apart. Bake for 15 minutes more, and you’ll end up with lots of delicious clusters!
  • Let it cool before diving in. Your homemade granola will continue to crisp up as it cools. It’s tempting to start eating it as soon as it comes out of the oven, but if you let it rest for 15 minutes on the sheet pan, it’ll be extra crisp and toasty – totally worth the wait!
  • Add the dried fruit at the end. You don’t want to run the risk of burning your dried fruit in the oven, so stir it into the granola after it cools. That way, you know any dried fruit you add will be soft and chewy, not crisp. (P.S. It doesn’t hurt to add a handful of chocolate chips at this stage, either!)

Homemade granola recipe

Store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Enjoy it on its own as a snack, add it to a yogurt parfait, or eat it like cereal with a splash of milk! I love granola with my homemade maple vanilla oat milk.

Homemade granola

More Favorite Breakfast Recipes

If you love this homemade granola recipe, find more healthy breakfast ideas here and more brunch ideas here. Then, try making one of these oat-y breakfasts next:

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Homemade Granola

rate this recipe:
4.95 from 219 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves 4 to 6
Love granola? Learn how to make your own! Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, (or almonds, or a mix of both)
  • 1/2 cup coconut flakes, optional
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons creamy almond butter
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries, optional

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the oats, walnuts, coconut flakes, if using, cinnamon, and salt. Drizzle in the coconut oil and maple syrup and add the almond butter. Stir until combined. Scoop the granola onto the baking sheet and press the mixture into a 1-inch-thick oval. This will encourage clumping.
  • Bake for 15 minutes, rotate the pan halfway, and use a fork to gently break the granola apart just a bit. Bake for 15 minutes more, or until golden brown. Sprinkle with dried cranberries, if desired. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

 

194 comments

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Rate this recipe (after making it)




  1. Lisa
    01.03.2024

    4 stars
    I tried this yesterday, it is OK but it never really crisped up in the oven., even after cooling. My search continues for granola.

    • Rachel Barker
      01.30.2024

      I recommend removing the parchment paper from under the granola when you remove it from the oven it helps it crisp up while cooling those 15 min. Sometimes the parchment paper can prevent it from crisping.

  2. Ash
    12.01.2023

    5 stars
    I bloody love this recipe and have it bookmarked! I’ve been making it weekly for about 2 months. I usually do 1 tablespoon almond and 1 tablespoon peanut butter because almond is expenny. Then I splurge on hazelnuts instead of walnuts, and I’m obsessed.
    Last week I used cacao & coconut flakes instead of cinnamon which was amazing. Currently in the oven I have half of each.
    I also do half and half of maple syrup & honey usually, again because maple is expensive (here in Australia) and I have a surplus of honey.
    I’ve also been adding some amaranth and a few chopped Brazil nuts for some extra nutrition.
    I’ve usually been putting fresh berries on top and flavoured kefir. I feel this is a real superfood and totally delicious breakfast.
    Lastly I made a strawberry & rhubarb compote and have been using that in place of berries on some days (warmed up).
    Anyway that’s all my tips for now. A truly versatile recipe. Thank you!!!

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      12.01.2023

      Hi Ash, thanks for sharing these tips and variations! So glad you love the granola.

  3. Angie
    10.25.2023

    5 stars
    I love this recipe! Has anyone determined the calorie count or nutrition info?

    • David
      11.26.2023

      5 stars
      Willing to oblige.

      If you’re nutrition savvy don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

      If you’re doing it as 1 batch = 6 servings, with the 1:1 recipe (along with vanilla extract because why not), each serving should be . . .

      372 Calories: 19.1g total fat 24% – 5.4g Polyunsaturated fat, 3g monounsaturated fat 8.3g Saturated fat 42%(base is ‘generic for each ingredient, substitutions/variations may change values of course)
      Sodium: 212
      Total Carbohydrates: 44.4g – 5.9g dietary fiber 21%, 18.4g total sugars (8.1g added sugars), 38.5g net carbs
      Protein: 7.5g 15% – .17mg Riboflavin 13%, 2mg iron, .54mg magnesium.

      Recommendations for seamlessly cutting back on saturated fats for this recipe could be using avocado/olive oil instead of coconut oil, matured ice apple for coconut flakes for that sweetness (or less coconut flakes with 1/3cup cocoa powder, and add dark chocolate chips at the end), you could instead include macadamia nuts or seeds (I like pumpkin), you could use a large egg white for more binding., whatever you feel would compliment the recipe.

      • Debra Terry
        11.26.2023

        5 stars
        Thank you so much David!
        This was hands down best granola I’ve had!

      • Mary B.
        02.05.2024

        5 stars
        This is so helpful but what is a serving (about)? 1-cup?

  4. Sigrid
    09.24.2023

    5 stars
    I’m making it for the first time. It’s in the oven now and it smells like heaven!! Can’t wait to have it with some Greek yogurt and fresh organic blackberries

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      09.27.2023

      I hope you enjoy it!

  5. Dora
    09.23.2023

    5 stars
    Thanks to you sharing this amazing recipe, I will not ever buy store bought granola again!

    I used sunflower seeds and slivered almonds. When it was ready, I put it in a bowl with fresh blueberries and my homemade almond milk.

    This was the best granola I have had!

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      09.27.2023

      I’m so glad you loved it!

  6. Oneda
    08.05.2023

    5 stars
    Just made this & added some flax seed powder!
    Love this recipe!💕

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      08.07.2023

      I’m so glad you loved it!

  7. Sandra
    07.25.2023

    5 stars
    I made a half recipe and it was fabulous! Can’t wait to make it again. It is a winner for giving as gifts!

  8. Paula Rough
    06.13.2023

    5 stars
    I have made this so many times I do not have to look at the recipe any longer. I always double it. I actually melt the coconut oil, then heat the maple syrup and the almond butter and mix them together before adding them to the dry ingredients. I also bake it longer because it’s so much. Love it. Thank you.

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      06.14.2023

      Hi Paula, I’m so thrilled to hear it’s become a favorite!

  9. Joey Dotson
    05.07.2023

    What if I use tahini instead of almond butter? And and add a tahini and cocoa powder and sugar icing on top?

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      05.08.2023

      Hi Joey, I think tahini replacing the almond butter would be wonderful. I’m not sure about icing on top, but if that’s what you’re craving, then go for it!

  10. Pam
    04.07.2023

    5 stars
    I make this regularly and love it! I switch out the walnuts for pistachios and add a little grated orange rind. I also decrease the maple syrup by a T and add an extra T of almond butter. Great with a few chocolate chips stirred in at the end, and if I do add dried fruit I do cherries. It’s fun to play with different add ins. I’ve also done dried pears with almonds instead of the walnuts.

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      04.12.2023

      I’m so glad you’ve loved it – I’ll have to try some of your variations!

  11. Renee
    04.02.2023

    5 stars
    Best homemade granola recipe I have ever made. I didn’t use flaked coconut because I didn’t have any but with the coconut oil it was fine without. I also used dried blueberries and chai flavored almond butter and it was lovely. I love this recipe and it will be fun using different ingredients.
    It stayed nice and crisp in a plastic glad brand container.

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      04.07.2023

      I’m so glad you loved the granola! That variation sounds so delicious. 🙂

  12. Renee
    03.31.2023

    What is best way to store once it’s cooled?

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      04.07.2023

      Hi Renee, I keep it in an airtight container at room temp.

  13. Schan
    02.21.2023

    4 stars
    Great recipes. Helpful to include nutritional values per serving.

  14. Shanna
    02.09.2023

    5 stars
    Love this recipe! I add a little maple syrup once it’s on the pan in clumps to help it stay in clumps better. Just wish I knew the nutrition facts for this recipe.

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      02.09.2023

      Hi Shanna, so glad you love it! We don’t calculate nutrition facts for our recipes, so the best way to get a nutrition estimate is to use an online nutrition calculator like MyFitnessPal.

  15. Barbara
    01.16.2023

    Can I use quick cook oats?
    Thanks!

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      01.20.2023

      Hi Barbara, I think that would work fine! The texture might be a bit different, and I’d start checking the granola a few minutes earlier, as whole rolled oats are thicker than quick-cooking ones.

  16. Tracy
    01.15.2023

    5 stars
    I have been using the recipe for a couple of years and have been meaning to comment. Love the versatility and endless substitutions you can do to change it up. Lately I have been using costcos mixed nut butter in place of almond butter and honey to sweeten. My fav nut combo are raw almonds & pumpkin seeds.

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      01.16.2023

      Hi Tracy, I’m so glad the recipe has been so versatile for you!

    • Jeanine Flentge-Wong
      01.09.2024

      Hi Tracy
      Do you use the coconut oil in this recipe or an alternative? I am really not sure about this oil even though it’s used in many healthy recipes.

  17. Mimi
    01.07.2023

    5 stars
    The most delicious granola I have made with all of the right ingredients! I have made other recipes and they are not as delicious as yours. Thank you so very much!! (Eliminated almonds because of food allergy, but extremely tasty!!)

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      01.13.2023

      So glad you loved the granola!!

  18. Jeanne
    11.23.2022

    I love this recipe and make it on a weekly basis. It’s the only granola I eat. Have it in the morning with plain yogurt, some berries and a little maple syrup. It is simply divine!!!

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      11.24.2022

      I’m so glad you’ve loved it!

  19. Marlise
    11.19.2022

    I followed the instructions and my granola would not clump it remained flakey. What can I do to get the clumps

    • Trixie
      12.19.2022

      4 stars
      Same thing happened to mine as well. I cannot get it to clump. I followed the directions to a tee but it didn’t get crunchy at all. It tasted great but without the crunchy texture I’m left with just blah blah blah.
      Where did I go wrong?

      • Jeanine Donofrio
        12.19.2022

        Hi Trixie, it sounds like it came out underbaked. Ovens can really vary.

  20. Lisa
    11.18.2022

    Do you really have to put this on parchment paper…you can’t just do it directly on the cookie sheet or sheet pan? I don’t have parchment paper…rarely have a need for it…. Thanks!

    • Lisa
      11.18.2022

      5 stars
      Update: I just lightly greased my sheet pan with canola oil. Worked just fine. Also… this granola came out SCRUMPTIOUS!! WAY better than store-bought. I added coconut flake, pumpkin seed, dried cranberry, raisins, slivered almonds and chocolate morsels.

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Photograph of Jeanine Donofrio and Jack Mathews in their kitchen

Hello, we're Jeanine and Jack.

We love to eat, travel, cook, and eat some more! We create & photograph vegetarian recipes from our home in Chicago, while our shiba pups eat the kale stems that fall on the kitchen floor.