Holy moly. You need to make this groovy granola like, yesterday.
Granola isn't just for crunchy hippies anymore and I'm more than ecstatic about it.
I buy granola at the store just about never because not only is it too expensive for my frugal self, but also because some form of sugar and oil are usually the first, second or third ingredient. Granola bursting with nuts, seeds, dried fruit and oats can become a high calorie, high sugar treat super fast. Making homemade granola is honestly incredibly easy. It's really not one of those things that you should buy at the store because it's . The best part is that you can can control the sugar and oil you add. Love that.
I also don't eat yogurt very often, so I didn't make this for the purpose of topping the yogurt that's not in my fridge. I eat it more as a snack or as cereal in the morning. It's dangerously delish... definitely the most satisfying snack I've made in a looooong time. Crunchy, lightly sweet, cinnamony, satisfying and freaking delicious. You know what else?
The little fourth teaspoon of salt really takes the flavor up a notch, so don't think about skipping it. I love the addition of raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas), but feel free to use whatever nuts you have on hand. I threw in flaxseed just because it's so darn healthy and I throw it into everything, but it's not essential. I bet a couple tablespoons of chia would be fabulous as well.
This stuff is the very definition of addicting. I don't know if that's a good thing or a not so good thing, but consider it a warning. I die for it in a cereal bowl covered in ice-cold almond milk. I die for it by the handful or three. Oh ya know...a hefty handful before dinner, while I'm plating dinner and after dinner. I die for it all up in my strawberry quinoa pilafs.
Kidding on the last one.
Keep in mind that this isn't the sticky kind with yummy clusters...it's the crunchier kind that's more like cereal. I love it that way, and I don't think it would get super clustery without more oil and honey. I'm speculating that adding an egg white might do wonders in the cluster department.
Feel free to sub out the brown sugar for more honey if you're into that. Granola is one big black canvas, so consider this your chance to unleash your inner granola monster. Go wild. Add walnuts, pecans, chia, dried cherries, apricots, coconut, more cinnamon, whatever. Seriously guys, go cray.
I want to take a big fat granola bath with almond milk. The bottom line is that the quicker I eat it, the sooner I'll have an excuse to make another batch; so it's totally fine that it's almost gone. Oh and get ready for your kitchen to smell like straight up heaven and a half.
Screw making cookies to sell a house. The mouth-watering aroma of this granola kicks cookie butt.
Easy Homemade Granola
Easy Homemade Granola
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 3.5 cups 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Stove
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Easy, healthy homemade granola.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup chopped almonds
- ¼ cup pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds)
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, mix together the oats, almonds, pepitas, flaxseed, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon.
- In a small microwavable bowl, add the coconut oil and honey. Microwave for 20-30 seconds or until coconut oil is melted. Stir in vanilla.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir together with a spoon and then by hand.
- Spread granola in an even layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for about 35 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and stir in raisins. Allow granola to completely cool before storing in a sealed container.
Bridget says
This is my go to granola recipe. I love that you can substitute any nuts (we use 1 cup pecan/almond/cashew) and is still great without the flaxseed. Don't have honey? Maple syrup also works great. I cook for 20 minutes .
Alexis Joseph says
Love this! I haven't made this in forever but now I need to make another batch 🙂
Joy says
What dried cranberries do you use? Craisins are SO sugary! I can't find any unsweetened dried cranberries anywhere...even at Whole Foods.
Alexis says
I just use regular dried cranberries. You're really not eating that many in each serving, but yes, dried fruit is high in sugar because it's more concentrated :/ The only lower sugar ones I've found have artificial sweeteners. I would love to find some unsweetened ones!!
Joy says
What dried cranberries do you use? Craisins are SO sugary! I can't find any unsweetened dried cranberries anywhere...even at Whole Foods.
Alexis says
I just use regular dried cranberries. You're really not eating that many in each serving, but yes, dried fruit is high in sugar because it's more concentrated :/ The only lower sugar ones I've found have artificial sweeteners. I would love to find some unsweetened ones!!
Athena Zouzounis says
Just want to tell you that this is my third time making your granola and I'm obsessed!! I have to double the batch every time I go back to college because it goes to fast!!! so yummy thank you!! 🙂
Alexis says
Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Athena! That makes my day 🙂
Athena Zouzounis says
Just want to tell you that this is my third time making your granola and I'm obsessed!! I have to double the batch every time I go back to college because it goes to fast!!! so yummy thank you!! 🙂
Alexis says
Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Athena! That makes my day 🙂
Katie says
Mmm! I'm obsessed with cereal, but this granola looks even better and way more satisfying- I have to try it!
Alexis says
It's life changing! Granola > cereal.
Katie says
Mmm! I'm obsessed with cereal, but this granola looks even better and way more satisfying- I have to try it!
Alexis says
It's life changing! Granola > cereal.
Lisa says
yummy, this looks delicious!! 🙂
Alexis says
Thanks, Lisa! I literally can't stop eating it. It's kind of a problem 🙂
Lisa says
yummy, this looks delicious!! 🙂
Alexis says
Thanks, Lisa! I literally can't stop eating it. It's kind of a problem 🙂
Honey, What's Cooking says
Looks so good.. i never made homemade granola.. your version looks yummy! I never buy it either. 🙂
Alexis says
You should try it! It's so simple and such a yummy snack.
Honey, What's Cooking says
Looks so good.. i never made homemade granola.. your version looks yummy! I never buy it either. 🙂
Alexis says
You should try it! It's so simple and such a yummy snack.
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
This looks delicious 🙂
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
This looks delicious 🙂
Khushboo Thadani says
Sooo I am a HUGE yogurt eater and this sounds like the perfect topper- thanks, Alexis! I've made granola a few times in the past and I remember being pleasantly surprised by the addition of a few tablespoons of orange juice!
Khushboo Thadani says
Sooo I am a HUGE yogurt eater and this sounds like the perfect topper- thanks, Alexis! I've made granola a few times in the past and I remember being pleasantly surprised by the addition of a few tablespoons of orange juice!
Robyn @ thereallife_RD says
I was searching and searching for a granola recipe today but none fit the bill, until now!
Of course you pulled through...naturally. 🙂
Alexis says
OMG you'll love it...I swear! I know you appreciate a big bowl of granola with a hefty splash of unsweetened vanilla almond milk...
Robyn @ thereallife_RD says
I was searching and searching for a granola recipe today but none fit the bill, until now!
Of course you pulled through...naturally. 🙂
Alexis says
OMG you'll love it...I swear! I know you appreciate a big bowl of granola with a hefty splash of unsweetened vanilla almond milk...