This Homemade Granola Recipe is a crunchy, wholesome delight that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Packed with nutty oats, sweet honey, and a hint of cinnamon warmth, it’s perfect for breakfast or a midday snack. In just 15 minutes of prep and a little patience while it bakes and cools, you’ll have a batch of golden, fragrant granola that’s worth every moment.
Each bite offers a satisfying mix of textures—crispy clusters, chewy dried fruit, and a subtle richness from healthy fats. With only 150 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free treat that fuels your day. Whether sprinkled over yogurt or enjoyed straight from the jar, this granola is a pantry staple you’ll love making again and again.
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups (320 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup (125 g) whole almonds (or use your favorite nut)
- 1 cup (160 g) dried cranberries (or use your preferred dried fruit)
- 2 Tablespoons ground flax seed (optional)
- ⅓ cup (110 g) honey
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) oil (avocado, canola, vegetable, or melted coconut oil)
- ⅓ cup (67 g) brown sugar (firmly packed; may substitute coconut sugar)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg white
How to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together oats, almonds, cranberries, and flax seed (if using).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, oil, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined and uniform.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy (about 30 seconds), then stir it into the honey mixture.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and use a spatula to stir well until everything is completely coated.
- Evenly spread the mixture over the prepared baking sheet. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the granola has slightly darkened and appears dry.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to sit undisturbed until completely cooled.
- Once cooled, use your hands or a wooden spoon to break the granola into pieces. Use as desired, and enjoy!
Creative Serving Suggestions
This homemade granola is incredibly versatile! Enjoy it as a crunchy topping for yogurt or smoothie bowls, or pair it with fresh fruit like bananas, berries, or sliced apples. For a heartier breakfast, serve it with milk or plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk. You can even sprinkle it over ice cream for a sweet and satisfying dessert!
Storage Tips for Freshness
Store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to a month or freeze it for up to 3 months. If the granola loses its crunch, simply spread it on a baking sheet and toast it in the oven at 275°F (135°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Easy Recipe Variations
Customize this granola to suit your taste! Swap almonds for pecans, walnuts, or cashews, and replace cranberries with raisins, apricots, or chopped dates. Add a handful of shredded coconut or dark chocolate chips after baking for extra flavor. For a nut-free version, use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower instead of nuts.
Time-Saving Hacks
To save time, prepare the dry ingredients (oats, nuts, and dried fruit) in advance and store them in a sealed container. When ready to bake, simply mix the wet ingredients and combine. You can also double the recipe and bake two trays at once—just rotate them halfway through for even cooking.
Essential Equipment Notes
A silicone baking mat or parchment paper is key to preventing sticking and making cleanup a breeze. Use a large mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated, and a sturdy spatula for mixing. A whisk is perfect for blending the wet ingredients and frothing the egg white.
Homemade Granola Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup whole almonds (or use your favorite nut)
- 1 cup dried cranberries (or use your preferred dried fruit)
- 2 Tablespoons ground flax seed optional
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup oil (may use avocado, canola, vegetable, or melted coconut oil)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar firmly packed (may substitute an equal amount of coconut sugar)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg white
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275F (135C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together oats, almonds, cranberries, and flax seed (if using).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, oil, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined and uniform.
- In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk egg white until frothy (about 30 seconds) then stir the egg white into the honey mixture.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and use a spatula to stir well until all dry ingredients are completely coated with the honey mixture.
- Evenly spread ingredients over prepared baking sheet. Transfer to 275F (135C) preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Granola should have slightly darkened in color and should appear dry.
- Remove from oven allow to sit undisturbed until completely cooled.
- Once granola has cooled, use your hands or a wooden spoon to break up into pieces. Use as desired.