Healthy Granola
Ingredients
- 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free granola
- 1 ½ cup raw nuts and/or seeds
I used 1 cup pecans and ½ cup pepitas
- 1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
if you’re using standard table salt, scale back to ¾ teaspoon
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup dried fruit
chopped if large, I used dried cranberries
- Totally optional additional mix-ins: ½ cup chocolate chips or coconut flakes*
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts and/or seeds, salt and cinnamon. Stir to blend.
- 3
Pour in the oil, maple syrup and/or honey and vanilla. Mix well, until every oat and nut is lightly coated. Pour the granola onto your prepared pan and use a large spoon to spread it in an even layer.
- 4
Bake until lightly golden, about 10 minutes, then, stir. Close oven and stir every 5 minutes until granola is golden. The granola will further crisp up as it cools.
- 5
Let the granola cool completely, undisturbed (at least 45 minutes). Top with the dried fruit (and optional chocolate chips, if using). Break the granola into pieces with your hands if you want to retain big chunks, or stir it around with a spoon if you don’t want extra-clumpy granola.
- 6
Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks, or in a sealed freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. The dried fruit can freeze solid, so let it warm to room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Healthy Granola
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About this Recipe
Craving a truly satisfying and wholesome breakfast or snack that’s packed with flavor and crunch? This healthy granola recipe delivers on all fronts, letting you skip the store-bought versions often loaded with refined sugar. It’s an effortless way to ensure you always have a delicious, nutritious option on hand.
What sets this healthy granola apart is its thoughtful balance of ingredients. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey, it avoids overly sugary profiles, letting the true flavors of toasted oats, nuts, and a hint of cinnamon shine. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor it perfectly to your taste.
Prepare for a delightful symphony of textures and tastes. You’ll find golden-brown, perfectly crisp oat clusters mingling with crunchy nuts and chewy dried fruit. Each bite offers a gentle sweetness, a whisper of spice from the cinnamon, and a rich undertone from the coconut or olive oil. It’s a hearty, satisfying granola that fuels you without weighing you down, making it an ideal start to your day or a pick-me-up anytime.
One of the best parts of making your own healthy granola is the freedom to customize!
- Nuts & Seeds: Feel free to mix and match your favorite raw nuts and seeds—almonds, walnuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds all work wonderfully. The recipe suggests pecans and pepitas, but truly, make it your own.
- Sweetener: While maple syrup or honey provide a lovely natural sweetness, you can choose whichever you prefer or have on hand.
- Dried Fruit: Incorporate any dried fruit you enjoy, such as dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or raisins. Just remember to chop larger pieces.
- Mix-ins: For an extra treat, consider stirring in chocolate chips or coconut flakes after baking for a truly special touch.
Enjoy this versatile healthy granola over yogurt, with your favorite milk, or simply by the handful as a delicious, energizing snack. It’s perfect for meal prep, ensuring you always have a wholesome option ready.