This crunchy homemade granola is the perfect fusion of nutty, sweet, and satisfying textures that bring breakfast or snack time to life. Toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, and shredded coconut provide a rich crunch, while warm cinnamon and pure maple syrup infuse it with cozy, wholesome flavor. Whether you pair it with plant-based milk, creamy yogurt, or enjoy it by the handful, each bite offers a delightful burst of nourishing energy.
Crafted with pantry staples and baked to golden perfection, this granola recipe is not only versatile but also endlessly customizable. Add dried fruit, chocolate chunks, or change up the nuts and seeds based on what you have on hand. It stores beautifully, making it a go-to for weekly meal prep or spontaneous snack attacks. Health-conscious and family-approved, this is one granola you’ll find yourself making on repeat!
Full Recipe:
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3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
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1 cup almonds, chopped
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1/2 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
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1/2 cup shredded coconut
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1/2 teaspoon sea salt
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/2 cup maple syrup
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1/4 cup melted coconut oil
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional)
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1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, mix oats, almonds, pepitas, coconut, salt, and cinnamon.
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In a smaller bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla.
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Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated.
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Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until golden brown and fragrant.
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Allow the granola to cool completely on the pan; it will crisp up as it cools.
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Once cooled, mix in dried cranberries and chocolate, if using.
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Introduction to Crunchy Homemade Granola
Crunchy homemade granola is more than just a breakfast staple—it’s a celebration of texture, flavor, and wholesome nutrition. It’s the kind of recipe that checks every box: quick to prepare, highly customizable, shelf-stable, and absolutely delicious. Whether served with milk, sprinkled over yogurt, or enjoyed as a snack straight from the jar, granola has earned its place as a versatile kitchen favorite. This version brings together oats, nuts, seeds, and coconut with a touch of maple syrup and vanilla for a naturally sweet, toasty treat that delivers crunch in every bite.
Why This Granola is a Must-Try
What sets this granola apart is its combination of hearty ingredients and a thoughtful balance of flavors. The rolled oats form a hearty base while the chopped almonds and pepitas provide rich, earthy depth and crunch. Shredded coconut adds subtle sweetness and a light chew, while cinnamon introduces a warm spice note. Maple syrup and coconut oil bind everything together and help the mixture caramelize into golden clusters as it bakes. The final result is a snackable, spoonable granola that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Health Benefits of Homemade Granola
Granola made at home offers a major health advantage over many store-bought versions. First, it’s free from preservatives and artificial additives, and you control the amount and type of sweetener used. The oats are rich in soluble fiber, which supports digestion and heart health. Almonds and pumpkin seeds provide protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals like magnesium and zinc. Coconut offers medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that can support energy levels, while cinnamon provides antioxidants. It’s also naturally dairy-free and gluten-free (when using certified oats), making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
Why Homemade is Better Than Store-Bought
The beauty of homemade granola lies in its adaptability and purity. Many commercial granolas are overly sweetened and contain processed oils, preservatives, or unwanted fillers. Making your own means you choose the quality of ingredients, can reduce added sugars, and tailor the mix to your preferences. Want more crunch? Add more nuts or bake it longer. Prefer it a bit chewy? Shorten the baking time. Don’t want dried fruit or chocolate? Leave them out. It’s a recipe that puts you fully in control of both flavor and nutrition.
Flavor Variations You Can Try
Once you master the base recipe, the possibilities are endless. You can swap almonds for pecans or walnuts, or replace pepitas with sunflower seeds. Add-ins like dried cherries, raisins, dates, or apricots offer natural sweetness and chewy contrast. Chocolate chips or cacao nibs give a dessert-like twist. For extra spice, try a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom. If you’re into savory granolas, consider adding rosemary, sea salt, or even a dash of cayenne. These adjustments can shift your granola from morning cereal to an afternoon snack or even a topping for roasted vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
There are so many ways to enjoy granola. Serve it with milk as a classic breakfast bowl, or layer it with Greek yogurt and berries for a nutritious parfait. It’s excellent on smoothie bowls for added crunch or mixed into overnight oats. You can also pack it into snack bags for on-the-go munching or sprinkle it over baked apples or ice cream for a crunchy dessert topping. Granola can even be used as a pie crust ingredient or as a topping for muffins before baking.
How to Store and Keep It Fresh
Homemade granola has a long shelf life when stored properly. Keep it in an airtight container or glass jar at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator or freezer where it can last for months without losing texture or flavor. Just be sure to let it cool completely after baking to preserve its crunch and avoid trapping moisture, which can lead to sogginess.
Great for Gifting or Meal Prep
Homemade granola is also a thoughtful and delicious gift. Pack it in a mason jar, tie it with a ribbon, and include a handwritten label—it’s the perfect gesture for holidays, birthdays, or teacher appreciation gifts. From a practical perspective, granola is ideal for meal prep. A single batch can cover several breakfasts or snacks, helping you stay nourished even on busy mornings.
Why Kids and Adults Both Love It
Granola is one of those rare recipes that appeals to all ages. Kids love the natural sweetness and crunch, especially if chocolate chips or dried fruit are included. Adults appreciate its nutrition, convenience, and how easy it is to customize. It’s also a fun recipe to make together—let kids help mix ingredients or choose the add-ins for a hands-on kitchen activity that introduces healthy eating habits.
Tips for Making the Best Granola
To get perfectly crunchy granola, make sure your mixture is spread in a single even layer on the baking sheet. Stir it only once halfway through baking if you want clusters to form. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Let the granola cool completely before transferring to storage—this step is essential for achieving that signature crisp texture. Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment. Once you get the hang of it, granola becomes less of a recipe and more of a method for creating delicious custom blends.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is adding dried fruit or chocolate before baking—they can burn or melt. Always stir these in after the granola has cooled. Another is overbaking; granola can go from golden to burnt quickly, so keep an eye on it during the final minutes. Avoid using too much sweetener or oil, which can make the mix greasy or clump excessively. And finally, make sure everything is evenly coated with the wet ingredients to ensure even browning.
Sustainability and Budget-Friendly Bonus
Granola also fits beautifully into a sustainable lifestyle. You can buy oats, seeds, and nuts in bulk, reducing packaging waste. Using reusable storage jars instead of plastic containers is another eco-friendly perk. Budget-wise, making granola at home is significantly cheaper than purchasing artisanal granola at the store—and you’re getting a fresher, better product tailored to your taste.
Perfect for Special Diets
This recipe is naturally plant-based, dairy-free, and can easily be made gluten-free. For nut allergies, you can use seeds like sunflower or hemp instead of almonds. To make it keto-friendly, swap oats with coconut flakes and use a sugar-free syrup. Whether you’re vegan, paleo, or simply looking to reduce refined sugar, this granola can adapt to suit your lifestyle.
Conclusion
Crunchy homemade granola is more than a simple pantry item—it’s a satisfying, nourishing, and flexible staple that’s easy to make and a joy to eat. It’s a great recipe to keep on hand not only for its delicious flavor and texture, but also for its many health benefits and customizable nature. Whether you stick to the base or make it your own with exciting variations, this granola is sure to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.
From its irresistible crunch to its heart-healthy ingredients, this homemade granola is a reminder that wholesome food can be both comforting and crave-worthy. So bake a batch, fill your jars, and rediscover how rewarding it is to make something this good from scratch.
