Healthy Granola

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my homemade granola recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.

• Rolled Oats – I recommend old-fashioned rolled oats for granola recipes. Avoid quick-cooking oats or steel-cut oats, as they won’t create the classic granola texture.
• Mixed Nuts & Seeds – I like using a mix of pecans, pumpkin seeds, and hemp seeds, but any combo you like will work. Walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, pepitas, chia seeds, or even a pre-mixed bag from the pantry are great options.
• Coconut Oil – This helps everything get crispy and form clusters. Melted butter works, too.
• Maple Syrup – I use my natural Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Maple Syrup to sweeten this healthy granola recipe. You can use regular maple syrup, honey, or even sugar-free honey for a softer sweetness.
• Dried Fruit – This is optional, but I like adding a handful for extra flavor and texture. You can use raisins, dried cranberries, apricots, or blueberries.
• Cinnamon, Vanilla Extract & Sea Salt – For flavor! The amount of cinnamon I added here is very subtle, so add more if you want it very noticeable.

How To Make Granola

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.

1. Combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, sea salt, and cinnamon.
2. Add the wet ingredients. Mix in melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla.

4. Bake the granola. Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer. Bake until golden and crisp.
5. Cool completely. Let the homemade granola cool before breaking it into clusters. It continues to crisp up as it sits, so don’t rush this part.
6. Add dried fruit. If you’re using dried fruit, stir it in once the healthy granola has cooled. Store in an airtight container (I like these jars) until you’re ready to enjoy.

Flavor Variations

One of my favorite things about homemade granola is how easy it is to change up the flavors. Try one of these simple twists next time you make it:

• Chocolate – Swap the dried fruit for chocolate chips (I like these sugar free chips), or stir in 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder.
• Caramel – Try Besti Brown or regular brown sugar instead of maple syrup for a deeper caramel flavor. I sometimes skip the dried fruit and drizzle sugar-free caramel on top when serving.
• Pumpkin – Switch out the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for an easy fall-inspired version. It makes the kitchen smell amazing!

Serving Ideas

There are so many ways to enjoy this healthy granola recipe, whether you’re keeping it simple or getting a little creative. Here are some of my favorites:

• Breakfast bowl – The classic option. Pour your favorite milk over it for a crunchy cereal, or top coconut yogurt or an acai bowl for that creamy-meets-crispy combo.
• Top desserts – I love using this homemade granola as dessert topper. Try sprinkling it over my banana muffins, breakfast muffins, or protein muffins before baking, or almond milk ice cream before serving.
• Fruit – Sprinkle it over fruit with a drizzle of peanut butter, or make a parfait by layering the fruit and granola with yogurt.
• Fall sides – I love this stuff to add crunch to sweet-and-savory fall dishes, like roasted butternut squash, healthy roasted sweet potatoes, or mashed sweet potatoes.

More Healthy Oat Recipes

If you like this granola recipe, you’ll enjoy my other healthy breafast ideas with oats:

Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

Banana Oat Pancakes

Baked Oatmeal