Healthy Granola Recipe
This healthy granola recipe is naturally sweetened, full of real ingredients, and delivers big, crunchy clusters every time. It’s easy to make, totally customizable, and perfect for breakfast, snacking, or topping smoothie bowls.
Ingredients
For the base
- 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats use certified gluten-free if needed
- 1.5 cups raw nuts or seeds e.g. 1 cup pecans + ½ cup pepitas
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt reduce to ¾ tsp if using table salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the coating
- 0.5 cup melted coconut oil or olive oil use coconut oil for a hint of sweetness
- 0.5 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the mix-ins
- 0.67 cup dried fruit chopped if large; e.g. cranberries, raisins, apricots
Optional extras
- 0.5 cup chocolate chips or unsweetened coconut flakes add after baking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, nuts/seeds, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Add melted coconut oil or olive oil, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract. Stir until evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet. Press it down firmly with a spatula to form a compact layer.
- Bake for 21 to 24 minutes, stirring once halfway through. After stirring, press down again to help form clumps. Remove when golden.
- Let the granola cool completely on the pan without touching for at least 45 minutes to form clusters.
- Once cooled, add dried fruit and optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or coconut flakes.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or freeze for up to three months.
Notes
For extra clumpy granola, don’t over-stir, press the mixture flat before and after baking, and let it cool undisturbed.
Use gluten-free oats to make this recipe celiac-safe, and maple syrup for a fully vegan version.
Seasonal variations: Try pumpkin spice and dried apples in fall, or lemon zest and blueberries in spring.
Serves: 16
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: ½ cupServes: 16
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
| Calories | 251 | - |
| Total Fat | 11.7g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 6.3g | - |
| Trans Fat | 0g | - |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.6g | - |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3.1g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 134.4mg | 6% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 29.9g | 11% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8g | 13% |
| Sugars | 11g | - |
| Protein | 3.8g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 0% | |
| Vitamin C | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2% | |
| Iron | 7% | |
| Vitamin D | 0% | |
| Magnesium | 15% | |
| Potassium | 3% | |
| Zinc | 6% | |
| Phosphorus | 30% | |
| Thiamin (B1) | 19% | |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 10% | |
| Niacin (B3) | 1% | |
| Vitamin B6 | 1% | |
| Folic Acid (B9) | 0% | |
| Vitamin B12 | 0% | |
| Vitamin E | 2% | |
| Vitamin K | 1% |