Granola Recipe You’ll Want to Make Again and Again

Whether you’re sprinkling it over yogurt, grabbing a handful for a quick snack, or gifting it in cute little jars, a good homemade granola recipe is a kitchen essential you’ll want on repeat.

The best part? You can completely customize it to your taste — think chewy dried fruit, toasted nuts, warm cinnamon, or even a handful of chocolate chips if you’re feeling fancy.

This isn’t just about tossing oats in a bowl and hoping for the best—we’re talking toasty clusters, just the right amount of sweetness, and that perfect crunch that keeps you coming back for more.

Get ready to whip up a batch that’ll make you forget the store-bought kind even exists.

granola

What are the main ingredients in granola?

  • Rolled oats – The hearty base that gives granola its structure.
  • Sweetener – Often honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar to bind and flavor the mixture.
  • Oil – Such as coconut oil or canola oil, which helps crisp it up in the oven.
  • Nuts and seeds – Almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds, or chia seeds add crunch and protein.
  • Dried fruit – Like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates, added after baking for chewiness.
  • Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of salt for flavor depth.
  • Optional add-ins – Coconut flakes, chocolate chips, or vanilla extract for extra flair.

How to Make Granola 

Want the full recipe with exact measurements and steps? Scroll down to grab the printable version.

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In a large mixing bowl, whisk melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until combined. Add the dry ingredients until they are lightly coated in the butter mixture.

Mix it all together, spread it out on a baking sheet, and bake until golden and crisp, be sure to give it a toss half way through to stir it up.

For those crunchy, snackable clusters, press the mixture down on the pan and skip stirring while it bakes. Use extra honey or a spoonful of nut butter to help it stick, and let it cool completely before touching — It’ll firm up as it cools!

You can toss in dried fruit like raisins, craisins, etc once it’s cooled — or go wild with chocolate chips or coconut flakes if you’re feeling fancy.

It’s totally customizable!

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How to Eat Granola 

This snack is way more versatile than just a breakfast topping! Here are some of the most popular (and fun) ideas:

  • Over yogurt or Greek yogurt – A classic combo for breakfast or a quick snack. Add fresh fruit for extra flavor.
  • With milk or a milk alternative – Like cereal, but with way more texture and crunch.
  • As a topping – Sprinkle it on smoothie bowls, your favorite oatmeal recipe, ice cream, or even baked apples.
  • By the handful – It makes an awesome on-the-go snack all by itself.
  • In baked goods – Use it as a crunchy layer in parfaits, or mix it into muffin or cookie batter.
  • With nut butter – Spoon granola over a sliced banana or apple spread with peanut or almond butter.
How long does homemade granola last? 

It typically lasts up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

What Temp to Bake Granola?

The best temperature is 325°F. This moderate heat allows the granola to get perfectly golden and crunchy without burning the oats, nuts, or sweetener. Baking it low and slow helps it crisp up evenly—plus, it gives you time to stir it halfway through so it toasts on all sides. If you’re going for chunkier granola clusters, you can press the mixture down and avoid stirring too much.

What ingredient makes granola stick together?

Usually a liquid sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup. These help bind the oats, nuts, and other mix-ins as the granola bakes and cools. Adding a bit of oil (like coconut or vegetable oil) also helps the mixture coat evenly and crisp up, while ingredients like nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew) can boost the stickiness and add rich flavor.

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Homemade Granola Recipe

Homemade granola that’s crunchy, golden, and packed with oats, nuts, and a touch of sweetness—so much better than store-bought.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: best homemade granola recipe, healthy homemade granola, How to make Granola
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Author: momma lew

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter

    melted


  • 3 tbsp

    pure maple syrup


  • 1 tsp

    pure vanilla extract


  • cup

    rolled oats


  • ¼ cup slivered almonds
  • ¼ cup

    sunflower seeds


  • 1 tsp

    ground cinnamon


  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  • Pre-heat oven to 375°F and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat® baking mat.
  • Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until combined.
  • Add the oats, almonds, sunflower seeds, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Stir until the dry ingredients are lightly coated in the butter mixture.
  • Spread the granola into a thin, uniform layer.
  • Place the baking sheet into the pre-heated oven and bake for 10 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and give the granola a good stir.
  • Return to oven and bake for another 10 minutes before stirring again.
  • If necessary, return to oven for another 5 minutes or until the oats are golden brown.
  • Do not overcook or the granola may become bitter.
  • Remove your granola from the oven and cool completely.
  • The granola will become nice and crispy as it cools.

Video

Notes

To store granola, use an airtight container and keep it at room temp for up to 2 weeks (or freeze it for up to 3 months!).

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9 Comments

  1. I’m a big fan of granola, but I’ve never tried making it. This looks like it would be worth the effort!

  2. I can only imagine how good homemade granola is. I never tried making it, so simple, I want to give it a whirl!

  3. I so love granola but I have never made it at home. I think I will give it a try thanks for sharing this recipe.

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