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This easy granola recipe is easy, crunchy, maple-sweetened, and delicious! The combination of oats, seeds, and nuts make it the perfect crispy granola for breakfast or as a topping for yogurt and so much more!
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Why you'll love this recipe
- easy – Just combine a few pantry ingredients, press, and bake.
- healthy – It's naturally vegan, gluten free, and made without refined sugar.
- save money – Make granola with ingredients you have on hand because it's cheaper than buying it!
Once you know how to make granola, you'll see it's as easy as pour, stir, press, bake, cool, and break. In fact, the hardest part about it is waiting for it to cool down before diving in!
Now, I'll let you decide if this recipe fits your definition of healthy granola. But I can tell you it is vegan, naturally sweetened, nut-optional, and made with whole grains and a variety of seeds. It's also gluten free if your ingredients are labeled as such.
Lastly, it's cheaper to make granola, especially if you make it often enough. Since it uses simple pantry ingredients, you'll stretch your dollars by using those ingredients to make this recipe. It's a win-win!
Ingredient notes
This granola recipe has four main components: oats, nuts, seeds, and a binding mixture. I've listed ingredient notes and substitutions for you.
- uncooked rolled oats - Oats are usually the bulk of granola ingredients, which adds protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals to granola.
- Instant oats or quick-cooking oats can be substituted in equal amounts.
- uncooked steel cut oats - I adore the crispy texture of steel cut oats granola. Of course, rolled oats can be substituted if the steel cut variety isn't available.
- dried coconut - Shredded or shaved – either way, I recommend thin coconut.
- sliced almonds - Any nuts can be substituted or omitted all together.
- pepitas - These are not the same as pumpkin seeds. If you can't find them, you can double up on the almonds.
- flax seeds - These contain omega-3 fats and fiber.
- chia seeds - Tiny edible seeds that get crunchy when baked – and a good source of fiber.
- hemp hearts - Another nutrient-packed heart-healthy ingredient with a distinctively nutty flavor
- oil - I recommend a heart-healthy oil such as coconut oil or olive oil.
- maple syrup - Honey, agave, or molasses can be substituted in equal amounts.
- vanilla extract - This is optional, but recommended for flavor.
- sea salt - This is optional, but it really ties all the flavors together.
How to make granola step-by-step
Enjoy these step-by-step photos and instructions. Details are also available in the printable granola recipe card below!
Step 1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, steel cut oats, coconut, almonds, pepitas, flax, chia, and hemp.
Step 2. In a small bowl, combine maple syrup, olive oil, vanilla, and salt. Pour it over the oat mixture and stir until well-combined.
Step 3. Pour and press the mixture onto an 13 x 9 baking sheet. (Cooking spray or parchment paper is optional, but not required) Use a metal spatula to flatten the mixture so it's compact and level on the baking sheet.
Step 4. Bake 30 to 40 minutes until lightly golden brown. Transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely. Use a spatula to break it apart into pieces.
Step 5. To store, allow it to cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to one month. At your discretion, it may be stored longer in a low-humidity environment.
What can you add to granola?
nuts - Add heart-healthy nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios, or pecans for added texture, protein, and fiber! Nuts can be added to the mixture before it is baked or after it has cooled.
dried fruit - Add a handful of dried fruit such as raisins, apricots, apples, figs, pineapple, dates, or cranberries, aka craisins. These can be added after it has baked and cooled.
chocolate or cacao nibs - Chopped chocolate, chocolate chips, or cacao nibs can be added after it has baked and cooled.
Serving ideas
- Enjoy homemade granola as a breakfast cereal with milk.
- Pack it along with apple slices or grapes.
- Try yogurt with granola bowls for a healthy breakfast at home or on the go.
- Sprinkle over ice cream to add a unique texture.
- Granola is always welcome over a delicious peach crisp a la mode.
- Bananas foster topped with crispy granola – sign me up!
- Add to any trail mix.
- Scatter over muffins, brownies, or banana bread just before baking.
- Add a scoop to a warm bowl of oatmeal with fresh berries.
- Enjoy as a topping for a smoothie or smoothie bowl upon serving.
Can I use quick oats for this recipe?
Yes! Since quick oats are considerably smaller than rolled oats, they fill the space more densely, which can give it a fuller texture. You can experiment and decide which texture suits your preference.
Can I refrigerate granola?
Granola should be stored at room temperature because it will absorb moisture in the refrigerator and lose it's crispy texture. Freezing is also not recommended for the same reason.
How long does homemade granola last?
When stored in an airtight container in a dry environment, homemade granola can have optimal texture for weeks or even a few months. Humidity is the enemy of crispy granola, so it's best to store granola in a dry place.
Recommended breakfast recipes
- Chocolate Energy Bars (no-bake)
- Banana Bread Muffins
- Vegetarian Crustless Quiche
- Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs
- Apple Beet Ginger Smoothie
- No-Bake Chocolate Energy Bites
📖 Recipe
Easy Granola Recipe
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Video
When scaling the recipe 2x or 3x, the gray ingredient note stays the same. Adjust quantities accordingly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Uncooked Rolled Oats
- ½ cup Uncooked Steel Cut Oats
- ½ cup Coconut Flakes
- ¼ cup Sliced Almonds
- ¼ cup Pepitas
- 1 tablespoon Flax Seeds
- 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds
- 1 tablespoon Hemp Hearts
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil, or coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ROLLED OATS, STEEL CUT OATS, COCONUT, ALMONDS, PEPITAS, FLAX SEEDS, CHIA SEEDS, and HEMP SEEDS.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together OLIVE OIL, MAPLE SYRUP, VANILLA, and SALT.
- Pour liquid mixture into oat mixture and stir to combine.
- Spread mixture out on a 13 x 9 baking sheet. Press firmly with a metal spatula to compress the mixture tightly, forming an even layer.
- Bake 30-40 minutes until golden brown.Note: It is not necessary to stir the granola while it's baking.
- Transfer the baking sheet of granola to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely before taking the next step.
- Use a spatula to lift granola and break it into chunks.
- Store granola in an airtight container for one month.Note: Granola may keep longer when stored in a low-humidity environment.
Equipment
- cooling rack optional
Elena says
Just slid my second batch into the oven and have shared your recipe far and wide! Once it’s done, I’m going to generously top a bowl of organic Greek yogurt with fresh blueberries 🫐 and heap it with homemade granola!
I used pomegranate molasses and honey as I am out of the “good” maple 🍁 syrup ~ used the last of the bottle when I made my first batch of this deliciousness 🤗🤗🤗
Traci says
Yay! I'm so glad you're enjoying the recipe. Sounds like you've made it your own with some nice ingredients. Thanks for sharing your experience. Cheers!
Gargi Roy says
Quick and healthy recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Laura says
How much coconut oil would you use in place of the olive oil?
Traci Antonovich says
Hi Laura, I would substitute the same amount of coconut oil for olive oil. Hope you love it! Thanks!
JB says
Great granola. Easy recipe. Make batches of this regularly to add to my yogurt cups.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, JB! It's the best sprinkled on yogurt cups! I'm really glad you're enjoying this one 🙂
Sophie says
Big fan of seeds granola. Love it. I should make some real soon! Thank you.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Sophie! Yes granola with seeds are a MUST for me 🙂 Enjoy!
Chris Collins says
This granola looks so delish! Can't wait to whip up a batch on the weekend 🙂
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Chris! Enjoy!
Sara Welch says
What a great way to start my day! Looking forward to enjoying this over the weekend!
Traci Antonovich says
Awesome, Sara! Glad you can enjoy this granola recipe 🙂
Andrea says
This is much easier than I thought it would be. I also like the idea of switching up which grains and seeds to use.
Traci Antonovich says
Great to hear it, Andrea! You're right, making homemade granola really IS so easy 🙂
Tisha says
Granola is such a great snack. Makes a great addition to yogurt or even just grab a handful to snack on!
Traci Antonovich says
Couldn't agree more, Tisha 🙂 Thanks!
Michelle Khodorkovsky says
Not sure what I did but after 30 min in the oven, it is still really flaky no chunks at all and nothing to break apart. I followed to recipe exactly except substituting the maple syrup for honey... Pretty confused, should I have put it in the oven longer to clump together? Regardless, it tastes delicious and is perfect for yogurt!
Traci Antonovich says
Hi Michelle, so glad you like the flavor...I too LOVE this on granola 🙂 As for clumping, this granola does tend to be a little flakier, but it still clumps, just not as much as you might expect. You could try longer in the oven, but def don't stir during baking, and allow it completely cool before handling it. Also, I'd stick with honey as it helps granola clump better too. Hope that helps!
Amanda says
I absolutely LOVE making homemade granola! Not only is it fun to be able to customize everything that goes into it, but it's truly SO much more economical than buying gourmet granola at the market. I love all of the great seeds you've chosen to include in this recipe. Such a great blend of textures, flavors, and health benefits. I would love some of this sprinkled over a bowl of Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Amanda! Glad you like the seeds...they're my favorite part about this one 🙂
Sean@Diversivore says
Your "How long does homemade granola last" section made me chuckle, because the last time I made granola my kids ate it so fast I didn't know what to do with myself. I guess it's time to make more - and I think I know just what recipe to start with. Love how many seeds and grains you worked in here too (and I've got some hemp hearts I've been meaning to use, so it's perfect). Cheers!
Traci Antonovich says
Haha Sean, that section is worth a laugh, isn't it? I'm right there with you...it never lasts long LOL. And yes, throw those hemp hearts in! You'll love them in granola 🙂
Marisa Franca says
Homemade is the very best!! We love our homemade granola and we do like getting variations. We always like ideas on how to make it better. Except for the chia seeds and the pumpkin seeds it is pretty much like our recipe. We are definitely going to have to add those ingredients. I'm pinning to make this on ur next batch of granola.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Marisa, I highly recommend the chia and pumpkin seeds! Hope you love this recipe 🙂
Debra says
Perfect time of year to stumble upon this recipe. I like to make homemade gifts for the teachers and this will be awesome. With a clean ingredient list and simple to make, I couldn't have found anything more perfect.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Debra! Love hearing that...it does make such a great gift! I'm planning to do the same 🙂
Carmy says
Great way of breaking down how to make granola! I love making a homemade one as I get to portion out exactly what I want in it, especially the sugar levels. I usually pair mine together with smoothie bowls to make smoothies more hearty.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Carmy, yep love being in control of sugar on this one. Love mine with smoothie bowls too! 🙂
Molly Kumar says
I'm so into homemade granola and I can literally smell those flavors! This is such a delicious combination and would be perfect for a whole family fall brunch or breakfast.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Molly...I'm right there with you 😉
Dana says
Granola has got to be one of the most fun things to make. First of all, it makes the kitchen small heavenly. Second, it never has to be the same! Between all of the different spices, natural sweeteners, nuts, and dried fruits you can use, it's always a tasty adventure. I always intend to use my homemade granola over yogurt or with milk, but I always end up eating it by the handful 😉
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Dana! You're so right about how it makes the kitchen smell...I always forget about that until it's happening LOL. I eat my homemade granola by the handful too 😉
Tina says
You gave me a great idea. My hubby is hard to shop for and hates getting gifts. He loves homemade granola though. I'm going to make your fabulous recipe a few days before Christmas and put in a mason jar. It's homemade and something he loves. Thanks for this!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Tina! Love this idea and am considering doing the same thing 🙂 It makes a great gift!
Daniela says
I love making granola at home because you get to control the quality and quantity of the ingredients. I love that you sweetened yours with maple syrup, so this recipe is definitely going on my list of things to make for next week. Great recipe!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Daniela! Hope you get to make it and love it like I do 🙂
Sandra says
My husband eats granola with yogurt every day and we have a hard time finding a brand that isn't over loaded with sugar. This is soooo perfect. Love the hemp and chia seeds you added for an extra healthy boost of nutrients!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Sandra! Yep, mine eats granola and yogurt every day too...and you're so right, most packaged granola is too sugary.
Leah says
I love granola. Like, we have a great relationship! I need to make this tho, I love the maple syrup idea for this one, and it sounds so flavorful. Can't wait to try this, and put it on everything!
Traci Antonovich says
Haha thanks Leah...sounds like we have the same relationship with granola! 🙂
Gloria says
Homemade granola is the BEST!! Love all the healthy ingredients here. No added preservatives and you can add all the delicious flavours you want. I need to head into the kitchen and make a batch today.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Gloria! Hope you get to try it out and love it like we do! 🙂