Easy Homemade Healthy Granola

This easy homemade healthy granola is a delicious combination of oats, nuts, cranberries, vanilla, cinnamon, and maple syrup. I love adding granola to my yogurt for a healthy snack or treat.

If you are trying to eat healthier, making your own granola is the way to go. Most store bought granola is filled with sugars or other ingredients.

Old Fashion Oats

Old-fashioned oats:  You will want to make sure and get this and not Quick Oats. Quick oats will give off a different texture. I have tried both. If you need gluten-free granola just get the GF old fashion oats.

Nuts & Seeds

This is what I use in my granola recipe, but feel free to replace with any nut or seed.

• Sliced Almond Nuts: Thinly sliced almonds which are perfect for baking. Almonds contain lots of healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium, and vitamin E.
• Pepitas: These are seeds without a hull. They are found in specific types of pumpkins such as oilseed pumpkins and Styrian pumpkins. They are a good source of protein and healthy fats.  
• Chia seeds: These are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and they provide fiber, iron, and calcium. Feel free to omit them if you prefer.

Real Maple Syrup or Honey

These act as a natural sweetener. You can choose which one you prefer. I used maple syrup in this recipe.

Coconut Oil – Melted

Use an unrefined oil when making this recipe. I like using virgin coconut oil in. I just melt about two large spoonfuls in the microwave and it makes about 1/8 cup. You may need 1/8 cup of melted coconut oil for this recipe.

Ground Cinnamon & Vanilla Extract

Both of these ingredients will add a delicious flavor to your granola.

How to make:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
• Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl and set aside.
• Melt coconut oil in a large measuring cup. This will make it easy to pour over the dry ingredients.
• Add the maple syrup and vanilla extract to the measuring cup with the melted coconut oil. Mix well.
• Pour wet ingredients into the dry mixture and mix well.
• Pour granola mixture onto the baking sheet and spread evenly.
• Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
• Let the granola cool and store in an airtight container or glass jar at room temperature for 1-2 weeks. Or freeze in a sealed freezer bag or a stasher bag for up to 3 months

Try adding this homemade granola to my Yogurt Parfait recipe. You can see it here.

Note: This recipe makes approximately 3 cups of granola.