The Best Homemade Granola
Today I am sharing the best homemade granola recipe!
We love granola in our house. Especially the really yummy ones that are full of nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chunks. We definitely have our favorite store-bought brands (I'm looking at you Purely Elizabeth), but it's also really fun to make granola at home.
Homemade granola is not only easy to make, it's delicious and more cost-efficient than buying it from the store. It only takes a few simple ingredients, and you can customize it however you like. This version can easily be made gluten free by using certified gluten free oats.
Check out the benefits of making granola at home, my tips for success, and my go-to recipe for the best homemade granola.
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Why is homemade granola better?
You have control over the ingredients.
One of the biggest benefits of making your own granola is having full control over what goes into it. Store-bought granola often contains unnecessary additives, preservatives, and excessive sugars. When you make your own, you can choose wholesome ingredients like organic oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup. This allows you to cater to dietary needs, allergies, and taste preferences.
Customizable to your tastes.
The beauty of homemade granola is the endless possibilities for customization. Whether you prefer a crunchy, nutty texture or a soft, chewy consistency, you can tailor your granola to your liking. Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, mix in coconut flakes or chocolate chips for indulgence, or experiment with different nuts and seeds to find the perfect blend.
Cost-effective and budget friendly.
Purchasing high-quality granola from the store can be pricey, especially if you opt for organic or gourmet varieties. By making your own, you can save money in the long run. Bulk-buying oats, nuts, and seeds allows you to create large batches of granola at a fraction of the cost. Plus, you can reduce food waste by using ingredients you already have at home.
It's fun to make - and a good project for kids.
Creating your own granola can be fun! It’s a chance to experiment in the kitchen, try out new flavor combinations, and get creative with your recipes. It’s also a great project to do with kids, allowing them to participate in choosing and mixing ingredients. The process is simple and enjoyable, making it an ideal introduction to homemade, healthy snacks.
What You Need for This Granola
Oats. I use gluten free rolled oats, typically from Trader Joe's, Costco or Bob's Red Mill. Oats are a whole grain. They contain a large amount of beta-glucan, which is a soluble fiber, along with important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
*Be sure to buy certified gluten free oats if you have celiac disease or are gluten intolerant. Oats are easily contaminated from other gluten-containing grains because of how they are grown.
Slivered Almonds. These give the granola a nice crunch while adding protein and healthy fats. You could substitute other nuts, but almonds are my first choice.
Coconut Sugar. For a little sweetness. You can also use regular white sugar. Coconut sugar is just less processed.
Coconut Oil. Helps to coat the granola before baking, full of healthy fats.
Honey. A natural sweetener, and helps to create that crisp after cooking. Honey is full of antioxidants and has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Vanilla Extract. A must-have for adding delicious flavor.
Cinnamon. Adds delicious flavor. Cinnamon is also loaded with antioxidants, particularly polyphenols.
Chia Seeds. An optional add-in for an extra bit of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
Optional Add-Ins: dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots, cherries), coconut flakes, chocolate chips. You will add these AFTER your granola has baked and cooled. A healthy dose of chocolate chips is a favorite in our house.
How To Make Homemade Granola
This recipe has been slightly adapted from this recipe, which I've made many times.
What You'll Need:
4 cups rolled oats (certified gluten free if needed)
1 cup sliced or slivered almonds
1/4 cup coconut sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
1/3 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup honey
4 tsp pure vanilla extract
How To Make:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl.
In a small saucepan over low to medium heat, combine coconut oil and honey, stir until well-combined and smooth. Remove mixture from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Slowly pour warm mixture over dry ingredients and stir well until completely coated. Spread mixture evenly onto baking sheet.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, giving it a stir every ten minutes or so. Once it is evenly browned, remove from oven to cool. The granola will crisp up as it sits out. Once cooled completely, break it into chunks and add chocolate chips or dried fruit if you'd like.
Store in an air-tight bag, container or jar. This will stay fresh for several weeks. Enjoy it with yogurt and berries, with milk, or even as a snack on its own!
Tips for Making the Best Homemade Granola
#1: Customize. Homemade granola can be modified to your liking which is what I love about making it at home. You can try different combos of nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate chunks. I also really like unsweetened coconut as well.
#2: Don't overcook. When the granola comes out of the oven, it may seem undercooked, but it will harden and crisp as it cools. Wait until it's fully cooled to start breaking it apart. You may want larger chunks or you may want small pieces, you can decide. This is also the time for add-ins as mentioned above. You don't want your dried fruit to burn in the oven, or your chocolate to melt.
#3: Makes a great gift. This granola makes for a thoughtful hostess or holiday gift. Just fill a mason jar and add a pretty ribbon around the top. Who wouldn't want a jar of a delicious homemade granola?
Enjoy!
I hope you love this recipe for the best homemade granola as much as I do. Let me know if you make it and what you think!
You can also check out this delicious gingerbread granola recipe - a favorite for the holidays.
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