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Homemade Granola Recipe (Easy, Crunchy & Customizable)

If you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly breakfast or snack, this homemade granola recipe is a must-try. It’s crunchy, lightly sweet, and completely customizable with your favorite nuts, dried fruit, or even chocolate chips.

Making granola at home is not only easy, but it’s also a great way to control the ingredients and skip the added preservatives often found in store-bought versions. Whether you enjoy it with milk, yogurt, or straight from the jar, this recipe delivers perfect results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Granola

Easy to make with pantry staples
Customizable with your favorite mix-ins
Perfect for meal prep
Great for breakfast or snacking
More affordable than store-bought granola

Ingredients

5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats)
⅔ cup oil (canola, coconut, or vegetable)
½ cup honey (or maple syrup)
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
½ tsp salt
1 cup shredded coconut (optional)
1 cup nuts (chopped almonds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, pecans, or walnuts) (optional)
1–2 cups dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots, pineapple, mango, cherries, etc.) and/or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, coconut, and nuts if using.
3. In a small bowl, combine honey (or maple syrup), oil, and brown sugar. Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the sugar dissolves.
4. Stir in vanilla and salt until well combined.
5. Pour the wet mixture over the oat mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
6. Spread the granola onto the prepared baking sheet and press it down firmly for clumps.
7. Bake for 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Bake until lightly golden brown. (It will continue to crisp as it cools.)
8. Remove from the oven. For chunkier granola, press it down again while still warm and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
9. Once cooled, break into pieces and stir in dried fruit or chocolate chips if desired.
10. Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Homemade Granola

Don’t skip pressing the mixture
Pressing the granola before and after baking helps create those large, crunchy clusters.

Bake low and slow
A lower temperature helps prevent burning and gives you evenly toasted granola.

Add mix-ins after baking
Dried fruit and chocolate chips should be added after the granola cools to prevent burning or melting.

Let it cool completely
Granola crisps up as it cools, so resist the urge to stir too soon.

Flavor Variations

One of the best things about homemade granola is how easy it is to customize:

Peanut Butter Chocolate – Add peanut butter to the wet mixture and mix in chocolate chips after baking
Tropical Granola – Use coconut oil, shredded coconut, and dried pineapple or mango
Maple Pecan – Swap honey for maple syrup and use pecans
Cinnamon Raisin – Add 1–2 teaspoons of cinnamon and mix in raisins

How to Serve Granola

This homemade granola is incredibly versatile. Try it:

- Over yogurt parfaits
- With milk as a cereal
- Sprinkled over smoothie bowls
- As a topping for ice cream
- By the handful as a snack

How to Store Homemade Granola

Store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Making your own granola at home is a simple way to save money while creating a healthier, more customizable option than store-bought versions. Once you try this recipe, you may never go back!

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