Easy Homemade Granola Recipe

This Easy Homemade Granola recipe beats the store-bought alternatives in both freshness and taste. Only FIVE ingredients to mix and bake and in no time, you’ll have a wholesome and delicious breakfast or snack option.

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Overhead image of a bowl of easy homemade granola.

Looking for a healthier version of Quaker Harvest Crunch? This Easy Homemade Granola is it! Love granola? You might also enjoy this yummy Honey Nut Granola and this filling Protein Granola recipe.

Why YOU will love this recipe

  • This is the best granola recipe to customize. It works as a great base recipe.
  • Homemade means total control of the quality of your ingredients and reducing added sodium and sugar. It will also taste much fresher than store-bought granola.
  • These are sweet and crunchy clusters of deliciousness to top your Greek yogurt for breakfast or to enjoy by the handful as a snack. They are packed with healthy complex carbohydrates to keep your energy running.
  • This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free. Bonus!
A bowl of easy homemade granola on a wooden table.

Ingredients

Find the full ingredient list, with measurements, in the recipe card below.

  • oats – Based on my firsthand experience, I prefer to use the large flake sprouted rolled oats for granola. They have a better texture and lend a nuttier flavor than quick-cooking oats. Look for certified gluten-free oats on the label if there are allergy concerns.
  • peanut butter – Our peanut butter of choice is the drippy, crunchy natural variety, meaning the label says “peanuts” and that is it.
  • maple syrup – Try to choose real maple syrup. The alternative is actually maple-flavored sugar and is more highly processed.
  • cinnamon – This adds a lovely warmth and depth of flavor to your granola.
  • fine sea salt – A pinch of salt brings out the taste in all of your ingredients and is an essential component.
Ingredients on a counter.

Equipment

  • saucepan
  • mixing bowl
  • baking pan – We use a rimmed baking sheet.
  • parchment paper – This is a must for easy clean up. We recommend unbleached parchment paper.
  • flat spatula – This is useful for flipping the granola while it is cooking and for pressing on afterward to help create clusters.

Instructions

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom for the FULL recipe details.

Step 1

Start by preheating the oven and lining the baking sheet with parchment paper. Set the baking sheet aside.

Step 2

Next, in a large bowl, stir together the dry ingredients and set the bowl aside.

Dry ingredients being stirred in a bowl.

Step 3

Then, in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt together the wet ingredients – peanut butter, and maple syrup.

Stir until it is a smooth mixture.

Peanut butter and maple syrup being stirred together in a saucepan.

Step 4

Next, add the peanut butter mixture to the mixing bowl with the oats.

Stir it well until the oats are coated and everything is combined.

Wet and dry ingredients being stirred together in a bowl.

Step 5

Then, spread the mixture into a single layer on the prepared parchment-lined sheet.

Press it down evenly with a flat spatula.

Ingredients pressed into a baking pan.

Step 6

Finally, pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake until golden. It takes about 15 minutes.

Flip the granola over at the halfway point to ensure it bakes evenly. Keep your eyes on it towards the end of the cooking time so it doesn’t burn.

Baked granola on a sheet.

Step 7

Once it comes out of the oven, press it down firmly again with the flat spatula, and don’t touch it until it has completely cooled to room temperature.

This will help to form those yummy, crunchy clusters.

A flat spatula pressing down on warm oat mixture.

Expert tip

Once you have opened and stirred a fresh peanut butter jar, store it upside down in your fridge. This will prevent the oil from settling on the bottom and will help to keep the peanut butter smooth and soft instead of a hard, solid chunk.

This makes it much easier for the next batch of granola you make!

A bowl of easy homemade granola with a glass of milk behind it.

Recipe variations

  • Add dried fruits like raisins, apricots, cherries, or dried cranberries to the warm granola right when it comes out of the oven and press it in for a chewy texture and a sweet pop.
  • Create a cozy vibe by adding some vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture before baking. It smells heavenly while it bakes.
  • Toss in a handful of dark chocolate chips for a rich cocoa flavor. Be sure to do this after the granola has cooled so the chocolate does not melt.
  • Give the granola a bit of crunch by incorporating nuts and seeds like pecans, walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Whatever you have in the pantry!
  • Boost the nutrition and fiber by sprinkling in some ground flaxseed with the oats before baking.

Serving suggestions

  • Set out a bowl for everyone to snack on. It won’t last long. Trust me.
  • A favorite way to enjoy granola is in a healthy breakfast parfait. Crumble the clusters on top of these delicious healthy yogurt bowls!
  • Create a homemade breakfast cereal by adding a splash of cold milk to the bowl. Use homemade hemp milk or almond milk as plant-based substitutes. Top it with some fresh berries.

FAQS

Is homemade granola healthy?

It can be a healthy option, however, this all depends on the ingredients. With homemade granola, you can avoid the addition of excessive sugars and unhealthy fats and instead choose wholesome ingredients.

Is it cheaper to make homemade granola?

Up front, there is an initial investment in the ingredients but after that you can bake a number of batches, making this a more economical way to enjoy granola. Not to mention the end result will always taste fresh.

Overhead image of a bowl of easy homemade granola.

Storage tips

  • Store this granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
  • Homemade granola can also be frozen for longer storage. Wait until the granola has completely cooled then place it in a zip-top freezer bag. Squeeze out all of the air you can before sealing and freezing it for up to 6 months.

More homemade granola recipes

A glass of gluten free granola layered with yogurt.

Gluten Free Granola

Read More Gluten Free Granola
a stack of vegan granola bars.

Chewy Vegan Granola Bars

Read More Chewy Vegan Granola Bars
A jar of peanut butter granola.

Peanut Butter Granola

Read More Peanut Butter Granola
a scoop of vanilla almond granola.

Vanilla Almond Granola

Read More Vanilla Almond Granola

**This recipe was originally posted on September 4, 2013. Updated on January 16, 2020, and updated again on September 28, 2023, with recipe notes, writing, and photos.**

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Overhead image of a bowl of easy homemade granola.

Easy Homemade Granola Recipe

Sharon Rhodes
This Easy Homemade Granola recipe beats the store-bought alternatives in both freshness and taste. Only FIVE ingredients to mix and bake and in no time, you'll have a wholesome and delicious breakfast or snack option.
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cool 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 304 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 325° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • Next, in a large bowl, stir together the oats, cinnamon, and salt and set aside.
  • Then, in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt together the peanut butter, and maple syrup. Stir until smooth and combined.
  • Next, pour the peanut butter mixture into the bowl with the oats and mix it all together well.
  • Then, spread the mixture into a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Press down firmly on it with a flat spatula. and bake for about 15 minutes. Let it cool on the sheet for about 15 minutes for it to firm up
  • Bake for about 15 minutes, flipping the mixture halfway through the baking time. Keep an eye on the granola towards the end to be sure it isn't burning.
  • Take the baking sheet out of the oven and press down on the mixture once again while it is still hot. Then let it cool completely in the pan, without touching it.
  • Break into clusters and enjoy.

Video

Notes

  • Store this granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
  • Homemade granola can also be frozen for longer storage. Wait until the granola has completely cooled then place it in a zip-top freezer bag. Squeeze out all of the air you can before sealing and freezing it for up to 6 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 304kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 9gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 77mgPotassium: 295mgFiber: 5gSugar: 13gCalcium: 56mgIron: 2.1mg
Keyword easy homemade granola
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13 Comments

  1. I believe I hold the world record for eating Quaker Harvest Crunch. I ate this cereal every day for breakfast and also for snacking with or without cold milk. I moved out of North America in 2009, since than I have been looking for it. Often it isn’t available and extreamly expensive. Now that I have the recipe I shall make it home. Thank you.

  2. 5 stars
    Very tasty
    I always double it and usually add sunflower seeds, coconut. Or golden raisins and pumpkin seeds, or currants .. I’ve made it 3 x and it disappears every time.

  3. Hello, First Sorry for my Bad english, I Live in Venezuela, I´m fan of the Quaker Granola and many years ago I buy but now its very hard to find, I searching in Internet one copycat recipe but was impossible since today…. YOUR recipe is more delicious that original, I replaced Maple syrup with honey, This granola is Awesome and Cheaper, Thank you very much, Greetings and Graceful.

    1. Hey Ivan! So nice to have you all the way from Venezuela! 🙂 Thanks so much for the lovely comment. I’m happy to have reunited you with the granola taste you love. Isn’t it so much better when you make your own? Have a fabulous week! 🙂

  4. Thank you so much for this recipe, it is definitely going in the archives! We just made it exactly as you have written. My boys couldn’t keep their hands out, it is still cooling ~ and it’s almost gone! With a family of 5 ~ 3 boys, hubby and myself ~ it won’t last long… I am definitely making a quadruple batch! When it’s time to go back to school I will attempt a substitution with with sun-butter, as their school is nut free! Thank you.

    1. Hey Shaina! So glad you liked the granola. Opinions from the kids are always the most honest, so I’m glad they are gobbling it up. 🙂 Sunbutter sounds like a great idea!

  5. Hi,

    I remember many years ago, eating homemade granola and it was the best thing I had ever eaten!!
    If you could direct me to such recipes, I would be forever grateful. I would be happy to pay for some super recipes that I am reading about. Certainly granola!!!
    Cheers,
    Randy

  6. Thank you so very much for this recipe! I too love Quaker Harvest Crunch, but, as I live in Australia, I very rarely can buy it. I tried this today and it was great! My wife was even impressed. Thanks again.

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