Simple Homemade Granola (Flexible Base Recipe With Variations)

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It is hard to admit this, but it took me a VERY long time to finally get around to make my own homemade granola. I would look up recipes in cookbooks and online and they were either complex or used expensive ingredients that I couldn’t afford. 

Well, this past year I finally bit the bullet and created a simplified recipe with just whatever I had on hand. Let me tell you, it was so easy and so delicious! We will never go back to store bought granola again. I have made dozens of batches of granola in the short few months since adding this pantry staple to my arsenal, and I am so excited to share this recipe with you!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You only need a few basic ingredients to make this homemade granola come together. Once you have that, whatever you’ve got on hand is good enough to throw in the mix. I will explain more below. But this truly is a “kitchen sink” style recipe that allows you to customize as much as you want. Or, if you’re low on groceries and the pickin’s are slim, the basic recipe is just as amazing! Make sure to check out my tried and true flavor combinations below if you need some inspiration! The apple chia granola has been my favorite so far!

Ingredient List

Old Fashioned Oats

I always have old fashioned oats in bulk, they are incredibly versatile in the kitchen! Plus, did you know you can easily make quick cooking oats FROM your old fashioned oats? I’ll save that for another post. Just know that oats are an integral part of this homemade granola recipe.

Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, or Butter

You need a little fat to help crisp things up and give the granola that golden, toasty goodness. Coconut oil adds a light nuttiness, avocado oil keeps the flavor neutral, and butter—well, butter is butter. It adds richness you’ll notice in every bite.

Honey or Sugar

This is where the sweetness comes in. I usually use honey because it adds a natural, slightly floral note, but plain sugar works too if that’s what you’ve got. And if you like things a little sweeter, you can bump it up to 2/3 cup—your call!

Vanilla Extract

Just a splash, but it makes such a difference. It’s like a little whisper of warmth in every bite of granola.

Sea Salt

Don’t skip this! It balances out the sweetness and gives the granola a crave-worthy sweet-salty edge.

Cinnamon (Optional)

A little cinnamon goes a long way in bringing warmth and coziness to this granola. It’s optional, but highly recommended—especially if you’re making any of the fruity flavor variations.

Nuts or Seeds (Optional)

This is where things get fun. You can toss in whatever you’ve got—almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, you name it. Or keep it simple and stick to the oats.

Mix-Ins (Optional)

Mix-ins like dried fruit or chocolate take this granola to the next level. Just be sure to wait until after baking to stir them in—nobody wants burnt raisins in their granola. You can check out the recipe variations below to give you inspiration and instructions for different mix-ins.

Tools and Equipment

I love a recipe that doesn’t recipe a bunch of kitchen gadgets! All you need to make this an oven and a good pan. Here are a few additional items that may come in handy, but are totally optional 🙂

Airtight Storage Container

In my house, this granola barely lasts a few days. Okay who am I kidding? It’s half gone before it’s cooled down all the way! You probably have more self control and so an airtight container will keep your homemade granola fresh for up to two weeks. I like using one like this that I can easily fit into my pantry.

Food Processor

A food processor like this one comes in handy when you dry your own fruits or buy raw nuts in bulk that need to be chopped.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making homemade granola is a hands-off, low-stress process that makes your whole kitchen smell amazing. Here’s how it all comes together:

Preheat and Prep

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Trust me, the parchment paper will make cleanup so much easier, and it helps prevent sticking.

Mix It All Up

Grab the biggest mixing bowl you have and pour in the oats. If you’re adding nuts or seeds, toss them in now too. Then, drizzle in the melted oil or butter, followed by the honey or sugar. Add the vanilla extract, sprinkle over the salt and cinnamon, and mix everything together really well. I like to use a wooden spoon, but honestly, your hands work great too. You want every little oat to be coated.

Press Into Prepared Pan

Dump your oat mixture into the pan and start pressing it down so it will be level and spread out over the entire pan.

Mix Half Way In Baking

After 15 mins, pull the pan out of the oven and give the granola a little stir. The house will now smell SOOO good! Once you mix up the granola, press it down in the pan and put it back in the pan for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until it is a deep golden brown. The longer you leave it in the oven, the crispier it will get. Just be sure to watch for burning.

The Hardest Part: Let It Cool

Here’s the part that requires some patience. Once the granola is golden and toasty, take it out of the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet, don’t stir it! As it cools, it will crisp up and form those chunky clusters we all love. This will take about 30 to 45 minutes.

Time for Mix-Ins

When the granola is cool to the touch, it’s time to get creative. Stir in any mix-ins you like—dried fruit, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, you name it. Break the granola into pieces as you mix.

Store and Enjoy

Transfer your granola to an airtight container. It’ll keep fresh for up to two weeks, but in my house, it rarely lasts that long. Use it as a topping for yogurt, sprinkle it over smoothie bowls, or just grab a handful when you need a quick snack.

That’s it! Homemade granola that’s as simple or as fancy as you want it to be. Once you’ve made your first batch, you’ll see—it’s impossible to go back to store-bought.

Tips and Tricks

Bigger Clusters Of Granola

Love those big granola clusters? After stirring the granola halfway through baking, press it firmly back into an even layer with your spatula. Let it cool completely without stirring—it’ll naturally stick together as it sets. Break it up into pieces once it’s cooled for the perfect chunky texture.

Prevent Sticky Dried Fruit

Always add dried fruit after the granola has cooled. Adding it before baking can make it sticky, tough, or even burnt.

Low and Slow for Extra Crunch

If you want an even crunchier texture, bake your granola at 325°F for a little longer. It will take about 45 to 50 minutes, but the lower temperature prevents burning while drying the granola thoroughly.

Variations and Customizations

Apple Chai Granola

• Add Before Baking:
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 tablespoon loose-leaf chai tea (lightly crushed)
• Add After Baking:
  • ½ cup chopped dried apples
• Instructions: Stir the spices and chai tea into the granola before baking. Once cooled, mix in the dried apples.

Toasted Chocolate Coconut Granola

• Add Before Baking:
  • ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• Add After Baking:
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chunks or chips
• Instructions: Toast the coconut with the granola base during baking. Once cooled, fold in the chocolate pieces.

Peach “Cobbler” Granola

• Add Before Baking:
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (stir into the base mixture)
• Add After Baking:
  • ½ cup chopped dried peaches
• Instructions: Combine the spices and vanilla with the granola base before baking. Once cooled, stir in the dried peaches.

Classic Maple Pecan Granola

• Add Before Baking:
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (stir into the base mixture)
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Instructions: Mix the pecans and cinnamon with the granola before baking. Stir in the vanilla with the wet ingredients. Bake, cool, and store.

Berry Almond Granola

• Add Before Baking:
  • ½ cup sliced almonds
• Add After Baking:
  • ½ cup dried cranberries or freeze-dried raspberries
• Instructions: Toast the almonds in the granola base during baking. Once cooled, add the dried berries for a fruity finish.

Is Homemade Granola Healthy?

The foundation of granola—whole grain oats—is packed with fiber, which is fantastic for digestion and keeping you full longer. Plus, oats are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.The real magic of homemade granola, though, is that you’re in control. You can skip the excessive sugars and processed oils found in store-bought options and choose high-quality ingredients that suit your tastes and dietary needs. Whether you load it up with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit or keep it simple, homemade granola lets you enjoy a wholesome, nourishing treat you can feel good about.

Homemade Granola Recipe