Granola is such an easy breakfast to eat every day, and there are so many added ingredients and a ton of sugar in the ones you can buy. Eating store bought granola will leave you with a sugar crash soon after you’ve eaten it. So why not do homemade granola instead?
This is one of my go to recipes for granola, whether I want a topping to yogurt or a breakfast cereal. The great thing about homemade granola is it’s so modifiable, you can make it as sweet or savory as you want!
Another thing I love to do with my granola is to mix it in with another single ingredient cereal that not only adds bulk to the meal, but can also add extra protein to keep you full and alert for longer! Things that I typically mix in with my breakfast granola are quinoa puffs or puffed rice.
This is a recipe I’ve modified from my one home ec class that I took many years ago. Before learning about this recipe, I hadn’t been eating cereal because none fit with my dietary restrictions (see corn free diet).
Ingredients
I’ll start with the main ingredients, and then alternatives for either making it fit a dietary restriction or give it a different flavor!
These ingredients are listed out for a smaller amount (about 4 cups of granola) but can easily be doubled or tripled if you want to make more at once!
The key ingredients you’ll need include: 3 cups oats, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/3 cup liquid sweetener, 1/4 cup sunflower oil.
For flavorings you’ll want a dash of vanilla extract, cinnamon, and optional: nutmeg, cloves, allspice. If you want a bit of extra at the end, add in your choice of chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit!
That’s it! This recipe is so easy. And modifiable, so long as you have oats, oil, and a liquid sugar.
Dietary Restriction Alternatives
There are so many ways to make this recipe work for so many dietary restrictions.
Have a gluten intolerance? Use gluten free oats.
I prefer to use honey in this recipe, but if you want to make this a vegan recipe, just use maple syrup! If you want to make this even lower sugar than it already is, just use less sweetener. I’ve done it with much less and it’s fine!
Vanilla extract can be made with corn, so you could use homemade vanilla or just skip it!
Flavor Alternatives
There are about a million different ways to go with flavoring this homemade granola, which is what makes it so you won’t ever get tired of it. Just change the flavor of it!
The traditional version of this I do is cinnamon spice – 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp allspice, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp cloves.
Make it almond flavored – skip all of the spices, use a tablespoon of almond extract, and add in almond slices 5 minutes before cooking is done!
Or make it chocolate flavored! This is another favorite flavor in my house. Instead of the spices, add in about 3 tbsp cocoa powder. I like to add in a little extra vanilla extract when making this version too!
How To Make The Homemade Granola:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to put together (if that much time even) and about 30-40 minutes to cook!
Start by preheating the oven to 315F (about 160C). Prepare a sheet tray with parchment paper, set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, your choice of spice/flavors, and salt.
In a smaller bowl, combine the liquid sweetener, sunflower oil, and vanilla extract. If you’re using a thick honey, maybe microwave it until it’s runny!
Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until evenly covered.
Spread the mixture onto the prepared sheet evenly (if you do a really thick layer, it might not cook evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring about every 10-15 minutes (so it doesn’t burn). If you’re using nuts, add about 5-10 minutes before you’re done cooking.
Allow it to cool on the tray, and then store in an airtight container for up to a month. Enjoy!
Recipe
Homemade Granola
Notes
This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled, and make it to your flavor and sweetness preference!
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats (not instant)
- 1/2 tsp for each spice of your choice – cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, allspice, OR 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup liquid sweetener – honey, molasses, maple syrup
- 1/4 cup sunflower (or other vegetable) oil
- 1 tsp vanilla or almond extract
- Additions (all optional)
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped raw or toasted nuts or seeds
- 1/4 cup coconut
- 1/2 cup small-dice fruit
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 315F. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the oats, spices, and salt together in a large bowl.
- In a smaller bowl, combine the sweetener, oil, and extract (you might have to heat up the sweetener to make it liquid). Pour over the oat mixture and combine until the oats are coated.
- Spread the mixture in a thin, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through the bake time. If the nuts are raw, add them at the halfway point. Cool the granola to room temperature.
- Store the granola in an airtight container for up to a month.
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Granola
Serves: 6
|
Amount Per Serving: 1/2 cup
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 331 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 15.9g | 23.1% | |
| Saturated Fat 1.7g | 5% | |
| Trans Fat 0 | ||
| Cholesterol 0 | 0 | |
| Sodium 102mg | 4.3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 41.6g | 13.7% | |
| Dietary Fiber 5.3g | 20% | |
| Sugars 11.3g | ||
| Protein 7.1g | ||
| Vitamin A | Vitamin C | |
| Calcium 58mg | Iron 2mg | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
A Food Mood
Want other ideas for extra oats in your pantry? Check out some of my pancake recipes.
Sooo yummy