Name: Homemade Healthy Granola Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free granola); 1 ½ cup raw nuts and/or seeds (1 cup pecans and ½ cup pepitas recommended); 1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt (reduce to ¾ teaspoon if using table salt); ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil; ½ cup maple syrup or honey; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅔ cup dried fruit, chopped if large (dried cranberries suggested); ½ cup chocolate chips or coconut flakes (add halfway through baking for toasted coconut)

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about this **Homemade Healthy Granola Recipe**—the way the oats toast to golden perfection, the warm sweetness of maple syrup, and that irresistible crunch you crave in the morning. Making granola at home not only fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma but lets you control exactly what goes in. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never want store-bought again.

A glass jar is filled to the top with granola made of golden brown oats, pecan nuts, green pumpkin seeds, and red dried cranberries. The jar sits on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper, which has more scattered granola all around it. The granola clusters are chunky and textured with a mix of rough oat flakes and smooth pecan nuts. The background shows a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Healthy Granola Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Homemade Healthy Granola Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Homemade Healthy Granola Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I get excited every time I make this Homemade Healthy Granola Recipe. It’s that perfect mix of sweet, crunchy, and wholesome that keeps me coming back—whether for breakfast, a snack, or even a salad topping.

Completely customizable: You can swap nuts, seeds, or sweeteners to fit your diet and taste buds perfectly.
Made with simple, wholesome ingredients: No preservatives or mystery additives, just good stuff you recognize.
Crunchy with a touch of chew: The toasted oats and nuts get crisp while the dried fruit adds just the right chewy contrast.
Keeps well and freezes beautifully: Make a big batch to have on hand for a quick, healthy snack anytime.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Homemade Healthy Granola Recipe plays a key role in both texture and flavor. Plus, I’ll share some of my favorite brand and prep tips so your batch turns out ace every time.

Flat lay of a small pile of old-fashioned rolled oats, a small heap of pecans, a small heap of pepitas, a small white bowl of fine-grain sea salt, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl with melted coconut oil, a small white bowl with amber maple syrup, a small white bowl with clear vanilla extract, and a small mound of dried cranberries placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Old-fashioned rolled oats: These toast nicely and hold their shape well—avoid instant oats for texture.
Raw nuts and seeds: I love using pecans and pepitas, but almonds or walnuts work great too; raw gives the best toast.
Fine-grain sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor better than standard salt.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth—feel free to experiment with other warm spices like nutmeg.
Melted coconut oil or olive oil: Coconut oil lends a mild, nutty flavor; olive oil keeps it savory and smooth.
Maple syrup or honey: Natural sweeteners that caramelize beautifully in the oven for that golden color and taste.
Vanilla extract: Just a touch uplifts all the flavors with its sweet aroma.
Dried fruit: I usually add dried cranberries, but cherries, raisins, or chopped apricots shine here.
Optional mix-ins: Chocolate chips or coconut flakes are fantastic additions—you add them halfway through baking for the perfect toast.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with this Homemade Healthy Granola Recipe depending on the mood or season. It really invites creativity, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Variation: For a nut-free version, swap nuts entirely for a mix of sunflower seeds, pepitas, and flax seeds. It’s just as crunchy and satisfying. I've done this often when friends with allergies come over.
Seasonal Twist: Adding warm spices like cardamom or ginger in winter makes it feel festive.
Sweetener Swap: You can use date syrup or brown rice syrup if you want to avoid honey or maple syrup.
More Texture: Toasted coconut flakes stirred in halfway through baking add a tropical crunch I adore.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Healthy Granola Recipe

A large baking sheet filled with a single thick layer of golden toasted granola made from rolled oats, pecans, and pumpkin seeds, with scattered deep red dried cranberries on top. A silver spoon rests in the granola near the top left corner, holding a small heap of pecans, oats, and pumpkin seeds. The baking sheet sits on a white marbled surface. The granola has a crunchy texture, and the colors range from light brown to rich red and green accents from seeds. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep your baking sheet and preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper—it’s a lifesaver for easy cleanup and prevents sticking. I find using a rimmed tray really helps contain everything when you stir the granola partway through.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a big bowl, toss together 4 cups of rolled oats, your nuts and seeds (about 1 ½ cups total), 1 teaspoon sea salt, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Mixing these dry first helps distribute the salt and spice evenly, so every bite is flavorful.

Step 3: Combine with wet ingredients

Whisk together ½ cup melted coconut or olive oil, ½ cup maple syrup or honey, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pour this over the dry mix and stir well to coat everything evenly. This step releases the sweet and oily coating that will help your granola crisp up beautifully.

Step 4: Bake and don’t skip stirring

Spread the mixture in an even layer on your baking sheet. Bake for 21 to 24 minutes, stirring halfway through. If you prefer bigger clusters, press the granola down gently with your spatula after stirring—it helps clump it together. Keep a close eye near the end; golden is perfect, burnt isn’t.

Step 5: Cool and add dried fruit

Let the granola cool completely on the pan—this can take at least 45 minutes. It’s during cooling that everything crisps up properly. Once cooled, stir in ⅔ cup dried fruit like cranberries and any optional mix-ins like chocolate chips. This keeps the chips from melting and the fruit from drying out in the oven.

Step 6: Store to enjoy later

Transfer your granola to an airtight container. It stays fresh for 1 to 2 weeks at room temperature, or freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Just let frozen dried fruit warm up a bit before digging in—it makes a difference in texture.

Top Tip

After making this Homemade Healthy Granola Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks you’ll want to know to make each batch spectacular.

Even Spreading: When spreading the granola on your baking sheet, take your time—an even layer = even toasting and crunch.
Stir Carefully: Stirring halfway is key, but use a spatula to gently fold rather than shake—this preserves larger clusters if that’s your jam.
Coconut Flake Timing: Add coconut flakes halfway through baking to get them perfectly toasted without burning—they toast fast!
Cool Without Disturbing: Let the granola cool fully without stirring until you add fruit—this step locks in the crunch.

How to Serve Homemade Healthy Granola Recipe

Garnishes

I often top my yogurt bowls with sliced fresh banana or berries alongside this granola. A light drizzle of extra honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds those little finishing touches that make every spoonful pop.

Side Dishes

This granola pairs beautifully with a dollop of Greek yogurt or my favorite almond milk smoothie. For brunch, I love serving it next to a fresh fruit salad or a warm oatmeal bowl for extra texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, try layering granola, yogurt, and fruit in clear jars or glasses to make pretty parfaits. It's a hit every time and adds a touch of elegance to an otherwise simple snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store my granola in an airtight glass jar on the countertop, where it keeps its crunch nicely for up to two weeks. I avoid plastic bags because they can trap moisture—glass is my friend here for freshness.

Freezing

Freezing is a lifesaver when I make a double batch. I freeze it in zip-top freezer bags, pressing out excess air. When you want to enjoy, just take out the needed amount and let the dried fruit sit at room temp a few minutes before serving.

Reheating

Usually, I eat granola cold over yogurt or milk, but if you want that warm toasted aroma, pop a small bowl in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes just to gently revive the crunch without burning.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Homemade Healthy Granola Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Just use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey to keep it vegan-friendly without sacrificing sweetness or texture.

How do I get clumpier granola?

For bigger clusters, after stirring halfway through baking, press the granola lightly with your spatula to compact it. Also, avoid stirring too much to keep those clusters intact.

What’s the best way to store homemade granola?

Store granola in an airtight container at room temperature, ideally in a glass jar. This keeps it fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks. Avoid airtight plastic bags unless freezing.

Can I add other ingredients like chocolate or coconut?

Yes! Add chocolate chips or coconut flakes after baking or halfway through to prevent burning. They add delicious variety and texture to your granola.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Healthy Granola Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it strikes such a perfect balance of nutritious and irresistible. It’s become my go-to for gift jars, quick breakfasts, and even a crunchy salad top-off. I’m confident once you try it, you’ll feel the same. You really can’t beat homemade granola for fresh flavor and know-what’s-in-it peace of mind. So go ahead, mix your favorite nuts and fruits, bake it up, and enjoy every golden, crunchy bite!