The best healthy granola recipe! This sweet, salty, chunky, and nutty granola is gluten-free, dairy-free, and naturally sweetened without refined sugar. It’s perfect for meal prep, breakfast, yogurt bowls, or a quick snack anytime!
Easy homemade healthy granola recipe
Get ready for the easiest healthy granola you’ll ever make! This recipe has been my go-to in our household for years because it’s secretly healthy yet delicious. You can whip up a tasty batch with just a few wholesome ingredients in no time. It’s perfect for busy mornings or when you need a quick, nutritious snack.
To make this yummy granola, simply mix rolled oats, your favorite nuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a pinch of salt, pure maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and a splash of vanilla. These simple ingredients combine for a flavorful and satisfying treat everyone will love.
Once it cools, break the granola into clusters and store it in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Enjoy it on yogurt, in smoothie bowls, with milk, or straight from the jar. Trust me, I make this weekly for my friends, and it always disappears fast!
This crunchy, healthy granola will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Why you'll love this recipe:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Delicious Flavor: Nutty, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying.
- Healthier Choice: Wholesome, low in sugars, and no refined sugar.
- Customizable: Add your favorite nuts and fruits.
- Chunky Texture: Packed with crunchy clusters.
- Cost-Effective: A budget-friendly homemade option.
- Long Shelf Life: Stays fresh for weeks.
- Kid-Friendly: A hit with children and picky eaters.
- No Refined Sugars: Sweetened naturally with maple syrup.
- Gluten-Free & Vegan: Perfect for everyone’s diets.
- Try this healthy peanut butter granola next!
Ingredients needed
You only need seven simple ingredients to make this healthy granola! It’s easy to bake, low in sugar, and perfect for meal prepping. Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:
- Rolled Oats: Packed with fiber for long-lasting energy.
- Nuts: Choose from almonds, pecans, peanuts, or walnuts. They’re full of healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients like vitamin E and magnesium, promoting heart health and keeping you feeling full.
- Cinnamon: Adds the best flavor!
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that keeps this granola 100% refined sugar-free.
- Coconut Oil: Provides healthy fats and helps create those crispy clusters.
- Vanilla Extract: Boosts the flavor for an irresistible finish!
How to make chunky, healthy granola
This healthy granola recipe is chunky, crispy, and so easy to make. It's vegan, gluten-free, healthy, and refined-sugar-free. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level baker can make this recipe:
Step 1: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine the oats, nuts, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
Step 3: Pour in the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until every oat and nut is lightly coated.
Step 4: Once thoroughly combined, press the mixture onto the lined parchment paper, spreading it into a flat layer.
Step 5: Bake for 20 - 24 minutes, stirring halfway through. The granola will crisp further as it cools.
Step 6: Allow it to cool completely for at least 45 minutes before breaking it apart. Add any extra mix-ins you want after it cools (list below and in recipe card), and then store the granola in an airtight (dry) container on the counter for 1-2 weeks.
Enjoy your chunky, healthy granola!
My top recipe tips:
- Spread Evenly: Spread and gently press the granola mixture on the baking sheet for even baking and a crispy texture.
- Stir Halfway: Stir the granola halfway through baking for even cooking and to prevent clumping.
- Add-ins After Baking: Mix in dried fruits or chocolate chips after cooling to keep them from burning or melting.
- Cool Completely: Let the granola cool fully on the baking sheet before breaking it apart for the best crunch.
- Store Properly: Keep cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature to stay fresh.
- Customize: Make it your own by adding your favorite nuts, seeds, spices, or sweeteners!
Easy ingredient substitutions:
Here are some simple swaps for this healthy granola recipe. Try to change only one or two ingredients to keep the recipe balanced:
- Sweeteners: Use honey, agave syrup, or brown rice syrup instead of maple syrup for a different flavor.
- Oil: Replace coconut oil with olive oil, melted butter, or avocado oil if needed.
- Nuts: Swap nuts for seeds like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or sesame seeds for a nut-free option.
- Spices: Experiment with spices like pumpkin pie spice, gingerbread spice, or cocoa powder for a unique twist.
- Vanilla Extract: Substitute with almond extract or leave it out for a different flavor.
- Mix-Ins: After cooling, add dried fruits like cranberries, chopped apricots, or cherries for extra sweetness and chewiness.
Healthy granola variations:
Granola is super customizable! Here are some tasty ideas to mix up this recipe:
- Fruit and Nut: Add dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots (AFTER COOLING), along with nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios for a colorful blend.
- Seed Power: Incorporate pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, and chia seeds for extra crunch and omega-3s.
- Coconut Craze: Mix in shredded coconut or coconut flakes for a tropical twist and added flavor.
- Chocolate Lover's Dream: Stir in dark chocolate chips or chunks after baking for a delicious treat.
- Protein Boost: Add hemp seeds, protein powder, or chopped protein bars for a nutritious boost.
- Trail Mix: Combine with your favorite trail mix ingredients like dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and a touch of dark chocolate for a great on-the-go snack.
- Pumpkin Spice: Swap out cinnamon for 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice before baking for a seasonal flavor.
- Apple Pie: For a tasty twist, try this apple pie granola—it's a hit in our household!
- Maple Pecan: Use chopped pecans instead of other nuts and increase the maple syrup for a sweet, caramel-like flavor.
- Cinnamon Raisin: Add extra cinnamon and mix in raisins before baking for a classic flavor combination.
- Honey Almond: Use sliced almonds instead of chopped, and drizzle a bit of honey on top before baking for added sweetness.
- Chai Spice: Blend in chai spice mix for a warm, aromatic flavor that adds a cozy touch to your granola.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While you can use quick oats, rolled oats are recommended for better texture and clusters.
Can I make this granola nut-free?
Absolutely! Substitute nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
How to make chunky granola?
Let the granola cool!!! This is my #1 tip for chunky granola. It needs time to bind, and then you can break it up.
Can you freeze granola?
Yes, granola can be frozen! Just store it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to three months.
How long does homemade granola last?
Homemade granola can last up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
If you love this granola recipe, try these recipes next!
- Healthy Peanut Butter Granola
- Air Fryer Granola
- Apple Pie Granola
- Frozen Yogurt Granola Bars
- Banana Oat Breakfast Cookies
- 3 Ingredient Banana Oat Pancakes
- Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal
- High-Protein Overnight Oats
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Best Healthy Granola Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped nuts, I like doing ½ cup almond or pecans and ½ cup walnuts
- ½ - ¾ teaspoon cinnamon, depending on your taste preference
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour in the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until every oat and nut is lightly coated.
- Once fully combined, press the mixture onto the lined parchment paper, spreading it into a flat layer.
- Bake for 20 - 24 minutes, stirring halfway through. The granola will crisp further as it cools.
- Allow it to cool completely for at least 45 minutes before breaking it apart.
- Store the granola in an airtight container on the counter for 1-2 weeks. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
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Janice Owen says
I make this granola every other weekend. I love it and anyone who eats it, loves it too!
I add papitas, pecans and Flax......yummmmmmmmm
Kerry says
Great recipe, goes fast!! 😊
Hadley says
So good!!!!
Angela says
This is my new go to recipe! My daughter’s friends offered me their paychecks to make them some! Great granola for parfaits! Thanks for sharing
Julia says
Better than my favorite store-bought granola, and so many better-for-you ingredients! Love, love, love - the perfect addition to my yogurt!
Gabrielle Campano says
Best homemade granola recipe !! I love keeping a batch in my freezer and having it as a quick snack throughout the week with some berries and almond milk! Tastes way better than any other store bought granola I've tried. I swear I'll never buy granola again after trying this recipe!
Camila Jenning says
This is the third time I have made this recipe now. It is just the best!!!!
Tati Chermayeff says
Camila, so thrilled to hear this!! I am totally obsessed too.
Alexis says
Made with almonds and was a perfect balance of sweet and savory, and so good on smoothie bowls! Highly recommend!!
Tati Chermayeff says
Thrilled to hear this, Alexis! Thank you for such an amazing review.