Healthy Homemade Granola

This is my all-time favorite homemade granola! It is light and crispy and very versatile. Maple syrup is the only sweetener, so it is free from processed sugar and preservatives. This really does make for the most delicious snack.

It fills me with such joy and fulfillment when I get to make homemade meals and snacks for my family. I cannot stand all the added sugar, dye, corn syrup, and preservatives in store bought snacks. Even the “healthy” ones often have tons of sugar, or some natural flavors tucked in somewhere. With this granola I don’t have to worry about any of that! In fact, because it is only sweetened with maple syrup, I feel comfortable giving it to my toddler at any point during the day. We love to sprinkle it over Greek yogurt for a sweet crunch, eating it like cereal with a good splash of raw milk, and even adding it to the top of some of my salads!

Another reason I love this recipe so much is it is just so stinking easy. Clean-up is simply a bowl or two, a measuring cup, a sheet tray, and a spoon or spatula. It’s a dream. It also makes for a great base recipe. It can have chocolate, coconut, or dried fruits mixed in to change things up, or some extra spices added to make for a fun seasonal snack. 

Once you try this you will never go back to the store-bought options!

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Ingredients

Rolled oats- 

While I do prefer to use steel cut oats for oatmeal rolled oats make for a more traditionally textured granola. I try to buy in bulk whenever I can because it makes buying organic a bit more affordable. 

Nuts-

My favorite nuts to add to my homemade granola are slivered almonds. Pecans, walnuts, and pistachios are also delicious. The nuts add an extra layer of flavor along with some added protein and crunch. 

Coconut-

I like the texture of flaked coconut but shredded coconut is also so delightful.

Maple Syrup-

Honey is also a great natural option. I love sweetening baked goods with honey and maple syrup whenever possible because they both add a depth of flavor that regular sugar cannot. My all-time favorite syrup comes from a little family run farm in the Adirondack Mountains over in NY.

Oil-

I like to use melted ghee or coconut oil and avocado oil will work in a pinch. We avoid seed oils whenever possible so I will never use vegetable, canola, or safflower seed oil in my kitchen.

Salt-

Without salt things taste flat and bland. You need the salt enhance to flavor of the other ingredients and give you the flavorful result you are looking for.

Vanilla-

This is what your granola needs to bring the same wow factor that you get from a box of granola from the store. Honestly, I add vanilla to all my sweet baked goods even if the recipe doesn’t call for them. It just makes them that much better. I even add it to my smoothies from time to time. 

Molasses- 

The secret ingredient. I had a brown sugar granola a few years back and it was so good, but it was so high in added sugar. I wanted to make a similar recipe that was less like eating dessert for breakfast. The molasses gives it that brown sugar taste without all the sugar. Also, when you add this, your entire house will smell like oatmeal cookies while it’s baking. It really is a win-win. 

Spice-

For this basic recipe I just added some cinnamon for that nice warming feel. Adding a dash of clove, nutmeg, allspice, or ginger can be a great way to “spice things up”.

Dried Fruit-

My favorite dried fruit is cranberries but you can easily substitute in your favorite fruits or even something fancy like candied ginger.

Extra Add-ins-

Chia seeds won’t affect the flavor but will bring some extra omega-3s and nutrients so a few tablespoons of those are often added.

If you are looking for a granola that has a bit more of an earthy or nutty  flavor add in a handful of hemp hearts. They are a great way to sneak in some extra protein.

Chocolate chips are also fun and change up the texture, just be sure to add them after the granola has baked and fully cooled so they don’t melt!

 

How to Make Homemade Granola

Combine the oats, nuts,, salt, and spices. If you are adding in things like chia seeds, hemp hearts, or anything else this is when you would add them.

Melt your oil if needed and combine it with the maple syrup, molasses, and vanilla.

Mix together the wet and dry ingredients together until well combined.

Evenly spread out onto a sheet tray lined with foil or parchment paper.

Bake for 15 minutes and mix well.

Bake for another 15 minutes and stir again.

Add in the flaked coconut and bake for another 6 minutes or until the coconut is lightly golden. 

Allow to cool completely then add in any dried fruit, or chocolate. 

Store in a sealed container for a few weeks. I always have them stored in an old jar or a cute little glass canister.

Enjoy this lovely healthy treat! Tell me, what are your favorite fruits and nuts for homemade granola? 

Yield: 6 cups

Healthy Homemade Granola

Print

This granola is so quick and easy to make. Its free from processed sugar and is only sweetened by the addition of maple syrup. Enjoy it with yogurt, milk. or even as a quick snack all on its own.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook time 36 minutes

Cooling Time 15 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 1 minute

Ingredients

• 4 cups Rolled Oats
• 1 cup Slivered Almonds
• 1/2 cup Coconut Flakes
• 1 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp. Salt
• 1/2 cup Melted Coconut Oil
• 1/2 cup Maple Syrup (or honey)
• 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla
• 1/2 tsp Molasses
• 1/2 - 3/4 cup Dried Cranberries (or other dried fruit)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300 Degrees.

2. Mix together oats, almonds, cinnamon, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl whisk together oil, syrup, molasses, and vanilla.

4. Drizzle the oil mixture over the oats and stir until everything is well coated.

5. Evenly spread out onto a sheet tray lined with parchment paper.

6. Bake for 15 minutes and stir well.

7. Bake again for another 15 minutes and stir again.

8. Add the coconut and bake for another 6 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

8. Allow to cool completely then add in dried cranberries.

9. Store in an airtight container for up to a month.

Notes

The almonds can easily be replaced with any nut of you choice. Pistachios are another family favorite because of how well they pair with the cranberries