Easy To Make Homemade Granola

Granola is the perfect breakfast food whether it is served over thick creamy Greek yogurt, sprinkled over fresh fruit, or eaten by itself. Crunchy, sweet, but not too sweet, and completely customizable to fit your preference, granola is my go-to for breakfast or even for a mid-afternoon snack. 

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The problems I always find with store-bought granola is how expensive a small bag costs or there aren't enough of the added mix-ins like raisins, nuts, and other seeds I thought I was paying the big bucks for. This can be so disappointing and it is what led me to start making my own homemade granola. 

At first, I was a little intimidated by making my own granola but after that first batch, I was hooked! It is so easy to make and completely customizable too. Want more walnuts or dried cranberries? Done! No more barely-there mix-ins because my homemade granola is overflowing with the added extras - just the way I like it. 

Making Your Own Homemade Granola is Easy

Making your own granola is also very budget-friendly even if you add extra mix-ins to suit our tastebuds. Our family loves to eat granola for breakfast and it seemed that the store-bought bags would be gobbled up and empty in less than a day. Now that I made my own granola I can make an extra big batch that doesn't even come close to the cost of what I would have to spend for the same amount at the store and not get upset when it gets eaten up. 

Since this simple recipe has just a few ingredients I don't have to worry about what hidden or unhealthy ingredients my family is consuming. Bonus - this recipe is also gluten-free and dairy-free for anyone with those dietary sensitivities.  

Granola Basics

Dry Ingredient Options

The dry ingredients are first. The base for granola is rolled oats. It is up to you if you want to use quick cook or old fashioned. I've tried both and they both turn out great. If you are gluten-free make sure to check that the oats you are using are certified gluten-free.

Nuts are a common mix-in in most granolas. If you have a nut allergy it is ok to leave them out but if you are a nut lover like my family then the more the better. You can use walnuts, pecans, peanuts, and almonds. It is best to roughly chop them before mixing them into the oats so that chewing them is easier and the texture doesn't contain huge whole nuts. 

Here are some other ideas for mixing into your granola too:

• sesame seeds
• flax seeds
• sunflower seeds
• rice cereal (Rice Krispies)
• raisins
• dried cranberries
• dried blueberries
• dried apricots (diced)
• dried bananas 
• chocolate chips

I would recommend adding the dried fruits after the baking process otherwise they have a tendency to turn rock hard. Also, don't add the chocolate until the granola is completely cool otherwise it will become a melted mess (I may or may not have learned this lesson the hard way)!

I like to flavor the dry ingredients with good quality cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt before combining with the wet ingredients. These spices are completely optional too. If you like a little "kick" to your granola you could even add a pinch of cayenne to give your granola some heat.

Wet Ingredients Options

After you have settled on the dry ingredients it is time to work on the wet ingredients. Did you know that the wet ingredients are customizable too? Yeah! Feel free to experiment with flavors you like.

The base of the wet ingredients is honey or real maple syrup and coconut oil (or vegetable oil if you prefer). Here are some additional wet flavors you could add to this to customize your granola:

• Peanut butter
• Molasses
• Vanilla extract - or another flavor of your liking
• Carmel
• Chocolate (dark or semi-sweet)

This morning I added in molasses and boy does my kitchen smell amazing! 

By now I'm sure you are ready for the recipe so go pre-heat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and let's get started.

Here is the PRINTABLE version of this recipe!

Easy Homemade Breakfast Granola

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats

• 1 cup rice cereal (optional)

• 1 cup chopped nuts (peanuts, walnuts, almonds or pecans)

• 1/4 cup coconut oil (or vegetable oil)

• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup

• 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

• 2 Tablespoons molasses (optional)

• 1/2 cup peanut butter

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. 

1. In a large bowl mix the dry ingredients* together including the salt and cinnamon.

2. In a separate microwavable safe bowl add the oil, peanut butter, molasses, and honey. Microwave for 1 minute on high then stir. If the ingredients aren't completely melted microwave for additional 30-second intervals until completely melted. 

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir to thoroughly combine. Spread the mixture onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. 

4. Bake 20-25 minutes. Let cool completely before serving. Store in an air-tight container.

*Add in your favorite mix-ins with the wet ingredients except for any dried fruit which should be added after baking the granola. Also, customize the flavor to your liking by using the suggestions above. 

Now wasn't that easy? Feel free to double this recipe too. What mix-ins do you like in your granola? Do you prefer granola for breakfast or as a snack? Let me know your thoughts in the comments. 

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