Healthy Granola Recipe – Easy, Crunchy, and Naturally Sweetened

This Healthy Granola Recipe is everything you want in a homemade breakfast or snack: golden and crunchy, gently spiced, naturally sweetened, and endlessly adaptable.

Whether you serve it with yogurt, milk, or eat it straight by the handful, this easy granola will quickly become your go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally sweetened – No refined sugar; only maple syrup or honey

Big crunchy clusters – Perfect texture every time

Totally customizable – Swap in your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits

Simple pantry ingredients – No fancy tools or hard-to-find products

Meal prep–friendly – Lasts for weeks and freezes beautifully

Gluten-free adaptable – Just use certified GF oats

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Old-fashioned rolled oats – Hearty and crisp when baked

Raw nuts/seeds – Pecans and pepitas offer great crunch

Fine-grain sea salt – Enhances sweetness and balance

Ground cinnamon – Adds cozy spice

Coconut oil or olive oil – Helps bind and crisp the granola

Maple syrup or honey – Natural sweetness with subtle flavor

Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth

Dried fruit – Like cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots

Optional mix-ins – Coconut flakes or chocolate chips (added after baking)

Pro Tips Before You Start

Press the granola down halfway through baking – This gives you larger, clumpier pieces

Let it cool undisturbed – It crisps as it cools, so don’t stir too soon

Use parchment paper – Makes cleanup fast and easy

Don’t overbake – It will firm up as it cools; golden edges mean it’s ready

Chop large fruits – Even-sized pieces mix better throughout

How to Make Healthy Granola Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together:

4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1½ cups raw nuts/seeds (e.g. 1 cup pecans + ½ cup pepitas)

1 tsp fine sea salt

½ tsp ground cinnamon

Mix until well distributed.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour in:

½ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil

½ cup maple syrup or honey

1 tsp vanilla extract

Stir until everything is lightly and evenly coated.

Step 4: Bake

Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.

Bake for 21–24 minutes, stirring once halfway.

For extra clumps, press down firmly with your spatula after stirring.

The granola will become crisp as it cools, so don’t worry if it’s still soft in the oven.

Step 5: Cool and Add Extras

Let the granola cool completely, undisturbed for at least 45 minutes.

Once cooled, stir in ⅔ cup dried fruit (like chopped cranberries) and optional mix-ins such as ½ cup chocolate chips or coconut flakes.

For big clusters, gently break apart with your hands instead of stirring.

Step 6: Store

Transfer to an airtight container.

Room temp: keeps for 1–2 weeks

Freezer: up to 3 months (let dried fruit thaw for 5–10 mins before eating)

What to Serve It With

Yogurt and fresh fruit – A balanced breakfast bowl

Milk or dairy-free alternatives – Classic cereal-style

Smoothie bowl topping – Adds crunch and flavor

On-the-go snack – Great for hikes, work, or kids’ lunchboxes

Dessert garnish – Sprinkle on parfaits or ice cream

Variations / Substitutions

Nut-free – Use all seeds like pumpkin or sunflower

Gluten-free – Choose certified gluten-free oats

Vegan – Use maple syrup instead of honey

More spice – Add nutmeg, ginger, or pumpkin spice

Extra protein – Mix in hemp seeds or chopped almonds

Storage & Freezing Tips

Room temp – Airtight container keeps it fresh for 1–2 weeks

Freezer – Store in freezer bags for up to 3 months

Crisp again if needed – Re-toast in the oven for a few minutes if it softens over time

Batch-friendly – Double the recipe and store in multiple containers

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned?

Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture.

Quick oats will be finer and may not crisp as well.

How do I make it clumpier?

Stir once during baking and press it down firmly afterward.

Let it cool completely without touching.

Is this granola sweet?

It’s naturally sweetened with just enough maple syrup or honey—not overly sugary like store-bought.

Can I reduce the oil?

You can reduce by a tablespoon or two, but don’t eliminate it entirely—it’s key for crisp texture.

Can I skip the dried fruit?

Yes, or swap it for coconut flakes, chopped dates, or chocolate chips added after baking.

Can kids help make this?

Definitely! Measuring, mixing, and spreading granola are great tasks for little helpers.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Granola Recipe is proof that you don’t need added sugar or processed ingredients to enjoy something crunchy, satisfying, and crave-worthy.

With its mix of wholesome oats, nuts, and natural sweetness, it’s a breakfast or snack you’ll feel good about—and want to make again and again.