granola recipe fans, let me guess: you’ve tried store-bought granola, and it either cost a small fortune or tasted like cardboard. Yeah, I’ve been there. You want something easy, crunchy, not packed with junk—something you can actually feel good about. So, here’s my go-to healthy granola recipe that magically vanishes every week at my house. Oh, this recipe is way more approachable than my failed attempt at this banana cake recipe or that last time I flopped the apple cake recipe so badly nobody even pretended to like it. Let’s get right into it. 
Table of Contents
Healthy Granola Ingredients
Alright, don’t roll your eyes at me but the basics here are pretty simple. Think plain rolled oats (nothing fancy, just your average old-fashioned kind). You want a mix of nuts and seeds—but don’t freak if you don’t have them all. Just use whatever’s lurking in the pantry, sometimes I just chop up some almonds and call it good. I always add a sprinkle of cinnamon. And here’s the best part: you control the sweetener and fat. Maple syrup or honey? Both work. Coconut oil or olive oil? Up to you. My neighbor says she adds cardamom like it’s some sort of secret handshake, but I just stick with cinnamon unless I’m feeling fancy.
Kids will eat this by the handful (actual tears if we run out midweek). I can’t promise it makes your house smell like a bakery, but I swear something about baking granola just hits right in the cozy spot. 
Granola Recipe Ingredients (+Variations!)
Let’s stay real here, nobody has time for a grocery run just to get a different seed, right? Here’s how I do it, but feel free to hack it with what you’ve got.
- 3 cups rolled oats (don’t use the instant stuff, trust me)
- 1 cup nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds—mix and match)
- 1/2 cup seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, or chia if you’re feeling it)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, optional but magical for crunch
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey (I mostly use maple)
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (or olive oil, sorta depends on my mood)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Now, if you need gluten-free, just grab certified gluten-free oats. For add-ins, dried fruit (like raisins or cranberries) is awesome but toss those in after baking—not before unless you adore burnt fruit. Want more protein? Sub half the oil with nut butter. The world’s your oyster. Don’t overthink it.
This granola recipe has literally replaced cereal at my house. Even my picky kid eats it straight from the jar. Never going back! – Shannon W.
Homemade Granola Tips
Okay, I learned this the hard way. First tip: line your baking sheet with parchment. Otherwise, you’ll be chiseling baked-on granola off the pan. Toss everything together in a big bowl before baking. Don’t mix in dried fruit until after it cools unless you enjoy little burnt surprises.
Want those big, addictive clusters? Press the granola down onto the sheet before you pop it in the oven, and for heaven’s sake, let it cool before you mess with it. If you stir too soon, no clusters. (Sad trombone.) Bake at 325°F for 22-28 minutes. Give it a flip or two, but no obsessive stirring.
If your oven runs hot, keep an eye out. I’ve roasted more than my fair share of good granola into oblivion because someone (me) got distracted. Oh, and don’t stress if you sneak a little taste when it’s toasty and still warm—chef’s treat. 
Granola Variations
Granola is basically the blue jeans of breakfast: it goes with everything, and anything. If you want a real autumn vibe, add dried apples and sprinkle a little nutmeg, like that classic apple pie filling recipe. Mix in dark chocolate chips once things have cooled for a not-too-sweet dessert. Some folks add a scoop of protein powder for the gym crowd (honestly, not my favorite, but hey).
Go wild with spices: ginger, cloves, even allspice if you like a kick. Nutty about coconut? Double it—guess what, nobody’s mad about extra crunch. Sometimes I even go the tropical route with dried mango and cashews. We’ve even thrown in a handful of mini marshmallows once (not gonna lie, the kids thought it belonged in a five-star restaurant after that). Granola is forgiving, so toss in what you love.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
So, let’s talk the nitty-gritty—‘cause folks always ask if granola is “healthy.” Homemade is way ahead of most store versions. With this healthy granola recipe, you’re dealing with about 230 calories per 1/3 cup, give or take. That includes healthy fats from the nuts and seeds, and natural sugars from maple syrup or honey. Of course, tweak the sweetness if you want to lighten it up.
Bonus: More fiber, not cheaper filler like some packaged stuff. You get a pleasant little energy boost without the sugar crash, especially once you top it on yogurt or swirl into a smoothie. Not a nutritionist, but I swear this beats the heck outta sugary cereal.
Serving Suggestions
- Spoon over yogurt and add some fresh berries for a fast breakfast.
- Sprinkle it on smoothie bowls.
- Stuff a scoop inside baked pears or apples as a sneaky dessert.
- Honestly, I just eat healthy granola recipe by the handful straight off the pan (sometimes before it cools, oops).
Common Questions
Can I lower the sugar even more?
Yep! Just reduce the maple syrup or honey by a tablespoon or two, or swap it for mashed ripe banana.
How do I keep my granola crunchy?
After cooling, store it in an airtight jar. If it does get soft, toss it back in the oven for 5-7 minutes.
My granola burned. What went wrong?
Probably your oven runs hot, or it baked a tad too long. Try checking a few minutes early next time.
What if I don’t have coconut oil?
No worries! Olive oil works, or even avocado oil—just make sure it’s a mild-tasting oil.
Can kids help with this recipe?
Absolutely. They can dump and mix the dry ingredients (and steal a few nuts or seeds along the way).
Give This Granola a Spot in Your Morning Lineup
If you want something healthy, crunchy, and way better than what’s stuffed in a box, this healthy granola recipe is the way to go. It’s even easier than the best chicken marinade recipes or a decadent banana-banana bread recipe. Play with the flavors, change up the add-ins, just have some fun in your kitchen. For more creative spins, check out classics like this Healthy Granola Recipe – Cookie and Kate, the clever Homemade Granola Recipe – Love and Lemons, or even Grandma’s trusted advice from Grandma’s Homemade Granola Recipe. Promise, you’re gonna wish you’d tried this sooner. 
Healthy Granola
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant.
- 1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds) Use whatever nuts you have on hand.
- ½ cup mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, chia) Feel free to substitute based on availability.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon You can also add cardamom for extra flavor.
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes Optional but adds great crunch.
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey Maple syrup is preferred for a richer flavor.
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil Choose based on your flavor preference.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and toss until well-mixed.
- Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Press the granola down firmly on the sheet to create clusters.
Baking
- Bake for 22-28 minutes, flipping once or twice during baking, until golden brown.
- Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking into clusters.
- Mix in any desired dried fruit after the granola has cooled.
