Many breakfast recipes can be tiring to make early in the morning, or if you want a grab-and-go snack but can’t find any healthy ones, then granola is the way to go. Here, you will learn how to make different homemade granola recipes you can whip up quickly.

There are many ways to make granola, but the general idea is to take some old-fashioned oats, mixed nuts, honey or maple syrup, or some other sweeteners.

All these are mixed and baked till they turn golden brown. Then, the baked granola is to be stored in an airtight container at room temperature to be as crispy and delicious whenever and however you want to cook it.

While granola is available in the supermarket, you can make it if you want to add a healthy twist to it. Making your homemade granola cereal can vary from vegetarian to vegan recipes, making you love granola even more.

It also doesn’t have to be just for breakfast. You can add healthy granola even in your desserts, like on top of your ice cream, apple pie, and many more.

Even your granola toppings, like a handful of fresh fruit, are up to you, but chopped apricots have the top spot. But you can try pumpkin, chia, and sunflower seeds, which are delicious and healthy and are also an all-time favorite, and add granola a little crunch.

There are many ways to make granola recipes, but here is the basic and easy homemade granola recipe that has made most love granola, as well as the varieties of recipes and even some dessert recipes that are both healthy and delicious. Homemade granola bars have made the top with their desserts and snack varieties.

Making granola is easy, and having all the ingredients to whip up the best granola recipe is unnecessary. If you have some old-fashioned oats and a sweetener of your choice, then you’re all set.

1. How to Make Granola?

This classic and healthy granola recipe is a must because it is gluten-free, vegetarian, and can be both dairy-free and vegan, so you can always alternate them as you like. The delicious granola recipe takes less than an hour to bake, so when you want to eat, you have to pour it into a bowl and add whatever you want if you’re in a hurry in the morning.

This awesome recipe is a basic and easy homemade granola recipe that will answer all your questions about making granola. You can also switch and alternate around as you wish, but here are some basic ingredients that you should have in your pantry to make your homemade granola. This recipe is flexible to make.

1.1. Oats:

Oats are the most important ingredient of homemade granola. Still, you should be mindful of the type of oats you choose for your granola because if you select a different one, the granola’s texture will be different. So, rolled oats or old-fashioned oats are the types of oats you should take to your homemade granola.

1.2. Nuts:

The second main ingredient of homemade granola is nuts because they make the granola for what it is. It brings nuttiness and crunchiness to it, making it more delicious.

Some nuts you can add to your granola are sliced almonds, chopped almonds, or slivered almonds because almonds are the usual nut option many choose. Add chopped pecans, ground nutmeg, and some chopped cashews to make the granola great.

2.3. Seeds:

Another ingredient that makes the granola even nuttier and healthier is to add some seeds to it. Chia seeds filled with omega-3 are the most preferred seeds you can add to your oats mixture.

But if you want, other seeds like sunflower, sesame, and pumpkin seeds also achieve the same purpose as chia seeds.

1.4. Sweetener:

Sweeteners are another essential ingredient in every granola recipe. Granola is a sweet recipe but also a healthy homemade recipe. The sweeteners in the granola recipe are usually from maple syrup or honey.

1.5. Oil:

Adding oil to your homemade granola is important because it makes it crispy. So you can choose any refined oil of your choice, but melted coconut oil is mainly recommended. You can also opt for extra virgin olive oil, or even vegetable oil will do best.

1.6. Cinnamon and Salt:

Finally, to add some taste to your homemade granola recipe, you can find some sea salt and some ground cinnamon, which will bring out the delicious taste of the granola.

1.7. Extra Ingredients:

If you want to add even more ingredients to your granola recipe besides the others, then some of the best ones are:

• brown sugar
• dried fruit
• coconut flakes
• chopped dried apricots
• shredded coconut
• dried cranberries
• mini chocolate chips (after baking the granola)

2. Homemade Granola Recipe:

Now that you know the basic recipe ingredients for making granola, here are the recipe and instructions to get you started.

The granola serves up to almost 10 to 14 half-cup servings for 4 cups of oats, so storing it in an airtight container keeps the crispiness and nuttiness of the homemade cereal.

Here are two types of homemade granola recipes that are clumpy and loose that you can make according to your preference.

2.1 Loose Granola:

2.1.1 Ingredients:

• Rolled oats, 4 cups
• Nuts and seeds, 1 ½ cups
• Sea salt, one teaspoon
• The ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon
• Coconut oil, ½ cup
• Maple syrup or honey, ½ cup
• Vanilla extract, one teaspoon
• Dried fruit, ⅔ cups
• Optional: shredded coconut, ½ cup

2.1.2 Recipe:

• Before starting with everything, here is one of the main instructions: preheat the oven to 350 degrees, so when your ingredients are all mixed and ready, they’ll cook faster.
• To make your homemade granola recipe, take a large bowl, add your four cups of old-fashioned oats to it, and then add the nuts and seeds of your choice. Then add cinnamon and salt and mix it all up.
• Now that your oats mixture is ready, it’s time to add the wet ingredients to make it sweet and tasty. Take another bowl and add real maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract, but don’t mix it all into the oats all at once. Take a wooden spatula and add the wet ingredients little by little to the dry element because if you add them all at once, it will be hard to mix them.
• Once the wet and dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed, you can do a little taste test to see if you need to add anything else.
• Once that’s done, you can line the rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to spread the granola mixture. With the same spatula, spread the granola mixture onto the parchment paper and spread it all over, slowly adding the rest.
• Now, place the prepared baking sheet in the preheated oven, and let your healthy granola bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, but keep checking on it and stirring it till it becomes golden brown.
• Once your gluten-free granola is cooked, please remove it from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, transfer your granola and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
• If you want, you can add some dried fruit or shredded coconut and maybe some dried cranberries if you have some before storing your homemade granola.

This delicious recipe is one of the most delicious granola recipes that also falls under the category of vegetarian recipes. This healthy granola recipe is made loosely by stirring to avoid any formation of lumps that can be eaten for breakfast or anytime else you want.

2.2 Clumpy Granola:

2.2.1 Ingredients:

• Old fashioned oats, 4 cups
• Nuts and seeds, 1 ½ cups
• Sea salt, one teaspoon
• The ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon
• Coconut oil, ½ cup
• Egg whites, 2
• Maple syrup or honey, ½ cup
• Vanilla extract, one teaspoon
• Dried fruit, ⅔ cups
• Optional: shredded coconut, ½ cup

2.2.2 Recipe:

• Before starting with everything, here is one of the main instructions: preheat the oven to 140 degrees, so when your ingredients are all mixed and ready, they’ll cook faster.
• To make your homemade granola recipe, take a large bowl, add your four cups of oats to it, and then add the nuts and seeds of your choice. Then add cinnamon and salt and mix it all up.
• Now that your homemade granola mixture is ready, it’s time to add the wet ingredients to it to make it sweet and tasty. Take another bowl and add real maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract, but don’t mix it all into the oats all at once. Take a wooden spatula and add the wet ingredients little by little to the dry ingredients because if you add them all at once, it will be hard to mix them.
• Once the wet and dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed, you can do a taste test to see if you need anything else.
• Then, take a small bowl and add the egg whites and whisk them till they’re nice and foamy, and then add it to the granola mixture.
• Once that’s done, you can line the baking sheet with parchment paper or even a silicone baking mat to spread the granola mixture in it, but keep a hole in the center so it will be easy to break them into lumps. With the same spatula, spread the granola mixture onto the parchment and spread it all over, slowly adding the rest.
• Now, place the prepared baking sheet in the preheated oven and let your healthy granola bake for approximately 45 minutes. Do not stir the granola, but keep checking on it until it becomes golden brown.
• Once your gluten-free granola is cooked, leave it in the oven, let it cool completely, and let it deepen its color from inside the oven.
• When your granola is completely cool, take it out and break it into clusters to form a clumpy texture. Then, transfer your granola and store it in an airtight container.
• You can add some dried fruit, shredded coconut, or even some dried cranberries before storing your homemade clumpy granola.

While this healthy granola recipe can be non-vegetarian, it is still gluten-free and delicious. Clumpy granola can be enjoyed as breakfast or snack, but one of the best ways to eat it is just by dipping a little in almond butter to spice it up.

3. A Dietician’s Perspective on Homemade Granola

Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD, and a Registered Dietitian at Balance One Supplements offers valuable tips on preparing healthy homemade granola:

“Crafting healthy homemade granola involves thoughtful ingredient choices and preparation methods. Begin with a base of whole oats for complex carbohydrates and fiber.

Incorporate a variety of nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and seeds like chia and flax for added nutrients and healthy fats.

Utilize a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, ensuring moderation. Integrate dried fruits for sweetness without added sugars.

Opt for coconut [oil] or olive oil as a healthier alternative to saturated fats. Enhance nutritional value by adding superfoods like quinoa or hemp seeds.

Limit salt and opt for a sprinkle of cinnamon or vanilla for flavor. Bake at a lower temperature to preserve nutrients. Regularly mix the granola while baking to achieve an even, golden-brown texture.

By combining these elements, you can create a homemade granola that [not only] tantalizes the taste buds but also promotes overall health.”

4. Other Granola Recipes:

Now that you know the making process at home with or without clusters, here are some healthy recipes you can try to make with the granola you made.

4.1 Granola Bars:

You can never miss making some granola bars because this healthy granola recipe is a great snack that you can grab and go. It can also be taken for breakfast, just like normal granola.

4.1.1 Ingredients:

• Oats, 2½ cups
• Sliced almonds, ½ cup
• Honey or maple syrup, 1/3 cup
• Unsalted butter, 1/4 cup
• Brown sugar, 1/4 cup
• Almond extract, ½ teaspoon
• Sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon
• Dried cranberries, ½ cup
• Mini chocolate chips, 1/4 cup, and two teaspoon

4.1. 2 Recipe:

• Before making your bars, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line your aluminum pan with parchment paper on the sides and the bottom. To make the granola bars, first, toast the oats and almonds either in a pan on the stove or in the oven for less than 10 minutes, stirring, and there till it turns light golden brown, and transfer that to a large bowl.
• Add the butter, honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, almond extract, and salt in a saucepan and heat the mixture in medium flame, occasionally stirring, till the butter melts and the brown sugar dissolves completely. Add that to the toasted oats and almonds and mix it all up.
• When completely mixed, add the dried cranberries and the cup of mini chocolate chips, which will melt a little and give the consistency of glue, letting everything stick together.
• After transferring the mixture to the prepared pan, use a rubber spatula to press it down hard. Although you can use the rubber spatula, nothing beats the power of your hands. You can use your hands and press the granola mixture hard so they don’t break once it cools down.
• For the final touch, scatter the two teaspoons of the choco chips and use the rubber spatula to press them down on the top gently.
• Cover the top and freeze the granola bars for about 30 minutes or under an hour. After the granola block is frozen and stuck together, peel the paper off before cutting it into bars.
• For storing the granola bars, you can freeze them for hard ones or store them in an airtight container for soft bars. These granola bars can be stored for about a week or two to keep you going.

4.2 Peanut Butter Granola Balls:

These energy balls are easy to make and take less than 10 minutes for prep time with less than ten ingredients. These are extremely easy to make and require no oven but just your hands. It can also be stored in the fridge or in an airtight container to grab and go whenever you like.

This is a great snack to eat whenever you are hungry, and it keeps you pretty full, too. There are many ways to make granola balls, but peanut butter is best.

4.2.1 Ingredients:

• Oats, 1 cup
• Peanut butter, ½ cup
• Honey, ¼ cup
• Unsweetened shredded coconut, ¼ cup
• Chocolate chips, ¼ cup
• Ground flax seeds, two tablespoons
• Almond extract, one teaspoon
• Sea salt, one pinch
• Brown sugar, ½ cup
• Optional: coconut oil, two tablespoons

4.2.2 Recipe:

• Take a big bowl and pour all the dry ingredients, oats, shredded coconut, flax seeds, sea salt, and brown sugar, and mix it well with a spatula or use your hands if you prefer.
• Then, add your peanut butter, honey, or even maple syrup, almond extract, vanilla if you prefer, and chocolate chips. Slowly combine the wet ingredients with the oats until you get the dough’s consistency.
• If you don’t get the dough-like consistency, add a few dashes of coconut oil till you get it.
• Take your granola dough to the fridge and let it sit together for less than an hour.
• Once your dough is cooled completely, remove it from the fridge and make small balls of any size you choose. Roll your dough nicely in a ball and store it in a tight container, or you can also store it in a fridge or the freezer.

5. Granola Preparation Time-Saving Expert Tips

Food Blogger, Recipe Writer at D’Open Kitchen, and Season 2 Master Chef Finalist Trish Yee writes:

Here are some time-saving tips and kitchen hacks for granola preparation:

5.1 Batch Ingredient Preparation:

Streamline your process by pre-measuring and preparing all dry ingredients in advance. [T]his [not only] saves time during the cooking process but also allows for better organization.

5.2 Strategic Oven Usage:

Optimize your oven’s capacity by preparing multiple trays of granola simultaneously. Make sure to rotate the trays halfway through the baking time for even cooking.

5.3 Efficient Mixing Techniques:

[Utilize] efficient mixing methods, such as tossing dry ingredients with wet ones in a large bowl or even in a sealed bag. [T]his ensures uniform coating with minimal mess and cleanup.

5.4 Customized Granola Clusters:

[To] save time on individual portioning, consider forming larger clusters during the baking [process]. These can be broken into desired sizes once cooled, reducing preparation time.

5.5 Incorporating Nutrient-Rich Additions:

As a food blogger focused on nutrition, I recommend adding seeds, nuts, or dried fruits for [both] flavor and nutritional benefits. These additions can [be] prepped in advance for quick incorporation.

6. Many Ways to Eat Granola:

It is eaten as breakfast or a snack, but it doesn’t have to be as mundane. You can always try to mix it up to your preference and taste. Granola doesn’t just have to be a simple cereal; it can be eaten very diversely.

Here are some ways to eat your homemade granola:

6.1. Granola with Lunch:

Adding granola adds a kind of nutty and crunchy texture to your lunch. Adding granola to your lunch salad drizzled with extra virgin olive oil adds a great delicious finisher.

Also, you can add granola to your soups and meatballs for a different texture and a little crunchiness.

6.2. Granola with Desserts:

This is a big hit among many people because granola is the ultimate addition to any dessert. After all, it takes the desserts to the next level.

So you can try adding your homemade granola on top of your ice cream, which would make the ice cream nuttier and crunchier. You can add granola to sundaes, parfaits, pies, cakes, cheesecakes, brownies, puddings, and cupcakes.

6.3. Granola with Oatmeal:

Granola is made with oats and nuts, and while it can be eaten as a cereal breakfast, here’s a nice twist to it: you can add a couple of spoons of your homemade granola to top off your oatmeal.

Oatmeal is a great breakfast cereal that fills you up and keeps hunger at bay, just like granola does. But some will find oatmeal to be a little bland to eat.

There are many ways to enjoy your morning oatmeal or even overnight oats. Chia seeds, bananas, dried fruit, and berries are added. These are great additions to your oatmeal recipe and healthy, too, but a couple of spoons of homemade granola add a crunchy start to your oatmeal, making it even more healthy.

6.4. Snacks:

As has been mentioned many times, granola is a great and healthy snack, and one of them is granola bars.

There are recipes with peanut butter, yogurt, and many more. They are a great grab-and-go snack that you can use just as many as you want for time-saving.

Another great snack made from granola is granola protein balls, which are another grab-and-go snack that fills you up whenever you are hungry or just need a small bite. It is a healthy snack, so you don’t have to feel guilty to indulge.

6.5. Breakfast:

Finally, the classic way to eat granola is during breakfast. It is the easiest way to eat it because all you have to do is pour your homemade granola into your breakfast bowl add any milk of your choice, and eat it topped it off with some dried fruit and drizzled with maple syrup. You can also add granola to your yogurt bowls for breakfast too.

Bottom Line

Granola is a diverse recipe enjoyed worldwide for its sweetness, nuttiness, and variety of meal options.

Guest Author: Saket Kumar

Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology