Simple Granola: Perfect Crunchy Clusters

There’s just something magical about the smell of food baking in the oven, isn’t there? For me, one of the absolute best scents is that warm, toasty, slightly sweet aroma of homemade granola. It fills the whole house and instantly makes everything feel cozier. If you’re anything like me, you love a good bowl of granola, but maybe you’ve wondered if you could make it even better yourself. Trust me, you totally can! Making your own granola is a fantastic way to control exactly what goes in—plus, it’s seriously simple and way more rewarding than grabbing a box off the shelf. Forget those store-bought kinds that are loaded with who-knows-what; we’re going to whip up a batch that’s perfectly crunchy, loaded with goodness, and totally customizable.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Granola Recipe

Seriously, you are going to adore making this granola. It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like a kitchen wizard, churning out something amazing from simple ingredients. Here’s why it’s going to become a staple in your pantry:

• Incredible Taste & Texture: Forget those sad, dusty store-bought versions. This homemade granola is perfectly crunchy, delightfully toasted, and packed with wholesome flavor. Every spoonful is a little bit of breakfast heaven!
• Totally Customizable: This is YOUR granola! Don’t love almonds? Swap ’em out. Want more coconut? Go for it! You’re in charge of the nuts, seeds, spices, and dried fruit. It’s like a flavor playground.
• Healthier Choice: You know exactly what’s going in – good-for-you oats, nuts, and seeds with natural sweeteners. It’s a fantastic source of fiber, making it a much healthier way to start your day or grab a snack.
• That Amazing Aroma: Honestly, the smell of this granola baking is reason enough to make it. It’s warm, comforting, and makes your whole kitchen feel like a cozy bakery. Pure bliss!

Gather Your Ingredients for Perfect Granola

Alright, let’s get our ingredients together! For this delicious homemade granola, I always reach for the good stuff that I know will give us the best flavor and texture. We’re talking about wholesome rolled oats – none of that instant oat stuff that gets mushy! Then, we’ll load it up with a mix of your favorite nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for that satisfying crunch, along with some seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds for extra goodness. Don’t forget the unsweetened shredded coconut; it adds a wonderful subtle sweetness and texture. For the binder that makes it all come together, we’ll use pure maple syrup and a good quality neutral oil like vegetable oil. A splash of vanilla, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to make all those flavors pop. And of course, we’ll toss in some yummy dried fruit at the end!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crunchy Granola

Alright, let’s get this granola party started! Making your own crunchy baked oats is surprisingly easy, and it all comes down to a few simple steps that Carla swears by in her kitchen. We want that perfect golden toastiness without any burnt bits, and that satisfying crunch, right? Follow along, and you’ll have a big jar of deliciousness in no time!

Preheating and Preparing Your Baking Sheet

First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up! We’re going to preheat it to 300°F (150°C). While it’s heating, grab a big, sturdy baking sheet. To make sure our granola doesn’t stick and cleanup is a breeze, I always line mine with parchment paper. It’s a little trick that makes a huge difference, trust me!

Combining Dry Ingredients for Your Granola

Now for the fun part – mixing! In a big ol’ bowl, toss in your rolled oats, all those lovely mixed nuts, your seeds (like pumpkin and sunflower – if you love pumpkin seeds, you should totally check out my Crispy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds recipe!), and that shredded coconut. Give it a good swirl to get everything acquainted. This is where all the wholesome goodness lives, the basis for our crunchy, satisfying granola.

SAVE IT

Creating the Flavorful Wet Mixture

In a separate, smaller bowl, let’s whisk together our liquid magic. We’ll combine the pure maple syrup (or honey, if you prefer!), the vegetable oil, a splash of vanilla extract for that lovely aroma, our cinnamon for warmth, and just a pinch of salt to really make those flavors sing. Whisk it all up until it’s nicely blended. This is what’s going to coat all those dry bits and give our granola its yummy flavor.

Coating and Spreading for Even Baking

Pour that glorious liquid mixture over your dry ingredients. Now, get in there with a spatula or spoon and stir, stir, stir until every oat, nut, and seed is beautifully coated. It should look damp and delicious. Then, spread this mixture out onto your parchment-lined baking sheet in a nice, even layer. Don’t let it get too clumpy here; a single layer is key for even baking.

SAVE IT

Baking and Stirring for the Perfect Crunch

Into the preheated oven it goes for about 20 minutes. But don’t just set it and forget it! About halfway through that first bake, you’ll want to give it a good stir. This is SO important for preventing those edges from getting too dark and ensuring everything toasts up evenly. After that stir, pop it back in for another 15-20 minutes, keeping an eye on it and stirring occasionally. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color – that means perfectly crunchy baked oats on their way! Careful not to burn it – it can go from toasted to burnt really fast! If you’re looking for more oat ideas, check out my Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats!

Cooling and Adding Dried Fruits

Once it looks perfectly golden and smells absolutely heavenly, take it out of the oven. This is super important: let it cool COMPLETELY on the baking sheet without touching it too much. As it cools, it gets that amazing crunch we’re looking for. Once it’s totally cool – and I mean *really* cool to the touch – then you can stir in your dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. Adding them at the end keeps them soft and chewy, not hard and dried out.

SAVE IT

Tips for Achieving Perfectly Crunchy Granola Clusters

Oh, the clusters! If you’re like me, those gorgeous clumps of granola are the best part, right? Getting them is totally doable, and it’s not really a secret, just a few little tricks Carla uses in her kitchen every time she makes a batch of her famous granola. First off, resist the urge to stir too much! While we need to stir it during baking to prevent burning, try to gentle it as much as possible. Also, really press down on the granola with your spatula before you put it in the oven and again when you stir it at the halfway mark. It helps those bits stick together. And here’s a big one: don’t overbake! You want it golden, not dark brown. The magic happens when it cools undisturbed on the baking sheet. That cooling period is crucial for setting those lovely clusters. For more fun ways to use oats, check out my Homemade Granola Bars recipe!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations for Your Granola

Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down, but the beauty of making granola at home is how easy it is to make it totally your own! I love playing around in my kitchen, and this granola recipe is just perfect for that. If you’re not a fan of almonds, no worries at all! Swap them for pecans, walnuts, or even some chopped-up cashews. Same goes for seeds – sunflower, flax, chia, whatever floats your boat! And for sweeteners, maple syrup is amazing, but pure honey or agave nectar work beautifully too. Want to jazz up the spice? Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon. For dried fruit, besides cranberries and raisins, think chopped apricots, dried cherries, or even some chopped dates for a natural sweetness. It’s all about making your perfect bowl of granola, just like I love experimenting with flavors in my Apple Pie Bars or Apple Cinnamon Muffins!

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Granola

Now that you’ve got this amazing homemade granola, what do you do with it? Oh, the possibilities! Honestly, I’m always finding new ways to enjoy it. My favorite way is probably just sprinkled over a bowl of creamy yogurt with some fresh berries – it’s such a simple yet satisfying breakfast. Or, pour some cold milk over it for an old-school, delightful treat that feels like eating a fantastic DIY breakfast cereal. It’s also absolutely divine on top of smoothie bowls, adding that gorgeous crunch! And let’s be real, sometimes I just grab a handful straight from the jar when I need a quick, power-packed snack. This nuts and oats cereal is so versatile; you can even sprinkle it over fruit salads or baked apples. For more breakfast ideas, you can check out all my breakfast recipes over here!

SAVE IT

Storing Your Homemade Granola

Keeping your beautiful homemade granola crunchy and fresh is super simple! Once it’s completely cooled, just scoop it into an airtight container. Think mason jars, nice click-top containers, or even a good old cookie tin. Store it at room temperature, and it should stay wonderfully crisp for a couple of weeks. This way, you’ll always have that delicious, big jar of crunchy goodness ready to go whenever you need it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Granola

I get asked a bunch of questions about making my homemade granola, and honestly, it’s usually just little tweaks that make all the difference! Here are a few things people often wonder about:

Can I make granola without oil?

You absolutely can! While oil helps with browning and gives it that lovely toasted flavor, you can use more maple syrup or honey to bind it. Just know that without the oil, it might not get quite as golden or have the same richness. Some folks even use applesauce! It won’t be exactly the same as my maple almond granola, but it’ll still be tasty and less messy.

How do I get bigger clusters?

Ah, the coveted clusters! My biggest tip is to press the granola down into the pan firmly *before* baking and again when you stir it partway through. Also, try not to stir it too much once it’s baking. And a really important one: let it cool COMPLETELY on the pan without moving it. That undisturbed cooling time is key for those big, satisfying clumps of crunchy baked oats to form!

Can I use instant oats?

I really don’t recommend using instant oats here. They’re processed differently and tend to get mushy when baked for a longer time. Rolled oats (also called old-fashioned oats) are what give you that wonderful chewiness and structure that makes great granola. Stay away from instant or quick oats if you want that perfect crunch!

How long does homemade granola last?

If you store your granola properly in an airtight container at room temperature, it should stay nice and crunchy for about 2-3 weeks. Sometimes mine lasts even longer, but honestly, it usually disappears WAY before that because it’s just so good!

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Just so you know, the nutrition facts for this amazing homemade granola are estimates, and they can change a bit depending on exactly what nuts, seeds, and dried fruits you use. I’ve calculated the numbers based on a standard serving size of about 1/2 cup. It’s good to keep in mind that this recipe is fantastic for fiber and provides a nice boost of protein and healthy fats, making it a much better choice than many store-bought options!

Share Your Granola Creations!

Alright, now that you’ve got a batch of this amazing homemade granola cooling on your counter, I’d absolutely LOVE to hear about it! Did you try a unique nut or seed combo? What’s your favorite way to enjoy it? Drop a comment below and let me know your favorite granola variations, or feel free to rate the recipe! And if you snap a pic, tag me on social media – I can’t wait to see your yummy creations! You can also send me a message here if you have any questions!

Homemade Crunchy Granola

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Create your own delicious, crunchy granola with this easy recipe. Customize your mix of oats, nuts, seeds, and sweeteners for a healthy breakfast cereal or snack.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 40 min
• Total Time: 55 min
• Yield: 6 cups 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
• 1/2 cup mixed seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
• 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, apricots)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, mixed nuts, mixed seeds, and shredded coconut.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
7. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the granola is golden brown and toasted. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. The granola will become crispier as it cools.
9. Once cooled, stir in the dried fruit.
10. Store your homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

• For larger clusters, press the granola down firmly on the baking sheet before and during baking.
• Adjust the amount of sweetener to your preference.
• Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, spices, and dried fruits.
• This granola is a great alternative to store-bought options and can be used for meal planning.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 0mg