The Best Homemade Granola Recipe (With Video)
This healthy granola recipe is easy, crunchy, and naturally sweetened. Perfect for breakfast or snacking—customizable, baked, and loved by thousands!
This homemade granola recipe is one of my all-time favorites, and it’s also the base for some of my most loved recipes—like granola cookies and granola bars—which are a big hit on my blog and YouTube channel! Whether you’re topping yogurt, snacking straight from the jar, or making a batch for meal prep, this easy granola recipe is everything you need.
How to Make Homemade Granola
Watch the full video recipe to learn how to make the best granola recipe. This step-by-step tutorial simplifies the process, offering tips and tricks to guarantee perfect results every time.
Prefer the written recipe? Scroll down to the recipe box.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Granola Recipe
- Tried, tested, and loved by millions – This isn’t just another healthy granola recipe. With 1.2 million views on my YouTube channel, 23k likes, 548 comments, and thousands of happy home cooks, this has become a staple in so many kitchens.
- Foolproof and easy to make – Even if you’ve never made baked granola before, this simple granola recipe is practically fail-safe.
- Customizable – You can switch up the nuts, seeds, sweeteners, or even spices and mix-ins depending on your taste or what’s in your pantry.
- Naturally sweetened – Made with honey, maple syrup, or agave, it’s a wholesome option you’ll feel good about.
- Perfect for meal prep – One batch makes a generous amount and stays fresh for weeks—ideal for quick breakfasts and on-the-go snacks.
Ingredient Notes
- Rolled Oats – The base of any good homemade granola recipe. Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Instant oats, on the other hand, won’t give you the same result.
- Pecans & Almonds – You can use any nuts you like such as walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios, or a mix.
- Sunflower Seeds – Easily substituted with pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, or flaxseeds.
- Olive Oil – Adds a deep, savory note; however, you can easily swap it with melted coconut oil or avocado oil for a more neutral or tropical flavor.
- Maple Syrup/Honey/Agave – All work beautifully here. Maple syrup gives a rich, earthy flavor; honey makes the granola a bit more chewy and sticky; agave keeps it vegan.
- Cinnamon – Adds warm spice and aroma. Totally optional!
- Dried Cranberries – You can skip them or replace with raisins, chopped dates, dried cherries, or even dark chocolate chunks for a sweet treat.
- Salt – A pinch enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
This is just a short review of the ingredients; for the complete recipe, including quantities, scroll down to the recipe card 👇
What Oats Are the Best for Homemade Granola?
For the best texture and structure, old-fashioned rolled oats are the top choice for any easy granola recipe. They hold up well during baking and give you that signature crunch. In contrast, quick oats or instant oats tend to clump and become too soft once baked, so it’s best to avoid them.
Substitutes and Variations
Here are some fun ways to switch things up:
- Sweeteners: Maple syrup, honey, agave, brown rice syrup, or date syrup.
- Vegan: Use maple syrup or agave and skip honey.
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- Nuts: Walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts.
- Seeds: Pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, sesame seeds.
- Mix-ins: Dried fruit, dark chocolate chips, coconut flakes, cacao nibs.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, pumpkin pie spice.
Best Served With
Granola can be served in so many delicious ways. Here are some of my favorites:
- Classic and simple with yogurt – as you can see in the photo! Add a spoonful of chia seed jam for the ultimate breakfast experience.
- Açai bowl topping – for crunch and texture.
- In smoothies – sprinkle on top for a crunchy finish.
- With cottage cheese – a protein-packed snack or breakfast.
- Cottage Cheese Mousse topping – for the ultimate healthy dessert.
- As a cereal – just pour over your favorite milk or plant-based milk.
How to Store
Once completely cooled, store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool fully before sealing to prevent moisture build-up and sogginess.
Other Healthy Recipes
Homemade Granola Recipe | Healthy and Easy
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups (360 g) Rolled oats
- ½ cup (65 g) Pecans roughly chopped (or whole)
- ½ cup (60 g) Almonds roughly chopped (or whole)
- ½ cup (65 g) Sunflower seeds read notes
- ½ cup (120 ml) Olive oil read notes
- ½ cup (120 ml) Maple syrup or honey or agave syrup
- ½ cup (65 g) Dried cranberries
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats, chopped pecans, slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Do not add the cranberries at this stage.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the olive oil and maple syrup. Mix well until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated.
- Spread and bake: Transfer the granola mixture to the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, stirring every 8–10 minutes to ensure even toasting. Bake until golden brown and fragrant.
- Finish: Remove from the oven, stir in the dried cranberries while the granola is still warm, and let it cool completely on the tray. Once cooled, break into clusters and transfer to an airtight container.
Video
Notes
- Nutrition Information: The nutrition facts provided refer to one serving, which is approximately 50–60 grams (about 1/2 cup). This recipe yields roughly 16–20 servings in total, depending on the final volume and how tightly you pack each portion.
- Watch closely while baking: Granola can go from golden to burnt quickly—especially during the final minutes. Keep a close eye as ovens vary.
- Stir every 8–10 minutes: This helps the granola toast evenly and prevents the edges from burning. It also encourages a crisp texture without over-baking any part.
- Nuts: You can use any nuts you love—try walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios, or a mix for variety.
- Oil options: Olive oil gives a rich flavor, but you can also use melted coconut oil, avocado oil, or a neutral oil grapeseed.
- Sweetener options: Maple syrup adds a warm flavor, but honey or agave syrup also work great, depending on your taste and dietary needs.
- Seeds: I used sunflower seeds, but feel free to swap or add pumpkin seeds (pepitas), flaxseeds, chia seeds, or sesame seeds for extra texture and nutrition.
- Add-ins: Once cooled, you can mix in extras like chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or dried fruit like raisins, apricots, or cherries.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
- Serving ideas: Enjoy with milk, yogurt, smoothie bowls, or straight from the jar as a crunchy snack!
- Watch the video tutorial and read the FAQ section below the recipe card for more tips and variations.
Nutrition
Common Questions
Yes, you can make granola without oil. Instead of oil, use ingredients like nut butters, mashed bananas, applesauce, or yogurt to help bind the mixture and provide moisture. As a result, the texture may be softer and less crunchy, but it can still be delicious and healthier.
es! Dried fruit is optional. You can leave it out or swap it for other mix-ins like coconut flakes, dark chocolate chips, or nuts. This recipe works well with or without it, depending on your preference.
Yes! This easy granola recipe can be adapted into granola bars by pressing the mixture into a pan, baking slightly less time (20–25 minutes), and letting it cool completely before slicing. You may need to add a bit more honey or nut butter for better binding. Or just follow my Granola bars recipe.
Absolutely. You can reduce or omit sweeteners entirely. For a naturally sweet version, add mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, or dried fruits like dates or raisins. Keep in mind that less sweetener may result in a less clumpy texture and a more subtle flavor.
Where can I find the nutritional facts on your recipes? They look yummy but I have to watch my carbs. I am a diabetic.
there are about 150-180 calories in a serving. the most calories come from the honey/maple syrup. I’m a diabetic also and I personally use splenda or agave sweetener.
What is a serving
I would like to know the nutritional facts for this out of this world” delicious granola recipe.
What a delicious recipe. Thank you for it. How much is a serving please?
Our family’s favorite recipe for many years. We tried with in so many variations, worked perfectly every time!