Healthy Granola Recipe

The scent of freshly baked granola wafts through the kitchen, filling it with warmth and the promise of a nutritious snack. This Healthy Granola Recipe takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish and offers a delightful blend of crunchy textures and wholesome ingredients that make it both satisfying and good for you. Whether you enjoy it on its own or sprinkled over yogurt, you’ll find it hard to resist.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to start their day with a healthy breakfast or snack. It’s an ideal make-ahead option that you can store for weeks, making your mornings easier.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The granola is irresistibly crunchy thanks to the perfect baking technique.
• It’s versatile and allows for customization based on your favorite nuts and seeds.
• The use of maple syrup adds a natural sweetness without refining sugars.
• It keeps well, so you can enjoy it for weeks!

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients for a simple, healthy granola:

For the Dry Ingredients

• 4 cups certified gluten-free oats or old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup nuts—pecans or raw almonds work great
• 1/2 cup raw pepitas, or pumpkin seeds
• 1 Tbsp chia seeds
• 1/4 cup hemp seeds
• 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup real maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Use sunflower seeds as an alternative to pepitas.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Maple syrup can be replaced with agave syrup.
• Coconut oil can be substituted with olive oil.
• Almonds may be swapped for walnuts or hazelnuts.
• Chia seeds can be replaced with flax seeds.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps for homemade granola:

Preheat

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Combine Dry Ingredients

Combine the dry ingredients in a medium bowl.
Mix together the oats, nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, and cinnamon until well blended.

Mix Wet Ingredients

Mix the wet ingredients in a small bowl.
Combine the melted coconut oil, salt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, ensuring the salt dissolves fully for even seasoning.

Stir Together

Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
Ensure all of the dry mix is evenly coated.

Spread Mixture

Spread the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
Press down firmly with your spatula to create an even layer.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes.
Afterward, stir and press down with your spatula again, then bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until golden.

Cool

Cool the granola on the baking sheet for at least 45 minutes.
Avoid stirring while it cools, allowing it to become crunchy.

How to Store It

Fridge: store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: no, it doesn’t freeze well.
Reheat: serve at room temperature, no reheating needed.

Tips for Best Results

• Do not skip the cooling step; it’s essential for crunchiness.
• Adjust the baking time according to your oven for best results.
• Use a spatula to press the granola down firmly before baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy it with yogurt and fresh fruits for breakfast.
• Use it as a topping for smoothie bowls.
• Sprinkle over ice cream for a delightful crunch.