Easy 20-Minute Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe
Are you as obsessed with granola as I am? It’s crunchy, it’s versatile, and it makes you feel like you’ve got your life together—what’s not to love? But let’s be real, store-bought granola can be overpriced and loaded with sugar. That’s why I’m all about making my own granola.
My healthy homemade granola recipe is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. Basically, it’s the best granola recipe for anyone who wants that perfect balance of healthy and delicious. Trust me, this easy granola recipe is about to be your new favorite.
Try this recipe on top of these recipes! Healthy Chocolate Frosty Smoothie + Protein Snickers Smoothie!
Why You'll Like My Version Better!
Have you ever tasted granola so good it could make you rethink store-bought forever? This is that granola. It’s crunchy, flavorful, and completely customizable—basically everything you’ve been searching for in the perfect batch. Whether you're making it for yourself, impressing someone special, or just stocking up on snacks, this recipe checks every box.
You’re in control! Want a nutty crunch or a chewy bite? You’re the boss. Choose your favorite nuts, seeds, and oats, and make it your own.
Naturally sweet and oh-so-delicious. Pure maple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the warm, toasty flavors.
Healthy fats for the win. Coconut oil (or olive oil if you prefer) gives this granola that perfect crisp without relying on processed oils.
The flavor is next level. Cinnamon and a sprinkle of salt make every bite feel cozy, comforting, and impossible to stop eating.
Ingredients For My Healthy Homemade Granola
This granola is all about flexibility, so you can work with what you’ve got while still creating something absolutely delicious. Here’s what goes into it:
OATS
Quick-cooking oats or rolled oats work perfectly here. Use whatever you have in your pantry. If you can, go for organic—oats are known for being heavily sprayed with pesticides, so it’s worth stocking up when they’re on sale.
NUTS/SEEDS
Use any variation of nuts or seeds you have on hand. For example, if you only have almonds and pumpkin seeds, just use 1/2 almonds and 1/2 pumpkin seeds. If you are not free, you can use sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. refer larger pieces like walnuts or pecans? Keep them whole. Want smaller bites? Give them a rough chop. It’s all about making it your way.
LIQUID SWEETENER
Pure maple syrup, honey, agave—you can’t go wrong. Use whatever sweetener you love or have on hand. Want it a little sweeter? Add more. Prefer less sugar? Dial it back. It’s completely up to you.
OIL
Neutral oils like coconut, avocado, or olive oil are my go-to. But hey, if all you’ve got is vegetable oil, that works too! The key is finding what fits your taste and pantry.
SPICES
I always add cinnamon, but oftentimes, I will also add ginger powder and pumpkin pie spice during the fall time of year. You can also add nutmeg. Just use what you have!
Jazz's Recommended Products
Glass Bowl Set
This versatile glass bowl set is perfect for mixing up your granola ingredients. The clear design lets you easily see your oat mixture, and the various sizes are great for prepping and storing your favorite mix-ins.Rachel Ray Bakeware Set
The Rachel Ray Bakeware Set is ideal for baking your homemade granola to golden brown perfection. Its durable, non-stick surface ensures even baking and easy cleanup, making it a staple in your kitchen for all your baking needs.Airtight Food Storage Containers Set with Lids
These airtight containers are perfect for keeping your homemade granola fresh and crispy. They’re ideal for storing large batches and ensuring your granola stays at its best for weeks.
How to Make Homemade Granola
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and mix to combine.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix well.
4. Lay the mixture on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and press down with the back of the spatula.
5. Bake for 15 minutes. Let them cool completely for an hour before breaking it apart (that's the trick to get the large clusters).
6. Store in a jar or any sort of container for 4 weeks!
Storage
Storing granola the right way ensures it stays fresh, crunchy, and totally snackable. Here's how to keep your homemade batch in tip-top shape:
Room Temperature: Pop your granola into a jar or an airtight container and store it in the pantry. Keeping the lid tightly sealed will lock out moisture and keep things crispy. At room temp, your granola is good to go for up to 4 weeks.
Refrigerator: For extra crunch lovers, the fridge is a solid option. Move your granola to an airtight container and refrigerate it. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months, but just a heads-up—the cooler temps might soften it slightly.
Freezer: Want to make it last even longer? Freezing is your answer. Pack the granola into a ziplock bag or an airtight container, squeezing out as much air as you can. It’ll stay tasty for up to 4 months. When it’s snack time, just thaw it at room temp or in the fridge.
Differences Between Oat Types
Not all oats are created equal, and knowing the difference can make or break your Granola game.
Here’s a quick guide to the most common types:
Quick-Cooking Oats
Texture/Processing: These oats are rolled thinner and chopped smaller, so they cook up fast and have a softer texture.
How to Use: Perfect for recipes like cookies, bars, or instant oatmeal where a quick cook time is key.
Will They Work in This Recipe? Yes! Quick oats mix easily and bake fast, giving your granola a finer, evenly textured crunch.
Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned Oats)
Texture/Processing: Whole oat grains are steamed, rolled flat, and toasted, giving them a hearty but chewy texture.
How to Use: These versatile oats are a go-to for granola, cookies, or overnight oats.
Will They Work in This Recipe? Absolutely! Rolled oats strike the perfect balance between crisp and chewy, making them ideal for forming satisfying granola clusters.
Steel-Cut Oats
Texture/Processing: Made by chopping oats into coarse pieces, they’re dense and hearty but take longer to cook.
How to Use: Best for slow-cooked recipes like oatmeal or risottos where a chewy, nutty texture is desired.
Will They Work in This Recipe? Not so much. Steel-cut oats don’t soften or bind well, leaving your granola gritty and your clusters uneven.
For this recipe, rolled or quick-cooking oats are the perfect choice—they’ll give you that ideal crunchy, clustery texture!
Substitutions for Ingredients
Oats: use quick cooking or rolled oats.
Nuts or Seeds: Swap nuts with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or shredded coconut for nut-free options. You can also use a mix of chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp hearts for added nutrition.
Maple Syrup: Replace with honey, agave syrup, or date syrup. Alternatively, use molasses for a deeper, richer flavor (adjust quantity to taste).
Coconut Oil: Use olive oil, avocado oil, melted butter, or ghee for a similar fat content. You can also replace it with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat version, though the texture might be less crispy.
Cinnamon: Swap with pumpkin pie spice, chai spice, or a mix of nutmeg and cardamom for variety.
Salt: Use sea salt, pink Himalayan salt, or leave it out for a low-sodium version.
FAQs
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The granola should be lightly golden and fragrant. It will crisp up as it cools, so avoid overbaking.
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Grease your baking sheet lightly with oil or use a silicone baking mat instead.
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Cooling allows the granola to firm up, forming those desirable clusters. If you break it apart too soon, it might crumble into smaller pieces.
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Yes, you can make granola without oil. Substitute the oil with additional liquid sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, or use applesauce or mashed bananas for moisture and binding.
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Vegan alternatives to honey include maple syrup, agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or date syrup. These options will keep your granola sweet and delicious.
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Try the different ingredients below to make it your own and enhance the flavor!
Dried fruit: Add a handful of dried cranberries, raisins, chopped dates, or apricots to give your granola a sweet and chewy texture. Drizzle with pure maple syrup to enhance the sweetness.
Coconut flakes: Toasted coconut flakes will add a delicious tropical flavor to your granola. Spread them in an even layer on your baking sheet to ensure even toasting.
Chocolate chips: If you're a chocolate lover, sprinkle in some mini chocolate chips or chunks after the granola cools. The melty chocolate pairs perfectly with a hint of pure maple syrup for a decadent treat.
Spices: Experiment with different spices to enhance the flavor profile of your granola. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for a warm and cozy taste. You can even combine these spices with flax seeds for added texture and nutrition.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla extract can make your granola taste extra delicious. Just add it to the wet ingredients, like pure maple syrup, before mixing everything together.
Citrus zest: Grate some lemon or orange zest into the mixture for a burst of citrusy flavor. Spread your granola mixture in an even layer to let the zest infuse every bite.
Nut butter: If you're a fan of nutty flavors, stir in a spoonful of almond butter, peanut butter, or any other nut butter of your choice. Pair it with flax seeds for extra crunch and healthy fats.
Chia seeds: Sprinkle in some chia seeds for added crunch and a boost of omega-3 fatty acids. Combine with flax seeds for a powerhouse of nutrition in every bite.
Brown sugar: For a richer, deeper sweetness, add a bit of brown sugar to your granola mix. Pair it with pure maple syrup to create a caramel-like flavor that’s irresistible.
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To make gluten-free granola, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats and check that any additional ingredients (like nuts, seeds, and sweeteners) are also gluten-free.
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Fresh fruit is best added to granola when serving, as it has a high moisture content that can make the granola soggy. Add dried fruit to the granola mix for storage.
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Bake your granola at a low temperature (around 300-325 degrees Fahrenheit) and stir it every 10 minutes to ensure even baking. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time, as it can quickly go from golden brown to burnt.
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Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between. Alternatively, melt it over low heat in a small saucepan.
This easy homemade granola recipe is perfect for breakfast or snacks, whether you top your yogurt parfait or smoothie bowls. Made with basic ingredients like quick oats, real maple syrup, and a variety of nuts and seeds, it's a healthy and versatile alternative to store-bought versions. Customize it with your favorite mix-ins like fresh fruit or fresh berries, and enjoy the delicious granola fresh out of the oven. This granola recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household, offering health benefits without unnecessary additives.
Easy 20-Minute Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups oats (quick cooking or rolled oats work best)
- 1 cup nuts or seeds (anything goes)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup (or any liquid sweetener like honey, agave etc.)
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted (or olive oil)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl, mix to combine.
- Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix well.
- Lay mixture on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, press down with the back of the spatula.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Let them cool for an hour before breaking it apart (thats the trick to get the large clusters).
- Store in a jar or any sort of container for 4 weeks!
Notes
Store the granola in an airtight container in your pantry for up to 4 weeks.
Store granola in the fridge for up to 2 months.
Store granola in the freezer in a ziplock bag for up to 4 months.
To achieve granola clusters, lay flat on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and press down with the back of a spatula or cup to get it into an even layer. After baking, let it sit for 1 hour before breaking apart to form clusters!
Hey, I’m Jazz
I’m a nutritional therapist practitioner and spent 3 years as a personal chef to NBA athletes. Follow along for easy, attainable and healthy recipes in under 30 minutes!
Watch the Recipe Tutorial
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