My Favorite Homemade Granola Recipe: A Wholesome Pantry Staple

If there’s one recipe I make over and over again in my kitchen, it’s this homemade granola. It’s nourishing, cozy, and endlessly versatile—perfect for breakfast bowls, snacking, or even gifting in cute jars during the holidays. There’s something deeply satisfying about a slow-baked batch of granola wafting warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger through your kitchen.

Unlike store-bought granolas, which are often overly sweetened or full of strange oils and preservatives, this recipe is clean, simple, and customizable. Plus, making it yourself allows you to control everything—from the type of fat and sweetener to your favorite mix-ins. Whether you enjoy it as cereal with milk, over Greek yogurt with fruit, or simply by the handful, this granola hits all the right notes: crunchy, gently spiced, and just sweet enough.

In today’s post, I’ll walk you through making my favorite granola recipe, highlight its health benefits, and share some creative serving ideas so you can make it your own.

Why Make Homemade Granola?

Before we get into the recipe, let’s talk about why homemade granola is worth your time.

✔️ Healthier Ingredients

This recipe features whole foods you likely already have in your pantry. It’s free of inflammatory oils and refined sugar—just a touch of honey for natural sweetness. Instead, we use real butter for richness and flavor.

✔️ Budget-Friendly

Buying quality granola can get expensive, especially if you’re looking for clean ingredients. Making it at home lets you stretch your dollars and control portion sizes.

✔️ Customizable

Do you hate raisins? Leave them out. Love extra nuts or want to add chia seeds? Go for it. This flexible base recipe adapts to your tastes or seasonal ingredients.

✔️ Smells Like Heaven

Is there anything better than the smell of cinnamon and toasted coconut slowly baking in the oven? Making granola feels like a warm hug for your home.

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The Ingredients: A Nutrient-Rich Granola

Let’s break down what’s in this nourishing granola:

• 3 ½ cups rolled oats – The heart of the recipe. Rolled oats hold their shape and toast beautifully.
• 1 cup raw almonds (sliced or slivered, skin removed) – Almonds offer healthy fats, fiber, and a satisfying crunch.
• 1 cup pecan pieces (or walnuts/cashews) – Pecans bring richness and a hint of sweetness. You can swap in other nuts depending on what’s on hand.
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes – Adds texture and tropical flavor without extra sugar.
• ½ cup raw sunflower seeds – Great source of vitamin E and magnesium.
• ½ cup raw pumpkin seeds – Also called pepitas, are rich in antioxidants and zinc.
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1½ tsp ground ginger, ½ tsp nutmeg – The spice blend here is cozy and warming, like fall in a bowl.
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter – For flavor and crispness. You could substitute coconut oil if dairy-free.
• ½ cup honey – Natural sweetness without refined sugar.
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract – Adds depth and a delicious aroma.
• ½ tsp salt – Enhances every other flavor.
• Optional Add-Ins – dried cherries, chia seeds, and dried sliced apples

Related Read: “APPLE PIE” PROTEIN SMOOTHIE: A DELICIOUS HEALTHY TREAT

How to Make Granola: Step-by-Step Instructions

This granola is low and slow-baked, which is the key to even crisping and deep toasty flavor. Here’s how it comes together:

🔥 Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large rectangular baking sheet with parchment paper. This lower oven temp may seem slow, but it’s how we achieve the perfect golden, not burnt, granola.

🥣 Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Combine the rolled oats, almonds, pecans, coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.

🍯 Step 3: Heat Wet Ingredients

Melt the butter and honey in a small saucepan over low heat until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.

🥄 Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Pour the warm honey-butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly with a rubber spatula. Make sure everything is well-coated so the granola bakes evenly.

🧺 Step 5: Bake Low & Slow

Spread the granola mixture into a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 75 minutes, gently stirring once halfway through.

❄️ Step 6: Cool & Store

Let the granola cool completely on the tray—it will crisp up as it cools. Once cooled, break it into clusters or crush it up for cereal. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks (if it lasts that long!).

Serving Ideas & Add-In Inspiration

This base recipe is delicious as-is, but it’s also a blank canvas. Here are some fun ways to enjoy and customize your granola:

🍓 Serve With:

• Greek yogurt and berries for a protein-packed breakfast
• A splash of your favorite milk (almond, oat, raw dairy, etc.)
• A dollop of cottage cheese and sliced peaches
• Vanilla ice cream or chia pudding for a crunchy topping

🌰 Optional Add-Ins (Stir In After Baking):

• Dried cherries, blueberries, cranberries, raisins, chopped dates, or dried apricots
• Dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs
• Chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra omega-3s
• Spiced apple chips or banana chips for a fruity twist

🎁 Gift It!

Spoon the cooled granola into mason jars, tie it with twine, and add a handwritten label. It makes a thoughtful hostess gift, teacher thank-you, or Christmas stocking stuffer.

Tips for Perfect Granola Every Time

1. Don’t crank up the heat. The slow bake ensures everything toasts evenly without burning.
2. Let it cool before storing. Granola crisps up as it cools, and packing it too soon can make it soggy.
3. Avoid stirring too often. For chunkier granola, stir only once during baking and let it cool undisturbed.
4. Use parchment paper. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Health Benefits of This Granola

This recipe isn’t just tasty—it’s a powerhouse of nutrients:

• Fiber from oats and seeds supports digestion and helps keep you full longer.
• Healthy fats from nuts and seeds nourish your brain and heart.
• Antioxidants from cinnamon, ginger, and nuts support your immune system.
• Protein gives lasting energy and helps balance blood sugar.

Because it’s made with whole food ingredients, you get the satisfaction of a sweet treat without the crash of refined sugars or artificial additives.

Related Read: EASY NO-BAKE PUMPKIN SPICE PROTEIN BALLS

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this granola vegan?

Yes! Swap the butter for coconut oil or avocado oil, and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.

Can I freeze granola?

You can freeze granola in a sealed container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

What kind of oats should I use?

Always use rolled oats (old-fashioned), not quick oats or steel-cut. Rolled oats give the ideal crunchy texture.

Can I reduce the sweetness?

Of course. If you prefer a less sweet granola, cut the honey to ⅓ cup or add a tablespoon or two of unsweetened applesauce for moisture.

Kelly’s Thoughts

Once you make this granola, I promise you’ll never want to go back to store-bought. It’s easy, affordable, and packed with goodness, and your home will smell incredible for hours. I love that it works as both a quick breakfast and an intentional, slow-made pantry staple—something you can batch-bake on a cozy Sunday afternoon and enjoy all week.

So grab your favorite mixing bowl, fire up your oven, and get ready to fall in love with this homemade granola. Your breakfast (and your snack drawer) will thank you.

Save or Share This Granola Recipe!

Pin this post to your Healthy Breakfast, Meal Prep, or Homemade Snacks board. Tag me @diaryofaselfhelpaddict if you try it—I’d love to see how you customize it!

Have a favorite granola mix-in or serving idea? Drop it in the comments!