You will love this homemade granola recipe. It’s simple to make, wholesome, and full of flavor — it will even make your kitchen smell irresistible. Enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or wrapped as a thoughtful gift.
This recipe is a favorite of my dear friend Marcella, who is in her eighties. After she gave me a bag of this crunchy granola, I knew I had to pass it along. It delivers the ideal crunch and a balanced sweetness, and it’s loved by everyone who tries it.
Why You’ll Love This Granola Recipe
I’ve tried many store-bought granolas, but this homemade version stands out. It’s easy, versatile, and consistently delicious.
- Perfect texture. This recipe avoids heavy binders and stays light and crunchy.
- Quick and simple. Combine dry ingredients, whisk together the wet ingredients, mix, and bake for about 20–25 minutes.
- Healthy and customizable. With simple pantry ingredients, you can tailor it to your taste — add dried fruit, chocolate chips, or leave it plain.
Simple Ingredients
This healthy granola uses common pantry staples and a handful of optional add-ins.
- Rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, or a mix)
- Shredded coconut or coconut flakes
- Brown sugar (packed)
- Sunflower seeds
- Salt (sea salt preferred)
- Neutral oil (coconut, avocado, sunflower, or canola)
- Honey
- Vanilla extract
See the recipe card further down for exact quantities and full instructions.
How to Make Homemade Granola
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients together — oats, seeds, nuts, coconut, brown sugar, and salt. Reserve any dried fruit for later.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the oil, honey, and vanilla. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the granola in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake 20–25 minutes, until golden. Every 5 minutes, gently lift the edges and fold toward the center to promote even browning and cluster formation. Avoid overbaking.
- Remove from the oven and stir in any dried fruit if using. Let the granola cool on the sheet — it will crisp up as it cools. Once cooled, store in an airtight container.
Top Tips
- Control the clusters. For small clusters, stir during baking every 5 minutes. For large clusters, press the mixture into a 1-inch thick oval for the first 15 minutes, remove briefly to break it apart gently, then bake the remaining time.
- Let it cool. Granola continues to crisp as it cools — wait about 15 minutes on the pan before serving or storing.
- Add dried fruit after baking. This prevents dried fruit from drying out or burning in the oven and keeps it soft and chewy.
Granola Variations
This base recipe is delicious as written, but you can personalize it with a few additions. Add any one or a combination of:
- Raisins
- Dried cranberries
- Chopped dates
- Chopped dried apricots
- Chocolate chips (stir in after baking)
Always add dried fruit or chocolate after baking to preserve texture.
Serving Suggestions
This granola is great straight from the jar or used in many ways. A few ideas:
Breakfast & Dessert
- Serve with yogurt and fresh fruit for a breakfast or brunch bar
- Pair with apple slices and nut butter
- Top oatmeal or smoothie bowls
- Enjoy with milk like cereal
- Layer with yogurt for parfaits to go
- Add crunch to French toast or roll fruit in nut butter and coat with granola
- Fold into muffin, brownie, or cake batter for added texture
- Make frozen yogurt bites by mixing yogurt, granola, and berries, then freezing small clusters
Lunch & Dinner
- Sprinkle over cottage cheese
- Add a handful to salads for a sweet, crunchy contrast
- Use as a topping for grain or greens bowls
- Sprinkle on roasted vegetables for a textured finish
Whichever way you enjoy it, this homemade granola reliably delivers great flavor and texture.
How Long Does Homemade Granola Stay Fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, homemade granola will stay fresh for about a month. If you freeze it in a sealed container, it can keep for up to six months.
Make a batch and keep it on hand for quick breakfasts, snacks, or special occasions like showers and holidays — it also makes a lovely homemade gift.
More delicious sweet recipes for you
Easy “Crack” Lemon Bars (Winning Recipe)
Easy Almond Sponge Cake with Italian Cream
Italian Crumble Cake with Jam Filling
Puff Pastry Filled with Italian Cream
Flan Recipe
Italian Crumble Cake Pastry Cream Filling
Kefir Honey Panna Cotta (Easy)
This golden granola is one you’ll return to again and again whenever you want a crunchy, homemade snack.
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Marcella’s Best Homemade Granola
Rate
Ingredients
- 6 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup sesame seeds
- 1 cup chopped nuts of choice (walnuts, pecans, and/or almonds)
- 1 cup coconut flakes
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup sunflower seeds
- ½ cup neutral oil (such as sunflower, canola, or avocado)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or other dried fruit of choice (add after baking)
Instructions
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Spray a large baking sheet and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl (reserve dried fruit, if using).
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Whisk oil, honey, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Pour over the dry mixture and stir to coat. Spread evenly on the prepared sheet and bake 20–25 minutes until golden, folding and redistributing the granola every 5 minutes for even browning. Remove, stir in dried fruit if desired, and cool completely on the sheet before storing in an airtight container.
Notes
- Cluster control: For small clusters, stir the granola during baking every 5 minutes. For large clusters, press the mixture into a 1-inch oval for the first 15 minutes, then break it gently and finish baking.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.