Homemade Granola Recipe

If your mornings need a little sparkle or your snacks a healthy twist, nothing beats a batch of Homemade Granola. This recipe brings together crunchy almonds, heart-healthy oats, and a touch of warmth from cinnamon, all bound together by the natural sweetness of pure maple syrup. It’s easy, endlessly customizable, and bakes up golden and irresistible—a pantry staple that absolutely outshines anything you’ll buy prepackaged. Homemade Granola isn’t just delicious; it’s also a mighty meal-prep hero that you’ll turn to all week long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of wholesome and familiar ingredients, every single component in this Homemade Granola brings its own character. There’s nothing fussy or hard to find here—each item works together for crunch, flavor, and that perfect toasty color as it bakes.

• Melted coconut oil: Gives the granola its irresistible crunch and subtly sweet aroma.
• Pure maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the mix, helping it clump beautifully while adding rich, deep flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness with mellow bakery notes that cozy up every bite.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses each cluster with a hint of spice that feels like a warm hug.
• Salt: Just a pinch intensifies all the flavors, balancing out the sweetness.
• Old-fashioned rolled oats: The backbone of Homemade Granola—sturdy, chewy, and perfect for baking.
• Almonds (slivered, sliced, or chopped): Add nutty crunch and extra protein, making every handful more satisfying.

How to Make Homemade Granola

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F. This lower temperature bakes the granola evenly so it gets perfectly crisp without burning. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Not only does this prevent sticking, but it also makes cleanup a total breeze!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a roomy mixing bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Take a moment to enjoy the sweet, nutty aroma—this trio lays the foundation for flavor and helps the oats and nuts get evenly coated later on.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Now stir in the old-fashioned oats, chopped almonds, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything thoroughly so every oat and almond is glossy and spiced. The mix should look moist, but not soggy—this ensures plenty of crunchy clusters in your finished Homemade Granola.

Step 4: Bake and Stir

Spread the mixture in an even layer over your prepared baking sheet. Slide it into the oven and bake for 45 minutes, making sure to gently stir everything every 15 minutes. These intervals give the granola ample time to toast and crisp up without browning unevenly.

Step 5: Cool for Crunch

Once golden and fragrant, pull the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the pan. This stage is essential—exposure to air helps Homemade Granola form irresistible crunchy clumps. Once cool, break it up gently and move to storage or straight to your bowl!

How to Serve Homemade Granola

Garnishes

A handful of plump raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots adds a pop of color and chewiness after baking. For a splash of decadence, sprinkle on coconut flakes or a dusting of extra cinnamon just before serving.

Side Dishes

Homemade Granola is heavenly with a spoonful of creamy Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. It also makes a fantastic topping for smoothie bowls, overnight oats, or even simple cut fruit. For a more indulgent treat, layer it into parfaits with fresh berries and whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon your granola into mason jars and tie them with twine for charming homemade gifts. Or turn it into a DIY parfait bar for brunch—set out bowls of granola, yogurt, and toppings, and let everyone build their own masterpiece. Homemade Granola is even spectacular sprinkled over ice cream for a sweet-and-salty twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Homemade Granola cool completely, then stash it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and crisp for up to two weeks—though if your household is anything like mine, it will disappear much sooner!

Freezing

For even longer storage, you can freeze Homemade Granola. Scoop cooled granola into a freezer-safe bag, press out extra air, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before eating, and it’ll taste just as crunchy and fresh.

Reheating

If your granola softens over time, just spread it on a baking sheet and pop it in a 300°F oven for about 8–10 minutes. This re-crisps and revives all those delightful clusters, making your Homemade Granola taste freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I substitute the coconut oil with another oil?

Yes, you can use another neutral oil like melted butter or light olive oil if you prefer, though coconut oil gives a subtly sweet, toasty flavor unique to this Homemade Granola.

Is it possible to use honey instead of maple syrup?

Absolutely! Honey behaves similarly to maple syrup in this recipe, offering a more floral note. Just keep in mind that honey tends to brown a little faster, so watch the baking time.

Can I add other nuts or seeds?

Definitely! Walnuts, pecans, cashews, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds all work beautifully. Just keep the total amount about the same to maintain the right dry-to-wet ratio in your Homemade Granola.

How can I make this granola gluten free?

Simply be sure to use certified gluten-free oats. All the other ingredients in this Homemade Granola recipe are naturally gluten free, making it easy and safe for everyone to enjoy.

What’s the secret to big granola clusters?

Be gentle when you stir during baking, and let the Homemade Granola cool completely before breaking it up. For even larger clusters, you can press it down lightly on the sheet after your final stir and avoid too much movement before it sets.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Granola is proof that something wholesome and easy can also be crave-worthy and fun. I hope you give this recipe a try—play around and make it your own. Once you taste your first batch, I bet you’ll be hooked on this joyful, crunchy classic!

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