I always enjoy starting my day with a bowl of The Best Homemade Granola. I used old fashioned rolled oats, mixed nuts, and dried fruit, all bound together by pure maple syrup and coconut oil. The blend of vanilla and cinnamon creates a delightful crunch that I simply cannot resist.

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I discovered this granola recipe by accident and it quickly became a must-have in my breakfast rotation. I love that its naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup and uses melted coconut oil for that irresistible crunch.

I mix in 6 cups of old fashioned rolled oats with 1 cup of roughly chopped mixed nuts which adds a satisfying bite, and a handful of dried fruit to give it a little surprise of sweetness. I always add in a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a half teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a quarter teaspoon of salt to balance everything out.

It’s amazing how simple ingredients can come together to create such a versatile and healthy granola. Whether you need a quick bite in the morning or a snack on the go, this recipe gives you that homemade granola feel without any frills, while keeping it low calorie and absolutely tasty.

Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love that this recipe is super versatile and lets me mix up my favorite nuts and dried fruits each time so it never gets boring.
2. I really like how its naturally sweetened with maple syrup (or honey if im in the mood) so it feels like a healthier treat without sacrificing on taste.
3. This granola is pretty simple to make and even if I mess up a step here or there, it still turns out crunchy and delicious.
4. I appreciate how the recipe yields a lot of granola so I can have breakfast or a snack ready whenever I want without needing to make it every day.

Ingredients

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Old fashioned oats supply complex carbs and fiber for a hearty crunch in your bowl.
Mixed nuts add protein, healthy fats, and a satisfying crunch with earthy flavors.
Dried fruit makes it naturally sweet and offers vitamins plus a subtle tartness.
Pure maple syrup brings rich sweetness and moist texture to the granola.
Melted coconut oil adds healthy fats and imparts a mild tropical note, yummy.
Ground cinnamon infuses a warm spice that complements the natural sweetness perfectly.
Vanilla extract adds a comforting aroma and rounds out the flavor profile nicely.

Ingredient Quantities

6 cups old fashioned rolled oats

1 cup mixed nuts, roughly chopped (almonds, pecans, walnuts)

1 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates)

1/2 cup pure maple syrup (or honey if you like)

1/3 cup coconut oil, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 300°F.

2. In a big bowl, mix the rolled oats, chopped nuts, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.

4. Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and stir really well so that everything gets coated.

5. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6. Bake for about 20 minutes, stirring the granola every 10 minutes so it bakes evenly.

7. When the granola is lightly browned, remove the baking sheet from the oven.

8. Stir in the dried fruit while the granola is still warm.

9. Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet; it will get crunchier as it cools.

10. Transfer the granola to an airtight container and enjoy it at breakfast or as a snack.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven set to 300°F
2. Big bowl for mixing the dry ingredients
3. A separate bowl for whisking the liquid ingredients
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Whisk
6. Knife and cutting board for chopping the nuts
7. Baking sheet with parchment paper lined on it
8. Spatula for stirring during baking
9. Airtight container for storing the cooled granola

FAQ

Q: Can I swap out the mixed nuts for a different type?

A: Yep, you can definitely use any nuts you like or have on hand. Just be aware that the flavor might change a bit if you use something different.

Q: Is there a way to make the granola extra crunchy?

A: Sure thing. Try spreading it out in a thin layer on your baking sheet and stirring it a couple of times during baking for an even crunch.

Q: Can I use other sweeteners instead of maple syrup?

A: Absolutely. Honey works fine, and you could also try agave nectar. Just keep in mind that different sweeteners might slightly alter the taste.

Q: How long does the granola stay fresh?

A: When stored in an airtight container at room temp, it should keep its crunch for about a week or two. If it starts getting soft, try warming it in the oven for a few minutes.

Q: Can i add spices or change the flavor up?

A: Of course, feel free to mix in your fav spices like nutmeg or even a bit of cocoa powder if you want something a little different.

The Very Best Granola Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Mixed nuts – Instead of using almonds, pecans, and walnuts, you can substitute with chopped seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a slightly different crunch.
Dried fruit – If you dont have raisins, cranberries or dates, try using dried apricots or even dried mango chunks; they add a nice tangy sweetness.
Pure maple syrup – If you’re looking to switch things up, agave nectar or golden syrup works just as well to bind your granola together.
Coconut oil – You can also use melted unsalted butter or a neutral oil like grapeseed oil if you dont have coconut oil handy.

Pro Tips

1. Before you start baking, make sure your nuts and oats are spread out evenly on the tray so they dont get clumped together, that helps the granola crisp up all around.
2. Stirring the granola while it bakes is key so you dont end up with burnt patches, try to gently mix it every time you check it.
3. Let the granola cool completely on the tray because it gets way crunchier once it cools down, and that extra crunch makes a huge difference.
4. If you’re using a different sweetener like honey instead of maple syrup, keep an eye on the baking time because some sweeteners can make it brown faster than others.