RECIPE: How to Make Homemade Granola
For years, I have intended to try making homemade granola. A couple months ago, I started experimenting with various recipes and now I’m not going back to store bought granola! Homemade granola is easy to make and it’s fun to customize the recipe to suit your own tastes.
The recipe below uses old-fashioned oats, a mixture of nuts and seeds (I use pecans, sliced almonds, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds) cinnamon, honey, a bit of olive oil, and vanilla. After baking, I add some raisins to the granola. It’s easy to substitute your favorite types of nuts, seeds or dried fruit.
Keep reading for step-by-step directions and photos. And, download the free PDF recipe below! Pin the image below to your Pinterest recipe board.
This granola recipe makes about 8+ cups.
Allow about 10 minute preparation time and 20 - 25 minutes baking time.
INGREDIENTS FOR HOMEMADE GRANOLA:
4 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats, uncooked
1 ½ cups raw nuts and seeds (any combination of raw pecans, sliced unroasted almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc.)
1 tablespoon flax seed*
1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup light olive oil
1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup raisins (or other dried fruit such as cranberries)
*Store flax seed in the refrigerator after opening package.
I use old-fashioned, uncooked Quaker Oats which are available in the cereal department of the grocery store. Trader Joe’s has a great selection of nuts and dried fruit. Since I bake quite a bit, I’ve found that Costco is a great option for purchasing a large bottle of vanilla extract.
Ingredients to make homemade granola include: old-fashioned oats, nuts, seeds, flax seed, cinnamon, honey, olive oil, vanilla and raisins.
This OXO Good Grips 4.4 quart food container is perfect for storing bulk purchased old-fashioned oats… as well as flour, sugar or foods. These attractive, well designed containers are also available in a set of 3 with the handy scoops included.
OTHER SUPPLIES NEEDED TO MAKE GRANOLA:
To make homemade granola, you will need basic baking tools such as a large bowl and measuring cups, as well as a large baking pan and parchment paper. Click the affiliate links below to shop for supplies needed.
Spatula or large spoon
Airtight 3.4 quart cereal storage container or gallon size resealable plastic bag
DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING GRANOLA:
Preheat oven to 350° F (about 176° C).
Line 12” x 17” rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. (Be sure to cover the baking pan with parchment paper so the sweet ingredients stick to the oats, not the pan.)
In a large mixing bowl combine oats, nuts, seeds, salt and cinnamon. In a small bowl combine olive oil, honey and vanilla. Pour over dry ingredients. Mix together with a spatula, stirring well to coat the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients.
Mix the honey, olive oil and vanilla together and then pour over the dry ingredients. Mix well with a spatula to evenly coat the oats and nuts.
Pour granola mixture onto the parchment paper covered baking pan. Use a spatula to spread mixture in an even layer.
Spread the prepared granola mixture evenly on the parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Place in oven and bake 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Stir granola and spread evenly across baking sheet. Return pan to oven. Bake for 10 - 13 more minutes. (20 - 23 minutes total baking time.) Do not bake too long as the nuts may burn. Remove from oven when granola is lightly golden brown.
Allow granola to cool completely, undisturbed on baking pan, for approximately 40 minutes.
Remove granola from the oven when it is lightly golden brown.
Sprinkle dried fruit on top of cooled granola.
Add raisins or other dried fruit after baking.
Use a large spoon to gently loosen and break granola into small pieces.
Store the granola in an airtight container (or resealable gallon size plastic bag) at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks.
Granola can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months in sealed bag. Allow granola to warm to room temperature for 10 - 15 minutes before serving.
This Oxo airtight 3.4 quart cereal storage container is the perfect size to store one batch of homemade granola.
Serve granola at room temperature. Enjoy it for breakfast in a bowl with milk… my favorite! Or, add a bit of crunch to a bowl of yogurt and fruit by sprinkling some homemade granola on top.
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Have a great day!
