I know, I know — I’m a little biased, but this granola is truly the best! It’s simple, healthy, and homemade, making it a staple in our house. Today, I’m excited to share this super easy recipe with you, one that’s perfect for adding to yogurt, oatmeal, and smoothie bowls. It's also fantastic as a homemade gift, especially around the holidays or any occasion where you want to share something special!
This granola has a fantastic balance of texture and nutrition, thanks to a mix of oats and chopped nuts. The nuts add crunch, protein, and healthy fats, while the spices bring a cozy warmth that’s just perfect. You can also customize it with optional dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. Plus, it’s great for all ages — just adjust the nut size for younger kids or toddlers to avoid choking hazards.
Nutritious Ingredients to Feel Good About
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Oats
Oats are heart-healthy and packed with fiber, making them a great base for granola.
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Nuts and/or Seeds
I love using a combination of pecans, almonds, and walnuts, but the beauty of granola is that you can mix it up based on what you have on hand. Other great options include cashews, peanuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds. More variety means more crunch! -
Unrefined Oil
Oil helps the granola stick together and get that crispy texture we all love. I prefer avocado oil for a healthier option, but coconut oil works beautifully too if you're aiming for a richer taste. If you want to reduce saturated fat, you could opt for olive oil instead. -
Sweetener
Sweeteners help bind the granola while giving it that delicious, slightly caramelized flavor. I use a combination of brown sugar and real maple syrup, but honey also works really well if you prefer a different flavor profile. -
Spices
The spices add a cozy, warming kick. I always use cinnamon and nutmeg, but feel free to experiment with ginger, coriander, cocoa powder, or even pumpkin pie spice to make it your own. -
Optional Mix-Ins
I love to add some unsweetened coconut flakes, but you can always leave these out. If you’re a fan of dried fruit in your granola, try adding raisins, cranberries, dried blueberries, or dried cherries for a burst of sweetness. It’s totally up to you!
Granola Tips for the Best Texture
- Cook at a low temp for a long time. This method yields the crispiest granola with the perfect texture. If you’re short on time, you can increase the temperature, but be careful not to burn it!
- Use parchment paper. This simple trick ensures that the granola doesn’t stick to the baking sheet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Flip halfway through. Stirring or flipping the granola halfway through baking helps it cook evenly and prevents burning.
- Let it cool completely. After baking, let the granola cool completely before breaking it into chunks. I often leave it to cool overnight in the pan for the best results!
The Best Homemade Granola Recipe
Ingredients:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ⅓ cup water
- 4 cups oats
- 3 cups chopped nuts (I like walnuts, pecans, and sliced almonds)
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- ¾ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup avocado oil
- 3 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F.
- In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, and water. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil. Let it cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, shredded coconut, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well.
- Add the avocado oil and vanilla extract to the cooled syrup mixture, stirring until fully combined. Pour the syrup over the oat mixture and stir thoroughly, using your hands or a big spoon to mix it evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to a rimmed 13x18-inch baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pat it down into an even layer — it should be thick but not higher than the rim of the pan.
- Bake for 75 minutes. Remove the granola from the oven and use a large metal spatula to flip it, keeping the chunks as large as possible. Alternatively, you can flip it onto another baking sheet to make it easier.
- Return the granola to the oven and bake for an additional 45 minutes.
- Once it’s done, let the granola cool completely before breaking it into chunks.
Enjoy your homemade granola on top of yogurt, stirred into oatmeal, or as a snack on its own. It’s healthy, customizable, and always a hit! Let me know how you make it your own — I’d love to hear your favorite mix-ins!
