Hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla make this homemade granola recipe a standout! With almonds for crunch and a little bit of protein, it’s impossible to resist.
Nowadays you can get some pretty decent granola at the grocery store, but I wanted to experiment and see how it would turn out if I made it at home. Spoiler alert: it was a SUCCESS! This homemade granola made the house smell heavenly while it was baking, and the taste is even better. Once I mastered this recipe, I started making all kinds of granola creations, like this Homemade Pumpkin Spice Granola. I just can’t stop, it’s SO good!
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
Homemade Granola
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla make this homemade granola recipe a standout! Customize it with your favorite nuts and add-ins.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 2 Tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 Tablespoon of coconut oil, melted {or butter}
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
- To get started, preheat over to 325ºF.
- In a large bowl, toss old fashioned oats, sliced almonds, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the wet ingredients, melted coconut oil {or butter}, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until combined.
- Pour wet mixture over dry mixture and toss to coat everything.
- On a baking sheet, place either a silicon baking mat or parchment paper. Then spread granola mixture out across entire pan.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until granola is slightly browned. (I did 35 minutes and it was perfect) You will want to turn the granola every 10 minutes so it doesn’t burn.
- Remove from oven and let cool.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 173
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
62 comments on “Homemade Granola”
Can you substitute honey in place of the syrup? Would I have to change cooking time or temp?
Yes absolutely and no the cooking time would be the same
What a great recipe. I put my pan on the middle rack at 325° but ended up lowering it to 300°. I checked constantly as it browned quickly and didn’t want it to burn. I also did half maple syrup and honey. Maybe it’s the honey that can burn easily. It tasted great. I also did not put cinnamon or nutmeg in this time but will next time. Will definitely make again. I’ve made other granola recipes but prefer this one. Just don’t leave the kitchen and stay close by to watch over it.
Thanks for the 5-star review, Debby! I am so glad this granola recipe was a hit!
Will definitely try it the next week – i want to make it for a gift – do you know how long it will be fresh and tasty in a container / glass ? 😌
I will be good for about 7 days. Honestly we’ve had it like 3 weeks after I’ve made it and it’s still good. But it’s at it’s freshest in the first week.
Incredible.
We doubled the recipe and I used half butter and half coconut oil. I also used half pure maple syrup and half pure honey. Through in a variety of nuts I had home, some graham cracker pieces, and some dried cherries as well.
Incredible!!
Thank you!!!
ohh yeah! So glad you like it!
So delicious and easy!
Thank you! The perfect snack!
I make this weekly… FYI, I am also the only one who is eating it. 🙂 It’s the best recipe and I have sent it to multiple people.
hahah.. you go girl! I would if I could but my son inhales granola so unfortunately I have to share. 🙂
I’ve tried so many granola recipes and this is my all time favorite! Thank you so much! So clumpy and tasty 🙂
woohoo! So glad to hear it!
If you cook it for the recommended time it will burn. Badly. I did mine for 30 min, and it was black.
Made it again with a substantially shorter cooking time (20min) and it was perfect. I cut the maple syrup portion in half and used honey instead -delicious!
I hate that the first batch burned. I wish all ovens cooked the same! I am so happy you gave it a second try, and it turned out perfect!
I love it! Me and my sister are fans! I did use half a cup more oats, because I wanted to make a little more, but because of that the granola pieces were a little smaller. That’s not a big deal though, excellent recipe!!!
So glad to hear that you like it Zoe! I usually double this recipe because we gobble this up quick once its made. 🙂
I don’t have parchment paper…do you think using stoneware would work?
HM… I’m not sure. I would say the safer bet would be using just a regular baking sheet and spraying it with PAM so that it doesn’t stick to the pan.
Thanks! I’ll try that. I have a pizza stone that’s very seasoned, so I might try a bit on there to see too.
Your welcome… let me know how it goes Liz!
Can you substitute the maple syrup with honey?q
absolutely!
There is a big difference between wax paper and parchment paper – I learned the hard way – but I am pretty sure that you do not want to use wax paper on the baking sheet, it does burn and leave a strange taste. Parchment would be a better choice. Can’t wait to try it!
eeek!!! No bueno! Sorry about that Danielle! Hope the next time turns out better and you get to taste all the deliciousness of this recipe. 🙂
Made this- doubled the recipe and used honey instead of maple syrup (taste preference). I had to make more a couple of days later so I’d have some to use in my yogurt for a snack at work!
haha… LOVE IT Jeni! I need to try it with honey, I like the flavor too, then see which one I like better. AND I need to just start doubling the recipe too because this stuff goes so fast in our house! Thanks for popping in and leaving a note girl, hugs!
This is fantastic! It’s so full of flavor – we like it with vanilla yogurt and fresh peaches. YUMMY! That’s what I’ve had for lunch two days in a row. 🙂 I doubled the recipe except for the maple syrup and nuts and it seemed like just enough liquid. Thank you!
Awesome! So glad you like it Stacy and I so need to try it with the peaches, perfect for this time of year!
I love the taste of the Granola but it’s very crumbly. How do I make it to where there are nice chunks of granola?
Thanks!
Hey Don, I would maybe use 1/4 -1/2 cup less of the oats and then let it sit on the baking pan for 10-15 minutes after it comes out of the oven. I’ve had hits and misses with the chunks too, hope that helps! Let me know if you get those chunks!
I made this and love it. If I keep it in an airtight container, how long will it keep? Do you think it’s ok to freeze?
Thanks!
Awesome, so glad to hear it Marguerite! I’ve had the granola in my pantry for about a month and it is still fine. 🙂 But probably no longer than that. As far as freezing it, I would again store it in an air tight container and then for best quality keep no longer than 3 months. Hope that helps girl, glad you liked it! 🙂
I found your recipe on ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com link-up. I’m always trying to find an authentic as well as tasty granola recipe – this one looks good! I can’t wait to try it! Thanks!
awesome! So glad you found me, thats what I love about those linkups. Always find something new and fun to try! Hope you love this recipe as much as us, the spices in it are awesome! 🙂
This looks so good! My kids would love it!
I think you would love it too! 🙂 My husband and I are addicted, sooo good!
I LOVE making my own granola. Using coconut oil is such a great idea!! I need to try this tip! I’m sharing this recipe on facebook today and pinning!
First time making granola at home and I’m addicted! 🙂 I’ll have to look at a couple of your recipes, they’re always good! Thanks for the pin and sharing on FB! You rock! Have a great rest of the day Meghan!
Saved! Thank you 🙂
Awesome! Thanks Amber, hope you get a chance to make it! 🙂
Krista, this looks amazing! Thank you so much for joining us and sharing at Best of the Weekend! Pinning and sharing! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend and happy Sunday!
Thanks so much sweet friend, it was so fun making and smelling as it baked yum! 🙂 Always love coming to the party you ladies throw! Thanks for the pin and sharing!
I love granola and almond and vanilla sounds like a very tasty combination! Visiting from Best Of The Weekend.
Oh, it is delicious Laura, just had some more this morning and decided I need to make another batch! 🙂 Thanks so much for visiting! Hope you have a great weekend!
I love making granola! The flavor possibilities are endless. This one sounds great. On my list to try!
I know right!? Thats what I love about it the most, can’t wait to try other flavor combinations. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Megan!
Love homemade granola and this one sounds perfect!
I am starting to love it now too! Thanks Ashley!
What is it about granola? I don’t know. But it’s so dang delicious! Looks great.
I know right?! I could eat it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Melanie!
Can’t wait to try this one, love granola. Coming over from the daily blog boost.
Thanks Sandra, its a good one. The cinnamon and nutmeg in this are my favorite! 🙂 Headed over to share the love!
Looks awesome! Glad you enjoyed it!
Yes! Loved it, {in fact I may be hiding it from my husband, hehe} thank you so much Julie!
This looks delicious! I love finding new granola recipes.
🙂 Me too! Although, I love finding recipes in general.. hehe.. what can I say. I LOVE FOOD! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Deauna! Have a great rest of the weekend!
I love making homemade granola! Your versions sounds fabulous!
I’ve never made it before, but I am officially a homemade granola convert! Sooo yummy, and so easy! Totally didn’t know. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Kathy, hope you have a great rest of the day!
Pinned this for later. Looks awesome. Thanks for sharing!
Great! It was delicious! I hope you get a chance to try it Mary Ellen, thanks for stopping by!