Best Healthy Homemade Granola (Quick and Easy Recipe)

This quick and easy healthy homemade granola recipe is the best recipe that gives you the most addictingly delicious crunch! It is made with simple ingredients that include healthy fats.  This healthy granola recipe has a distinctive taste that combines elements of sweetness, nuttiness, and toasty flavors. The sweetness comes from the pure maple syrup, which caramelizes during baking, creating a rich, golden-brown coating on the oats and pecans. The sweetness is balanced by the natural flavors of the pecans, which contribute a nutty and slightly savory taste that beats out any store-bought granola!

​What Should You Eat Granola With?

Granola is commonly served as a quick breakfast with milk, yogurt parfait, a topping on smoothie bowls, with greek yogurt, or eaten plain as a healthy snack. Some people also enjoy adding granola to baked goods like muffins, incorporating it into homemade energy bars, or as a topping on a favorite ice cream! Its crunchy texture and combination of flavors make it a satisfying and nutritious option for any time of day. We have found that the best way to have it is with my homemade clabber topped with fresh fruit. It is our favorite way to kick off the weekend! Whichever way you have it, it will definitely satisfy any sweet tooth!

What Can You Put With Granola?

Some people prefer plain granola, so omitting the pecans will still leave you with a delicious granola! Or you can always incorporate your favorite mix-ins. Granola is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Common additions include: chocolate chips, almonds, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, coconut flakes, raisins, dried cranberries, or other dried fruit.

Substitutions for This Easy Homemade Granola Recipe​

We prefer the taste of coconut oil over extra virgin olive oil, however this recipe works well with both! You can also substitute the maple syrup with honey. Or if you are like me and have limited ingredients, you can always do half maple syrup and half honey, or half olive oil and half coconut oil, to save you a trip to the grocery store! It is also a great way to change up the flavor.

How to Make Clumpy Granola

Sometimes I like to have clumpy granola, especially if I’m having it as a snack. The best way that I have found to achieve this is by crowding the pan a little bit, but not too much so that they do not brown evenly. I then will press the granola with the back of the spoon after the mid way stir to help the oats stick together. I also will allow the granola to cool completely before I enjoy it.

What you will need for this easy granola recipe

Large bowl

Parchment paper (This keeps the sugar on your oats and not the pan!)

Wood spoon or metal spoon

Baking sheet

Small saucepan

Airtight container (for storage)

Ingredients for the best granola recipe

4 cups old fashioned oats
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup real maple syrup
1/2 cup unrefined coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
1 teaspoon sea salt (I use himalayan) 
1 teaspoon cinnamon 

Best Homemade Granola Recipe

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Line the baking sheet with parchment paper.

Measure out the coconut oil in a small saucepan and place it on low to medium heat. 

Measure out the dry ingredients: old-fashioned oats, salt, and cinnamon and place into a large mixing bowl.

Stir until thoroughly combined.

Pour the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla over the dry ingredients.

Stir the oats mixture thoroughly to ensure all the coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla is combined and lightly coating the dry ingredients. 

Use a spoon to spread the oat mixture evenly across a baking sheet.

Place the cookie sheet into the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. 

Stir the granola halfway through the baking process. Press the granola down with your spoon for clumpy granola.

*Do not over bake! The granola will crisp up more after it cools.

Allow the granola to cool completely undisturbed for 1 hour. 

Break the granola up with your hands for chunky granola or stir with a spoon if you do not want it clumped together.

Store the granola in an air tight container for 1 to 2 weeks or in a freezer safe Ziploc baggie for up to 3 months. 

Other Great Breakfast Recipes

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Sourdough Bread Breakfast Recipe with Egg and Avocado

Quick and Easy Quaker Overnight Oats Recipe With Berries