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5 Easy Granola Recipes You Can Make at Home

Close-up of homemade granola with oats and cranberries pouring from a bowl.

Granola is more than just a breakfast cereal — it’s a versatile, delicious, and nutritious food that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you’re sprinkling it over yogurt, packing it for a hiking trip, or munching on it as a guilt-free snack, granola is a staple for many health-conscious food lovers.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through 5 easy granola recipes you can make at home. These recipes are simple, customizable, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Plus, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) at the end to help you get the most out of your granola-making journey.

Why Make Granola at Home?

Making granola at home gives you complete control over what goes into your body. Unlike store-bought varieties that are often loaded with sugars, preservatives, and unhealthy fats, homemade granola lets you focus on whole, clean, and nutritious ingredients. It’s cost-effective, fresher, and much more customizable based on your taste and dietary preferences.

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Benefits of homemade granola include:

  • Better Nutrition: You can increase the protein, fiber, and healthy fat content.
  • Custom Flavors: Choose your favorite nuts, seeds, fruits, and spices.
  • No Preservatives: Keep it clean and wholesome.
  • Eco-Friendly: Reduce plastic packaging by storing in reusable glass jars.

Recipe 1: Classic Honey Almond Granola

Close-up of homemade granola with oats and cranberries pouring from a bowl.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned, not quick oats)
  • 1 cup raw almonds (chopped or sliced)
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
  • 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, almonds, coconut, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
  4. Mix and coat: Pour the wet mixture into the dry and mix thoroughly.
  5. Spread on baking sheet: Evenly spread the mixture and press down lightly.
  6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Let it cool completely before breaking into clusters.

Serving Tip: Serve with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a wholesome breakfast.

Nutritional Highlight: Almonds add protein and vitamin E, while oats provide heart-healthy fiber.

Recipe 2: Peanut Butter Banana Granola

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup banana chips (crushed)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or peanuts
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup honey or agave
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Mix oats, banana chips, and nuts in a bowl.
  3. In a saucepan, melt peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil. Add vanilla and salt.
  4. Pour over dry ingredients and mix.
  5. Spread onto a baking tray and bake for 25–30 minutes. Stir once halfway.
  6. Let it cool before storing in an airtight container.

Pro Tip: Add dark chocolate chips after baking for an extra treat.

Why You’ll Love It: The banana and peanut butter combo gives a rich flavor and natural sweetness.

Recipe 3: Chocolate Coconut Granola

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups oats
  • 1 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup mini dark chocolate chips (add after baking)
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
  2. Mix oats, coconut, cocoa, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Warm maple syrup and coconut oil; pour into dry mix.
  4. Mix thoroughly and spread on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring once.
  6. Cool, then stir in chocolate chips.

Serving Suggestion: Mix with plant-based milk for a vegan treat.

Health Note: Use 70% or higher dark chocolate to keep this recipe antioxidant-rich and lower in sugar.

Recipe 4: Apple Cinnamon Granola

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups oats
  • 1 cup dried apple pieces
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 2 tbsp applesauce
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
  2. Mix oats, apple pieces, pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. Combine syrup, applesauce, and coconut oil; mix with dry ingredients.
  4. Spread onto baking sheet.
  5. Bake 30–35 minutes, stirring once.
  6. Cool completely before storing.

Serving Tip: Pairs wonderfully with vanilla yogurt or warm milk.

Nutrition Insight: Apples bring in natural sweetness and dietary fiber, while cinnamon supports blood sugar balance.

Recipe 5: Tropical Paradise Granola

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups oats
  • 1/2 cup dried pineapple (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup dried mango (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup macadamia nuts or cashews
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/3 cup honey or agave
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1/2 tsp ginger powder
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
  2. Combine oats, coconut, nuts, and ginger powder.
  3. Heat coconut oil and honey, then mix into the dry ingredients.
  4. Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway.
  5. Cool and then mix in the chopped dried fruits.

Serving Suggestion: Add to smoothie bowls for an island-inspired crunch.

Tropical Twist: Use lime zest or passionfruit puree for an extra zingy flavor.

Customizing Your Granola

One of the greatest things about making granola at home is the ability to personalize it. Here are a few ideas:

  • Low-Sugar: Reduce honey or syrup and use mashed bananas.
  • High-Protein: Add hemp seeds, chia seeds, or protein powder.
  • Keto-Friendly: Replace oats with coconut flakes, nuts, and seeds.
  • Nut-Free: Use sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

Storage Tips for Homemade Granola

  • Cool it completely before storing.
  • Use airtight containers or glass jars.
  • Store in a cool, dry place for up to 2–3 weeks.
  • Freeze for longer shelf life — up to 3 months.

Tip: Label jars with dates and flavors if you’re batch-making multiple recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, because you control the ingredients — no preservatives, less sugar, and no hidden additives. Homemade granola is fresher and can be tailored to your dietary needs.

Yes, you can use unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or nut butter as a substitute, though texture may vary. Keep in mind, oil helps in creating clusters and a crispier texture.

It might need more baking time or a higher oven temperature. Also, let it cool without stirring to help it cluster. Using sugar or honey helps with caramelization which creates crunch.

Only if you use certified gluten-free oats and check all mix-in ingredients for gluten traces. Regular oats may be processed in facilities that also handle wheat.

Press the granola down before baking and avoid stirring too much while it’s hot. Use sticky binders like honey, nut butters, or maple syrup. Let it cool undisturbed.

Final Thoughts

Homemade granola is an affordable, flexible, and health-conscious food choice that fits into almost any lifestyle. Whether you’re making it as a healthy snack, a topping for smoothie bowls, or a thoughtful homemade gift, granola is as fun to make as it is to eat.

Try one of these five recipes this week and discover just how easy (and delicious) it is to make your own granola at home. Want more recipes or storage solutions? Leave a comment below or follow us on social media for daily granola inspiration!

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