Made with a blend of nuts, seeds and dried fruit, this Homemade Granola is one easy to make treat. Enjoy as a cereal, in a parfait or use as a crunchy topping, there are so many ways to use this healthy snack!

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Granola Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Homemade Granola Cereal
• 🔪 How to Make Granola from Scratch
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 💡 Creative Ways to Use Granola
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Is Eating Homemade Granola Healthy?
• Is it Worth Making Your Own Granola?
• Why is My Homemade Granola Not Crunchy?
• How to Make Homemade Granola Clump Together?
• How Do I Make This Gluten-Free Granola?
• 🍽️ More Healthy Breakfast Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Granola Recipe

• Sweet and crunchy granola with warm cinnamon flavor
• Blend of nuts, seeds and dried fruit
• Naturally sweetened with honey
• Made with all healthy ingredients
• Gluten free and dairy free
• Vegan option

The great thing about this homemade granola recipe is you can tweak it to your liking.  If you happen to have different nuts or dried fruit on hand, you can easily swap those out.  If you like a chunkier granola, you can add in more nuts, fruit and/or seeds.

Once you’ve made your first batch, trust me you will be making it on a regular basis.  It’s SO much better than store-bought granola.  And while it’s great to snack on, there are so many creatives ways to use it.  I’ve listed some ideas for you down below.

Homemade Granola also makes a great gift during the holidays!  Pour some in a mason jar and add a fancy ribbon and you’ve got a delicious healthy homemade granola anyone would love to receive.

🛒 Ingredients for Homemade Granola Cereal

• Old fashioned oats
• Dried cranberries
• Sliced almonds
• Pecans
• Coconut oil
• Honey
• Pumpkin seeds
• Sunflower seeds
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

🔪 How to Make Granola from Scratch

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Add the coconut oil and honey to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1 minute or until the coconut oil has melted.  This also helps the honey become runny and easy to mix.  Add in the vanilla extract and whisk to combine, then set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, add in the oats, pecans, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg and salt. Mix to combine.

Pour the honey mixture over the top.

Mix until everything is well combined.

Pour the mixture out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Using a spatula, spread into an even layer, then bake for 30 minutes, mixing twice during the baking.

Remove from the oven and mix in the dried cranberries.  Allow to sit at room temperature to cool for 30 minutes.  This will help the granola crisp up and create clusters or clumps.

Once cooled completely, break the granola apart with your fingers and it’s ready to enjoy!

☑️ Storage Instructions

Store leftover granola at room temperature or in the fridge in an airtight container or large mason jar for 1-2 weeks.

💡 Creative Ways to Use Granola

• Add some to a bowl, along with almond milk and fresh berries to enjoy as a cereal
• Sprinkle on top of smoothie bowl for contrast in texture
• Add on top of muffins just before baking instead of a streusel topping
• Use it to make granola bars
• Layer in glass jars with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit to make parfaits
• Crumble and sprinkle over salads for added crunch
• Use it as a base for trail mix, along with chopped dried fruit and chocolate chips for a healthy snack 
• Add some on top of your overnight oats instead of nuts
• Mix with nut butter and dried fruit, form into energy balls and chill in the fridge

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• If you don’t have dried cranberries on hand, you can use raisins, dried apricots, dried cherries, dried mango, bananas or blueberries instead.  You can also use any combination of these dried fruits if you’d like.
• Instead of almonds and pecans, you can use walnuts, cashews or pistachios.
• For added nutrients, sprinkle in some chia seeds and/or flax seeds.
• Once the granola has cooled, mix in some chocolate chips for added sweetness.
• You can also add in shredded coconut halfway through the baking for a toasted coconut flavor.
• If you don’t have coconut oil on hand, you can use a mild flavored oil like avocado oil instead.
• For a slight change in flavor, you can swap the honey for maple syrup.  This also makes the granola vegan!
• Add in a small amount of almond extract for added almond flavor. I wouldn’t add more than ½-1 teaspoon though, a little goes a long way!

Also be sure to try this high protein granola recipe without protein powder that's made with almond butter and no rolled oats.

Is Eating Homemade Granola Healthy?

Made with all natural ingredients like dried fruit, nuts, seeds, oats, coconut oil, honey and spices, it doesn’t get much healthier than that!

Is it Worth Making Your Own Granola?

It absolutely is!  This easy granola recipe takes just a few minutes to mix up and the rest of the time is spent baking in the oven.  So with very little prep work involved, you have a fresh healthy granola to enjoy, without any preservatives. 

Another perk to make your own granola is you can customize it to your liking.  As I listed above, there are a number of add-ins and substitutions you can make, based one what you like or happen to have on hand.

Why is My Homemade Granola Not Crunchy?

Be sure to bake the granola at exactly 350°F and be sure to mix twice during baking.  This will allow the oats to slowly bake on all sides and crisp up perfectly.

How to Make Homemade Granola Clump Together?

The last step in this easy granola recipe is the key!  After mixing in the dried cranberries, you have to allow the granola to sit at room temperature, undisturbed, for at least 30 minutes.  The granola will bind together and form perfect clumps when you break it apart.

How Do I Make This Gluten-Free Granola?

While oats are naturally gluten-free, some brands package them in a plant that might be exposed to gluten. To make this homemade granola recipe gluten-free, you just need to purchase rolled oats that are labelled as "gluten-free".  

🍽️ More Healthy Breakfast Recipes

• Banana Oat Flour Pancakes
• Vegan Baked Oats
• Mango Smoothie Bowl
• Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
• Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins