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    You are here: Home / Recipes / The Best Healthy Granola

    The Best Healthy Granola

    Published on Apr 9, 2019 · Last updated on Aug 24, 2021 ·

    8.9K shares
    Jump to Recipe

    An easy recipe to make the best homemade healthy granola. It's much cheaper than store-bought, naturally sweetened and so flavorful! 

    Granola is a small bowl and glass container with a stripped kitchen towel

    This is my basic, go-to recipe for granola. I've made it a million times (slight exaggeration here but I'm close!) and even though I love its variations (pumpkin, apple pie or chocolate! – see below) I always come back to it because it's super simple yet so good.

    I believe all of us healthy foodies need a good granola recipe we can use over and over again, and I'm hoping this one will be the one for you!

    Eat your granola as a snack or for breakfast, on its own, with some milk or Greek yogurt or a smoothie topping!

    Ok, let me show how we make it!

    Healthy Granola Ingredients

    • Oats

    Rolled oats, also know as old-fashioned oats, are best for granola

    • Nuts and Seeds

    My go-to mix is almond, pecans and hazelnuts, but you can also use walnuts, cashews or any of your favorite nut.

    Seeds are perfect too: think sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), flax seeds, hemp seeds and even chia seeds.

    • Oil

    Coconut oil (refined to avoid the coconut taste, or unrefined for a very light coconut taste).

    You can also use a light tasting olive oil.

    • Natural liquid sweeteners

    Maple syrup or honey.

    • Spices and salt

    For this basic recipe, I use cinnamon. You can also try adding ginger (no more than a teaspoon), nutmeg (just a pinch), pumpkin spice or gingerbread spice.

    Don't skip the salt, it brings out the flavors.

    • Dried fruits

    Dried cranberries, cherries, apricots, strawberries... any of your favorite dried fruits. Add them after baking.

    Skip them altogether to lower the sugar content.

    Granola is a white bowl with milk and sliced banana, with a silver spoon

    How to make homemade granola

    • Steps 1 & 2 – mix all the dry ingredients: oats, shredded coconut (optional), nuts and cinnamon.
    • Step 3 – add the wet ingredients (maple syrup and melted coconut oil) and mix until thoroughly combined

    Three step by step photos to make healthy granola

    • Steps 4 & 5 – Transfer to a lined baking sheet, spread the mixture into a thick layer (about ¾ inc – 1.5/2 cm) and with a wooden spoon, press down the granola on the prepared baking sheet.
    • Step 6 – Bake for about 30 minutes at 300F/150C. Remove from the oven and add the dried fruits. Let it cool completely before breaking into pieces and storing in an air-tight container.

    Three step by step photos to bake healthy granola with clusters

    Tips to make clumpy granola

    • The granola needs to be a bit crowded on the baking sheet so it sticks together, but not so much as it won't toast nicely. A thickness of about ¾ inches is ideal.
    • Press the granola on the baking sheet with a wooden spoon or spatula
    • Don't mix your granola mid-baking. It's not only not necessary, it actually tends to break the granola clusters.
    • Let the granola cool completely before breaking it into pieces and storing it.
    • Keep the granola in the fridge to keep it crunchy and clumpy.

    Homemade granola on a baking tray with a wooden spoon

    Granola flavor variations 

    • Chocolate Hazelnut Granola (click for the recipe): this recipe is made with cocoa powder and hazelnuts. It reminds me of Ferrero Rochers! You can also add chocolate chips for an extra chocolate dose.
    • Pumpkin Granola (click for the recipe): a classic for Fall! Made with warming spice pumpkin spices and pumpkin puree.
    • Dates, Cashew and Honey Granola (click for the recipe): the title says it all! Sweet and delicious 🙂
    • Apple Pie: instead of 4 teaspoons of cinnamon, add 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon allspice, ¼ teaspoon cardamom. Use dried apples instead of cranberries.

    Granola is a small bowl with a white and blue stripped kitchen towel

    If you tried this granola recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe below and let me know how it went in the comments – I love hearing from you! You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook for more deliciousness and behind-the-scenes!

    Granola is a small bowl and glass container with a stripped kitchen towel
    5 from 11 votes
    Print

    Healthy Granola

    An easy recipe to make the best homemade healthy granola. It's much cheaper than store-bought, naturally sweetened and so flavorful! 

    Course Breakfast, brunch, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Keyword breakfast, brunch, dried fruit, granola, healthybreakfast, kid-friendly, snack
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes
    Cooling time 15 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour
    Servings 6 cups
    Calories 513 kcal

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups rolled oats also known as old-fashioned oats
    • ½ cup shredded coconut unsweetened – optional
    • 1 ½ cups nuts roughly chopped – I used a mix of almonds, hazelnuts and pecans
    • 4 teaspoons cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • ⅓ cup maple syrup
    • ⅓ cup coconut oil melted – I used refined coconut oil to avoid the coconut taste
    • ⅔ cup cranberries or your favorite dried fruits – roughly chopped if large

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 300 F / 150 C degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

    2. In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: oats, shredded coconut, nuts, cinnamon and salt.

    3. Add the wet ingredients: maple syrup and coconut oil. Mix thoroughly until well combined and all the oats look wet. 

    4. Transfer on prepared baking sheet, spread the mixture into a ¾"-thick layer (about 1.5/2 cm) and with a wooden spoon, press down the granola on the prepared baking sheet. 

      A thick layer and pressing down the granola is key to getting clusters! 

      If you prefer your granola without clusters, spread the mixture as much as possible and don't press it down. 

    5. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. 

      All ovens are different so start checking around 20-25 minutes to make sure it doesn't burn. 

    6. Remove from the oven, spread the dried fruits on top and let it cool completely. 

      DO NOT TOUCH the granola before it's completely cooled down. It's key to make it crunchy and clumpy!

    7. When cool, break it into pieces and store in an air-tight container – ideally in the fridge to keep it extra crunchy.

    Recipe Notes

    Flavor variations:

    • Chocolate Hazelnut Granola (click for the recipe): this recipe is made with cocoa powder and hazelnuts. It reminds me of Ferrero Rochers! You can also add chocolate chips for an extra chocolate dose.
    • Pumpkin Granola (click for the recipe): a classic for Fall! Made with warming spice pumpkin spices and pumpkin puree.
    • Dates, Cashew and Honey Granola (click for the recipe): the title says it all! Sweet and delicious 🙂
    • Apple Pie: instead of 4 teaspoons of cinnamon, add 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon allspice, ¼ teaspoon cardamom. Use dried apples instead of cranberries.  

     

    Nutrition Facts
    Healthy Granola
    Amount Per Serving (0.5 cup)
    Calories 513 Calories from Fat 297
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 33g51%
    Saturated Fat 15g94%
    Sodium 95mg4%
    Potassium 398mg11%
    Carbohydrates 48g16%
    Fiber 9g38%
    Sugar 20g22%
    Protein 10g20%
    Calcium 132mg13%
    Iron 2.7mg15%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    More granola recipes you will love:

    • Granola Energy Bites
    • Pumpkin Granola And Apple Yogurt Parfaits

    UPDATE NOTE: This post was originally published on August 31, 2012 and republished in April 2019 with a brand new recipe, new photos and more tips.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Diana

      September 02, 2012 at 11:12 pm

      Do you mean sweetened condensed milk, like I'd use for Magic Cookie Bars? That sounds intriguing. I've been making my own granola for 10-12 years now, but I like that idea. If you're interested, I have found that adding wheat germ helps the granola "clump" better. I usually make mine tropical with a lot of different nuts, banana chips, and coconut. Yummy!

      • Marie

        September 04, 2012 at 10:28 pm

        Yes absolutely, sweetened condensed milk! It gives the granola a caramel-y and crunchy texture I love.
        Thanks for the tip, it's good to know!

    2. Jon Finlay

      February 22, 2015 at 12:12 pm

      I normally just mix granola with cream and it it raw. I'm gonna try your suggestion and mix it with condensed milk! Thanks!

      • marie

        February 27, 2015 at 11:36 am

        I'm glad you like this recipe Jon! 🙂

    3. Kiki Johnson

      August 05, 2018 at 4:46 pm

      Oh, Marie. This granola recipe comes at the perfect time. I have a can of sweetened condensed milk left in the pantry and would love to use it for this recipe! This granola looks so crunchy!

    4. Pam Greer

      April 09, 2019 at 8:24 pm

      I make homemade granola too, my recipe is a little bit different, so I can't wait to try yours! I especially love all the variations!

      • Marie

        April 10, 2019 at 8:37 am

        Thanks Pam! Isn't homemade granola the best?!

    5. ilona

      April 09, 2019 at 8:32 pm

      Love granola and I make it often at my home. I like that you made it healthy!

      • Marie

        April 10, 2019 at 8:39 am

        It means we can eat more, right? 😉

    6. Lisa | Garlic & Zest

      April 09, 2019 at 9:00 pm

      I'm definitely a fan of homemade granola for my morning yogurt, or just to carry in a ziploc bag for when I get a hankering... This sounds really wonderful!

      • Marie

        April 10, 2019 at 8:35 am

        Thanks Lisa 🙂 I love carrying it around in a ziploc bag too!

    7. Sophia

      April 09, 2019 at 9:01 pm

      Wow, I love granola but i've never thought to make it myself! Thank you for the recipe and all the possible flavor variations! Hazelnut and chocolate, yum!!

      • Marie

        April 10, 2019 at 8:40 am

        It's so easy Sophia! Once you try it, there's no going back!

    8. Jessica Formicola

      April 09, 2019 at 9:08 pm

      I could snack on this granola all day! It looks so hearty and delicious!

      • Marie

        April 10, 2019 at 8:36 am

        Thanks Jessica! It *might* be what I do when I have a batch around hehe.

    9. Cinnamon Vogue

      April 10, 2019 at 12:21 am

      It has cinnamon so two thumbs up. Don't remember when I last ate Granola but this looks so good. Adding Cinnamon is genius because not only does it cut what little sweeteners you used, it creates an amazing taste sensation with Granola. Now if you agree to use Ceylon Cinnamon we will send you a free bag of the very best organic Ceylon Cinnamon. Just e-mail us with your shipping address.

      • Marie

        April 10, 2019 at 8:43 am

        Absolutely, cinnamon is a staple! Thanks, I will get in touch.

    10. Ronda Olive

      November 26, 2019 at 11:27 pm

      Best granola recipe ever! My family loves it. Soooo yummy!

      • Marie

        December 12, 2019 at 8:28 am

        Super happy to hear Ronda, yay!

    11. Cynthia McKnight

      January 19, 2020 at 6:46 pm

      Where is the portion of the recipe that call fro sweetened condensed milk. I see comments about it, but can't find it.

      • Marie

        January 19, 2020 at 7:55 pm

        Hey Cynthia! This post has been updated in April 2019 with a new granola recipe that doesn't include sweetened condensed milk anymore.

        • Sunny

          March 14, 2020 at 4:11 pm

          How many calories is just 1/2 a cup? 85.5?

          • Marie

            May 06, 2020 at 7:45 pm

            Hi Sunny! One cup has 85, half a cup 42. Cheers!

    12. Janet

      February 26, 2020 at 8:45 pm

      This recipe turned out fabulous. I used honey, craisins, raisins, adding pumpkin seeds and chia seeds. I also increased it 1/2 as much. Love it!!

      • Marie

        March 19, 2020 at 10:43 am

        Love the sounds of these add-ins Janet, thanks for sharing!

    13. Mary

      April 05, 2020 at 1:00 am

      Hi Marie! Your recipe sounds yummy! It’s my first time making homemade granola and I only have quick oats. Have you tried it with them instead of old fashioned? Just curious if I should go ahead and make it or wait til I grocery shop again?
      Thanks!

      • Marie

        April 05, 2020 at 9:21 am

        Hi Mary! I did try with quick oats and the texture really isn't the same, it's not as good. It works if that's all you have and don't want to venture out for that, but if you're planning to go shopping anyway I would wait a bit 🙂

        • Mary

          April 05, 2020 at 5:24 pm

          I appreciate your feedback. Thanks so much!! Can’t wait to try😊

    14. Angelica Blackburn

      April 08, 2020 at 1:25 am

      I’ve made this granola 3X now and my husband loves it. We have it with our yogurt and fresh fruit. He prefers it over store bought. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

      • Marie

        April 10, 2020 at 9:19 am

        Such a fantastic compliment Angelica, thanks so much!

    15. Alisa

      April 09, 2020 at 4:39 pm

      So delicious! I actually couldn’t wait until it cooled! But I just grabbed a couple spoonfuls!

      • Marie

        April 10, 2020 at 9:20 am

        Haha yeah, it's hard to resist! Glad you loved it Alisa 🙂

    16. Anabel

      May 02, 2020 at 4:13 pm

      Doing again and again just love it

      • Marie

        May 04, 2020 at 5:32 pm

        Yay super happy to hear you love it Anabel 🙂

    17. Emma Nicolls

      November 10, 2020 at 7:39 am

      I have made this recipe more than 10 times now. It’s so good! Instead of cinnamon I use Granola Spice from Gewurzhaus and it makes my whole house smell amazing when it’s in the oven. Thank you so much for this recipe Marie! I love it. I now give a lot of it away as gifts to friends and they love it too. I can’t wait to start trying variations with different ingredients. I’d like to try your chocolate hazelnut granola next.

      • Marie

        November 25, 2020 at 10:03 pm

        So so happy to hear Emma! Thanks for sharing 🙂

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