The Best Healthy Granola Recipe - Not Enough Cinnamon (2024)

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Published on Apr 9, 2019 · Last updated on Aug 24, 2021 ·

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An easy recipe to make the best homemade healthy granola. It's much cheaper than store-bought, naturally sweetened and so flavorful!

This is my basic, go-to recipe for granola. I've made it a million times (slight exaggeration here but I'm close!) and even though I love its variations (pumpkin, apple pie or chocolate! – see below) I always come back to it because it's super simple yet so good.

I believe all of us healthy foodies need a good granola recipe we can use over and over again, and I'm hoping this one will bethe one for you!

Eat your granola as a snack or for breakfast, on its own, with some milk or Greek yogurt or a smoothie topping!

Ok, let me show how we make it!

Healthy Granola Ingredients

Oats

Rolled oats, also know as old-fashioned oats, are best for granola

Nuts and Seeds

My go-to mix is almond, pecans and hazelnuts, but you can also use walnuts, cashews or any of your favorite nut.

Seeds are perfect too: think sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), flax seeds, hemp seeds and even chia seeds.

Oil

Coconut oil (refined to avoid the coconut taste, or unrefined for a very light coconut taste).

You can also use a light tasting olive oil.

Natural liquid sweeteners

Maple syrup or honey.

Spices and salt

For this basic recipe, I use cinnamon. You can also try adding ginger (no more than a teaspoon), nutmeg (just a pinch), pumpkin spice or gingerbread spice.

Don't skip the salt, it brings out the flavors.

Dried fruits

Dried cranberries, cherries, apricots, strawberries... any of your favorite dried fruits. Add them after baking.

Skip them altogether to lower the sugar content.

How to make homemade granola

Steps 1 & 2 – mix all the dry ingredients: oats, shredded coconut (optional), nuts and cinnamon.
Step 3 – add the wet ingredients (maple syrup and melted coconut oil) and mix until thoroughly combined

Steps 4 & 5 – Transfer to a lined baking sheet, spread the mixture into a thick layer (about ¾ inc – 1.5/2 cm) and with a wooden spoon, press down the granola on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6 – Bake for about 30 minutes at 300F/150C. Remove from the oven and add the dried fruits. Let it cool completelybefore breaking into pieces and storing in an air-tight container.

Tips to make clumpy granola

The granola needs to be a bit crowded on the baking sheet so it sticks together, but not so much as it won't toast nicely. A thickness of about ¾ inches is ideal.
Press the granola on the baking sheet with a wooden spoon or spatula
Don't mix your granola mid-baking. It's not only not necessary, it actually tends to break the granola clusters.
Let the granola cool completely before breaking it into pieces and storing it.
Keep the granola in the fridge to keep it crunchy and clumpy.

Granola flavor variations

Chocolate Hazelnut Granola(click for the recipe): this recipe is made with cocoa powder and hazelnuts. It reminds me of Ferrero Rochers! You can also add chocolate chips for an extra chocolate dose.
Pumpkin Granola (click for the recipe): a classic for Fall! Made with warming spice pumpkin spices and pumpkin puree.
Dates, Cashew and Honey Granola(click for the recipe): the title says it all! Sweet and delicious 🙂
Apple Pie: instead of 4 teaspoons of cinnamon, add 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon allspice, ¼ teaspoon cardamom. Use dried apples instead of cranberries.

If you tried this granola recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe below and let me know how it went in the comments – I love hearing from you! You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook for more deliciousness and behind-the-scenes!

5 from 11 votes

Healthy Granola

An easy recipe to make the best homemade healthy granola. It's much cheaper than store-bought, naturally sweetened and so flavorful!

CourseBreakfast, brunch, Snack

CuisineAmerican

Keywordbreakfast, brunch, dried fruit, granola, healthybreakfast, kid-friendly, snack

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Cooling time 15 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Servings 6 cups

Calories 513 kcal

Ingredients

2cupsrolled oatsalso known as old-fashioned oats
½cupshredded coconutunsweetened – optional
1 ½cupsnutsroughly chopped – I used a mix of almonds, hazelnuts and pecans
4teaspoonscinnamon
¼ teaspoon sea salt
&frac13;cupmaple syrup
&frac13;cupcoconut oilmelted – I used refined coconut oil to avoid the coconut taste
&frac23;cupcranberriesor your favorite dried fruits – roughly chopped if large

Instructions

Preheat oven to 300 F / 150 C degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: oats, shredded coconut, nuts, cinnamon and salt.
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Add the wet ingredients: maple syrup and coconut oil. Mix thoroughly until well combined and all the oats look wet.
Transfer on prepared baking sheet, spread the mixture into a ¾"-thick layer (about 1.5/2 cm) and with a wooden spoon, press down the granola on the prepared baking sheet.
A thick layer and pressing down the granola is key to getting clusters!
If you prefer your granola without clusters, spread the mixture as much as possible and don't press it down.
Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
All ovens are different so start checking around 20-25 minutes to make sure it doesn't burn.
Remove from the oven, spread the dried fruits on top and let it cool completely.
DO NOT TOUCH the granola before it's completely cooled down. It's key to make it crunchy and clumpy!
When cool, break it into pieces and store in an air-tight container – ideally in the fridge to keep it extra crunchy.

Recipe Notes

Flavor variations:

Chocolate Hazelnut Granola(click for the recipe): this recipe is made with cocoa powder and hazelnuts. It reminds me of Ferrero Rochers! You can also add chocolate chips for an extra chocolate dose.
Pumpkin Granola (click for the recipe): a classic for Fall! Made with warming spice pumpkin spices and pumpkin puree.
Dates, Cashew and Honey Granola(click for the recipe): the title says it all! Sweet and delicious 🙂
Apple Pie: instead of 4 teaspoons of cinnamon, add 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon allspice, ¼ teaspoon cardamom. Use dried apples instead of cranberries.

Nutrition Facts

Healthy Granola

Amount Per Serving (0.5 cup)

Calories 513Calories from Fat 297

% Daily Value*

Fat 33g51%

Saturated Fat 15g94%

Sodium 95mg4%

Potassium 398mg11%

Carbohydrates 48g16%

Fiber 9g38%

Sugar 20g22%

Protein 10g20%

Calcium 132mg13%

Iron 2.7mg15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

More granola recipes you will love:

Granola Energy Bites
Pumpkin Granola And Apple Yogurt Parfaits

UPDATE NOTE:This post was originally published onAugust 31, 2012 and republished in April 2019 with a brand new recipe, new photos and more tips.

« Paleo Lemon Curd Tart

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Reader Interactions

Comments

Diana
September 02, 2012 at 11:12 pm

Do you mean sweetened condensed milk, like I'd use for Magic Cookie Bars? That sounds intriguing. I've been making my own granola for 10-12 years now, but I like that idea. If you're interested, I have found that adding wheat germ helps the granola "clump" better. I usually make mine tropical with a lot of different nuts, banana chips, and coconut. Yummy!
- Marie
  September 04, 2012 at 10:28 pm
  
  Yes absolutely, sweetened condensed milk! It gives the granola a caramel-y and crunchy texture I love.
  Thanks for the tip, it's good to know!
Jon Finlay
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Lemon Ricotta Poppyseed Chaffles offer a delicious low carb dessert or low carb breakfast option. This is a sweet chaffle recipe that takes only 6 ingredients and one bowl! Rich ricotta makes it hearty, fresh lemon adds brightness and poppyseeds add a bit
February 22, 2015 at 12:12 pm

I normally just mix granola with cream and it it raw. I'm gonna try your suggestion and mix it with condensed milk! Thanks!
- marie
  February 27, 2015 at 11:36 am
  
  I'm glad you like this recipe Jon! 🙂
Kiki Johnson
August 05, 2018 at 4:46 pm

Oh, Marie. This granola recipe comes at the perfect time. I have a can of sweetened condensed milk left in the pantry and would love to use it for this recipe! This granola looks so crunchy!
Pam Greer
April 09, 2019 at 8:24 pm

I make homemade granola too, my recipe is a little bit different, so I can't wait to try yours! I especially love all the variations!
- Marie
  April 10, 2019 at 8:37 am
  
  Thanks Pam! Isn't homemade granola the best?!
ilona
April 09, 2019 at 8:32 pm

Love granola and I make it often at my home. I like that you made it healthy!
- Marie
  April 10, 2019 at 8:39 am
  
  It means we can eat more, right? 😉
Lisa | Garlic & Zest
April 09, 2019 at 9:00 pm

I'm definitely a fan of homemade granola for my morning yogurt, or just to carry in a ziploc bag for when I get a hankering... This sounds really wonderful!
- Marie
  April 10, 2019 at 8:35 am
  
  Thanks Lisa 🙂 I love carrying it around in a ziploc bag too!
Sophia
April 09, 2019 at 9:01 pm

Wow, I love granola but i've never thought to make it myself! Thank you for the recipe and all the possible flavor variations! Hazelnut and chocolate, yum!!
- Marie
  April 10, 2019 at 8:40 am
  
  It's so easy Sophia! Once you try it, there's no going back!
Jessica Formicola
April 09, 2019 at 9:08 pm

I could snack on this granola all day! It looks so hearty and delicious!
- Marie
  April 10, 2019 at 8:36 am
  
  Thanks Jessica! It *might* be what I do when I have a batch around hehe.
Cinnamon Vogue
April 10, 2019 at 12:21 am

It has cinnamon so two thumbs up. Don't remember when I last ate Granola but this looks so good. Adding Cinnamon is genius because not only does it cut what little sweeteners you used, it creates an amazing taste sensation with Granola. Now if you agree to use Ceylon Cinnamon we will send you a free bag of the very best organic Ceylon Cinnamon. Just e-mail us with your shipping address.
- Marie
  April 10, 2019 at 8:43 am
  
  Absolutely, cinnamon is a staple! Thanks, I will get in touch.
Ronda Olive
November 26, 2019 at 11:27 pm

Best granola recipe ever! My family loves it. Soooo yummy!
- Marie
  December 12, 2019 at 8:28 am
  
  Super happy to hear Ronda, yay!
Cynthia McKnight
January 19, 2020 at 6:46 pm

Where is the portion of the recipe that call fro sweetened condensed milk. I see comments about it, but can't find it.
- Marie
  January 19, 2020 at 7:55 pm
  
  Hey Cynthia! This post has been updated in April 2019 with a new granola recipe that doesn't include sweetened condensed milk anymore.
  - Sunny
    March 14, 2020 at 4:11 pm
    
    How many calories is just 1/2 a cup? 85.5?
    - Marie
      May 06, 2020 at 7:45 pm
      
      Hi Sunny! One cup has 85, half a cup 42. Cheers!
Janet
February 26, 2020 at 8:45 pm

This recipe turned out fabulous. I used honey, craisins, raisins, adding pumpkin seeds and chia seeds. I also increased it 1/2 as much. Love it!!
- Marie
  March 19, 2020 at 10:43 am
  
  Love the sounds of these add-ins Janet, thanks for sharing!
Mary
April 05, 2020 at 1:00 am

Hi Marie! Your recipe sounds yummy! It’s my first time making homemade granola and I only have quick oats. Have you tried it with them instead of old fashioned? Just curious if I should go ahead and make it or wait til I grocery shop again?
Thanks!
- Marie
  April 05, 2020 at 9:21 am
  
  Hi Mary! I did try with quick oats and the texture really isn't the same, it's not as good. It works if that's all you have and don't want to venture out for that, but if you're planning to go shopping anyway I would wait a bit 🙂
  - Mary
    April 05, 2020 at 5:24 pm
    
    I appreciate your feedback. Thanks so much!! Can’t wait to try😊
Angelica Blackburn
April 08, 2020 at 1:25 am

I’ve made this granola 3X now and my husband loves it. We have it with our yogurt and fresh fruit. He prefers it over store bought. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
- Marie
  April 10, 2020 at 9:19 am
  
  Such a fantastic compliment Angelica, thanks so much!
Alisa
April 09, 2020 at 4:39 pm

So delicious! I actually couldn’t wait until it cooled! But I just grabbed a couple spoonfuls!
- Marie
  April 10, 2020 at 9:20 am
  
  Haha yeah, it's hard to resist! Glad you loved it Alisa 🙂
Anabel
May 02, 2020 at 4:13 pm

Doing again and again just love it
- Marie
  May 04, 2020 at 5:32 pm
  
  Yay super happy to hear you love it Anabel 🙂
Emma Nicolls
November 10, 2020 at 7:39 am

I have made this recipe more than 10 times now. It’s so good! Instead of cinnamon I use Granola Spice from Gewurzhaus and it makes my whole house smell amazing when it’s in the oven. Thank you so much for this recipe Marie! I love it. I now give a lot of it away as gifts to friends and they love it too. I can’t wait to start trying variations with different ingredients. I’d like to try your chocolate hazelnut granola next.
- Marie
  November 25, 2020 at 10:03 pm
  
  So so happy to hear Emma! Thanks for sharing 🙂

The Best Healthy Granola Recipe - Not Enough Cinnamon (2024)

FAQs

What ingredient makes granola stick together? ›

Clumpy Granola Method: Add Egg White

The idea is that the egg's protein will help the oats bind to each other and create delicate clusters. Results: Not only does the egg white work as a glue to hold the oats together, but it also gives the granola an incredibly crispy bite.

Read The Full Story ›

What is a healthier alternative to granola? ›

The following are some healthy and tasty alternatives to Granola.

Coconut Flakes- Roasted Coconut Chips are the perfect topping to your yogurt. ...
Chia and Hemp Seeds- Chia seeds are the health world's biggest craze. ...
Dried Fruit and Nuts- The dried fruit is chewy and the nuts are crunchy, so this combo is the best.

More items...

Sep 10, 2019

Discover More Details ›

What makes granola healthy? ›

Granola is calorie-dense, as well as rich in protein, fiber, and micronutrients. In particular, it may provide iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, selenium, B vitamins, and vitamin E. However, its nutritional profile varies widely depending on the specific ingredients used.

Read On ›

What was the downside to granola as a food? ›

On the downside, granola can be high in added sugars, hidden calories, and saturated fat, making some options less healthy. Choosing the right type of granola, controlling serving sizes, and homemade options can make granola a part of a healthy diet.

Discover More Details ›

What is the best binder for granola? ›

Nut butter is a super flavorful fat that serves multiple purposes in granola. It acts as a binding agent—along with additional coconut oil and whatever natural sweetener I've chosen—helping to pull the dry ingredients together into a wet, sticky mass for baking.

What is a good binder for granola bars? ›

Chia seeds are often praised for their binding powers. In fact, they secure ingredients so well that they can even be used as an egg replacer. Adding just a spoonful of chia seeds to your favorite granola bar recipe will make a huge difference in its texture.

Is homemade granola healthier? ›

YUM! More reasons to obsess over homemade granola: Healthier: it has less sugar and is lower Calorie than anything you'll find at the store. Freezer Friendly: It will keep for months in the freezer, stored in a freezer safe bag.

Read On ›

Is it cheaper to make your own granola? ›

Is Homemade Granola Cheaper? Initially, you'll have to spend more money on homemade granola than store-bought. However, over the long run (depending on your recipe) you'll most likely spend less on making your own granola.

Read On ›

Is eating granola as healthy as eating oatmeal? ›

Both oatmeal and granola make for a healthy, nutritious breakfast, but the winner for us is granola—the added nuts, seeds, and dried fruits give you a source of fiber and healthy fats that oatmeal can't quite compete with.

Is it okay to eat granola every day? ›

Assuming you are consuming a true “serving size” of less than ½ cup of granola each day, and it isn't loaded with added sugars and fats (see next section), granola can be a part of a healthy diet.

See Details ›

How to eat granola for weight loss? ›

Tips to help granola work for your weight-loss plan

Think smaller portion size to add some nutrition and crunch. Use granola as a light topping for other healthy foods. Make a granola parfait in a bowl with Greek yogurt, antioxidant-rich berries, and a few tablespoons of granola over the top for crunchiness.

View Details ›

Why is granola so high in sugar? ›

You might be wondering: If granola is supposed to be so good for you, then why does it have so much sugar? To put it simply: Food companies (both big and small ones) add sugars and sweeteners to foods because they don't think you'll buy them otherwise.

Tell Me More ›

What to avoid in granola? ›

While granola is often considered a healthy food due to its whole grain and nut content, it can also be calorie-dense and high in added sugars and fats, particularly if it's sweetened or contains a lot of added ingredients like chocolate chips or dried fruits.

Discover More ›

Why does my stomach hurt after eating granola? ›

Eating too much fiber can lead to symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and constipation. In rare cases, people could experience a bowel obstruction or blockage. How do you keep track of your daily fiber intake?

Show Me More ›

Is granola an inflammatory food? ›

"Granolas and granola bars that are high in added sugar from sources such as corn syrup, chocolate chips, and cane sugar can contribute to inflammation. In addition to sugar, processed oils such as soybean and canola oil are commonly found in granola and granola bars, and can contribute to inflammation."

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What is the main ingredient in chewy granola bars? ›

GRANOLA (WHOLE GRAIN OATS, BROWN SUGAR, BROWN RICE CRISP [WHOLE GRAIN BROWN RICE FLOUR, SUGAR, SALT], WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT, SOYBEAN OIL, WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR, BAKING SODA, SOY LECITHIN, NONFAT DRY MILK), CORN SYRUP, BROWN RICE CRISP (WHOLE GRAIN BROWN RICE FLOUR, SUGAR, SALT), SEMISWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS (SUGAR, CHOCOLATE ...

Get More Info Here ›

How do you make granola clump after baking? ›

Overnight granola: Alternatively, bake the granola for 10 minutes at a higher temperature -- 375° F -- then turn off the oven and leave the granola in overnight. You'll end up with clusters like you've never seen them before.

Learn More ›

Why is my granola crumbly? ›

Quick oats (also known as instant oats): These oats have been cut into smaller pieces, which makes them cook faster than rolled oats. They can be used in granola, but they will not provide the same texture as rolled oats and may cause the granola to be too crumbly.

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What makes granola not GF? ›

Most granola contains oats and oats in their pure form are gluten free. However, because most oats are processed in facilities that are producing grains like wheat, barley, and rye, they can contain traces of gluten.

View Details ›