Deliciously Simple Granola Recipe You’ll Love Making
simple granola recipe lovers, this one is for you. If you keep buying overpriced bags that taste bland or go stale too fast, I’ve been there. I wanted something crunchy, golden, and full of real ingredients I could pronounce. That’s how I landed on my go-to, the Deliciously Simple Granola Recipe You’ll Love Making. It’s flexible, affordable, and makes your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery. Let’s make a batch you’ll actually look forward to eating. 
Healthy Granola Ingredients
When I say healthy, I mean whole, basic ingredients that work hard for you. The secret to this Deliciously Simple Granola Recipe You’ll Love Making is the balance of texture and flavor. You want a mix of toasty grains, chewy bits, a hint of sweetness, and something crunchy for the win.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: the base, hearty and toasty.
- Nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts: for crunch and healthy fats.
- Seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower: extra texture and minerals.
- Unsweetened coconut flakes or shredded coconut: adds a subtle sweetness and crisp edges.
- Natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup: bonds everything into clusters.
- Coconut oil or light olive oil: helps with browning and crunch.
- Vanilla extract: cozy flavor boost.
- Spices such as cinnamon and a pinch of salt: the flavor lifters.
- Dried fruit like raisins, cherries, or chopped apricots: add after baking to keep them soft.
- Optional add-ins: cacao nibs, mini chocolate chips, or chopped dates for extra fun.
Keep it simple. Use what you have. If you only have almonds and honey, that’s totally fine. This is the kind of pantry recipe that forgives and still delivers big flavor. 
What is Granola Made of?
Granola is basically toasted oats mixed with nuts, seeds, oil, and a sweetener. It’s baked until crunchy, then finished with dried fruit or chocolate once it cools. The trick to really good granola is the ratio. Too much liquid and it’s sticky. Too little and it’s dusty. With this formula, you’ll hit that just-right clustery crunch every time.
Here’s a simple way to think of it: 6 cups dry stuff, about 1/3 to 1/2 cup oil, and 1/2 to 3/4 cup sweetener. Spice it the way you like, and don’t forget a pinch of salt for balance. That’s the backbone of any good batch, including this Deliciously Simple Granola Recipe You’ll Love Making.
If you’re curious, granola became a breakfast favorite for a reason. It’s quick, portable, and you can tweak it for different diets or moods. Want it less sweet? Cut the sweetener a little and add extra cinnamon. Want more clusters? Add a touch more honey and press the sheet before baking.
One more note on oats: use rolled oats, not quick oats. Rolled oats hold their shape and give you that satisfying crunch. Quick oats tend to get sandy once baked. 
How to make Granola
Let’s get right into the method. You’ll need one large mixing bowl, a rimmed baking sheet, parchment paper, and a spoon. The rest is easy.
Prep and Mix
Set your oven to 325°F. Line your baking sheet with parchment. In a big bowl, combine 4 cups rolled oats, 1 to 1.5 cups mixed nuts and seeds, and 1 cup coconut flakes if you like. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe cup, warm 1/3 cup oil with 1/2 cup honey or maple until fluid. Stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla, 1 to 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Pour over the dry mix and toss until everything looks glossy and evenly coated.
Bake Low and Slow
Spread the mix on your sheet in an even layer. Don’t pack it tightly yet. Bake for 12 minutes, stir gently, and rotate the pan. Bake another 10 to 14 minutes, until it’s golden and smells nutty. Watch the edges so they don’t overdo it. Every oven is different, so use your nose and eyes as your guide.
For extra finesse, check the nuts at the 20-minute mark. If they’re browning faster than the oats, stir them toward the center. If you’re into parfaits, you might like to peek at my simple ideas here: granola parfait serving ideas. It’s a handy way to build a balanced, pretty breakfast without fuss.
Cool and Cluster
Now the magic. As soon as you pull the granola from the oven, press it lightly with the back of a spoon or spatula to help clusters form. Let it cool completely on the sheet before breaking it up. Stir in 1 cup dried fruit only after it’s cool, so the fruit stays soft and doesn’t harden or burn.
Store in an airtight jar for up to two weeks. If your kitchen runs humid, tuck in a little square of parchment to absorb extra moisture. Every time I make this Deliciously Simple Granola Recipe You’ll Love Making, I feel like I’ve stocked my week with something cozy and dependable.
Granola Recipe Easy Tips and Tricks
These are the small tweaks that take your batch from good to craveable.
Press for clusters: Press the warm granola right when it comes out of the oven, then don’t touch it until cool.
Don’t skip the salt: A tiny pinch makes the sweet and toasty flavors pop.
Use parchment: Nonstick pans are fine, but parchment gives you easy lift and keeps sugars from sticking.
Mix up your oils: Coconut oil adds a hint of coconut. Olive oil brings a delicate fruitiness. Both are great.
Toast smarter: If your nuts are raw, keep an eye on them near the end. If they’re already toasted, stir them in halfway to prevent burning. Want a short guide to better toasting? I keep this page handy: how to toast nuts at home.
Make it allergy-friendly: Skip nuts and use seeds like pumpkin, sunflower, or hemp. You’ll still get big crunch.
For a looser cereal style: Stir more often and don’t press after baking.
“I tried this on a Sunday afternoon and ended up making a second batch by Tuesday. Perfect crunch, not too sweet, and my kids actually asked for more.” — Andrea M.
Keep these tricks in mind and your granola will taste like you bought it from a fancy bakery, except you didn’t. You made it yourself, and that always tastes better.
Ways to use this Easy Homemade Granola
Favorite Pairings
Okay, this is where granola shines. It’s not just breakfast. It’s snack insurance and dessert topping too. I keep a jar on the counter because it gets used all day long.
- Yogurt bowls: Plain Greek yogurt, a spoon of jam or fresh berries, and a generous sprinkle of granola.
- Milk and a banana: Old-school cereal vibes, just cleaner and heartier.
- On fruit: Toss sliced peaches or apples with a little honey, top with granola, and eat as-is or warm it up.
- Trail mix: Mix with extra nuts, pretzels, and a few chocolate chips for a road trip snack.
- Dessert crumble: Press onto warm baked apples or pears for a quick faux crisp.
- School snacks: Pack in a small container with dried fruit for grab-and-go energy.
Bonus move: Sprinkle on a smoothie bowl for crunch. Or bake a batch slightly darker and sprinkle over vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of honey. The Deliciously Simple Granola Recipe You’ll Love Making really stretches across meals and moods, which is why I keep it in my weekly rotation.
Common Questions
How do I get big clusters?
Use a touch more sweetener, press the granola after baking, and let it cool fully before breaking it up. Avoid stirring too often during baking.
Can I cut the sugar?
Yes. Reduce the sweetener by a couple tablespoons and add a little extra spice. Just know you’ll get fewer clusters.
Is this gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free oats and check your mix-ins. Otherwise, the method stays the same.
My granola got soft. What now?
Spread it on a sheet and bake at 300°F for 5 to 8 minutes, then cool completely. Store airtight away from steam or humidity.
Can I use quick oats?
They bake up powdery. Rolled oats are best for sturdy crunch.
A Sweet, Crunchy Finish You’ll Make Again
Once you try this batch, you’ll see why the Deliciously Simple Granola Recipe You’ll Love Making is on repeat in my kitchen. It’s customizable, budget-friendly, and tastes like it came from a craft bakery. If you want more ideas on flavor tweaks and nutrition-friendly swaps, check out this helpful guide on a Healthy Granola Recipe. Or if you’re short on time, this Easy 3-Ingredient Granola is a fun starting point too. Now grab a pan, preheat that oven, and let your kitchen smell amazing. You’ve got this. 
Homemade Granola
Ingrédients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, mixed nuts and seeds, and coconut flakes.
- In a small saucepan, warm the oil and sweetener until fluid.
- Stir in vanilla, cinnamon, and salt, then pour over the dry mix and toss until coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12 minutes, stir gently, and rotate the pan, then bake for another 10 to 14 minutes, until golden and nutty.
- Press the warm granola lightly to help it form clusters.
- Cool completely on the sheet before breaking apart and stirring in the dried fruit.
- Store in an airtight jar for up to two weeks.
