Homemade Granola

Reasons to Make Your Own Homemade Granola

Aside from baking your house smell amazing, here’s why it’s worth making granola yourself.

• Super easy to make. You know how some homemade food items take a lot of effort and the result really isn’t all that much better than store-bought? Homemade granola is the opposite—EASY to make and the results are fantastic!
• The best flavor. I love the delightful hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla in this granola recipe, which make it taste cozy and delicious.
• Use it so many ways. Eat it straight out of the jar, combine it with milk in a bowl, layer it with yogurt for parfaits, sprinkle it onto Fluffy Whole Wheat Pancakes. You have endless options!

What You’ll Need

The beauty of homemade granola is its versatility! These ingredients are my go-tos, but you can easily put your own spin on the recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.

• Old-fashioned oats – Also known as rolled oats.
• Sliced almonds
• Brown sugar – You can use dark or light brown sugar.
• Spices – Ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg.
• Salt
• Coconut oil – Or butter, if you prefer.
• Pure maple syrup – I love the flavor of maple syrup in this granola, but honey would also work!
• Vanilla extract

How to Make Homemade Granola

This is just a quick overview of the steps for making your own granola. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe card.

• Mix the dry ingredients. Stir together the oats, almonds, brown sugar, spices, and salt in a large bowl.
• Mix the wet ingredients. Whisk the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.

• Combine. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry mixture and toss to coat.
• Bake. Spread the granola onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a 325ºF oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the granola is lightly browned, stirring and turning every 10 minutes or so. 
• Finish. Let the granola cool, then serve or store. 

Tips and Variation Ideas

These simple tips will help you make sure your homemade granola turns out perfect.

• Keep a close eye on it. You don’t want to burn the almonds, so make sure to check on the granola every 10 minutes and give it a stir. If your oven runs hot, the granola will probably be done on the lower end of the time range!
• Add your own twist. Switch up the almonds with other nuts and seeds. If you want to add dried fruit or chocolate chips, you can stir them in after the granola is cooked and cooled.
• Let it cool completely. As it cools, the granola will become crispier and crunchier, making it even more irresistible!

Serving Suggestions

Here are some of my favorite ways to put this homemade granola to use:

• Yogurt parfaits. Layer your granola with yogurt and fresh fruit for a satisfying breakfast.  
• Smoothie bowls. Sprinkle granola on top of your next smoothie bowl for some crunch. I love this Green Smoothie Bowl Recipe!
• Cereal. Use granola as an alternative to traditional cereal—just put it in a bowl and add milk!
• Ice cream topping. Granola adds some crispy-crunchy goodness to any scoop of ice cream.

How to Store

• Room temperature: Transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container or a mason jar with a tight-sealing lid. Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to 4 weeks.
• Freezer: Place the granola in a freezer-safe bag or container and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before using.  

More Easy Breakfast Recipes

• Protein Chocolate Pancakes
• Overnight Oats with Yogurt
• Mushroom Spinach Omelette Recipe
• Overnight Chai Eggnog French Toast Casserole
• Easy Ham & Cheese Mini Quiches Perfect for Brunch