Quick Homemade Granola

~No more store-bought~

Here’s an easy homemade granola recipe that’s great for a quick snack or a crunchy, energizing breakfast. Unlike store-bought granola, which often contains high amounts of sugar, refined oils, and additives, this version is made with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about. It’s naturally sweetened, full of fiber and healthy fats, and easy to customize with your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. Make a batch, keep it on hand, and enjoy it anytime – on yogurt, in smoothie bowls, or just like me – straight from the jar.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Crunchy & flavorful – perfect clusters of oats, nuts, and quinoa.
• Homemade – no more store-bought granola with unhelathy additives
• Naturally sweetened – no refined sugar, just maple syrup and almond butter.
• Quick & easy – ready in just 25 minutes.
• Highly versatile – enjoy it with yogurt, milk, smoothie bowls, or straight from the jar.
• Vegan & gluten-free – fits a variety of diets.

Ingredients & Benefits

• Rolled oats – a good source of fiber, slow-release carbs, and plant-based protein. Search for the gluten-free label!
• Sliced almonds – add crunch, healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E.
• Puffed quinoa – boosts protein content and adds a fun, airy texture.
• Flax seeds – rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and lignans for heart health.
• Maple syrup – naturally sweet, adds flavor without refined sugar.
• Almond butter – creamy texture, healthy fats, protein, and a nutty flavor. Another variety is hazelnut butter – I just love it!
• Coconut oil– helps the granola hold together and adds a hint of tropical flavor.
• Vanilla extract – enhances sweetness and aroma naturally – your house will smell like heaven
• Cinnamon – warm spice, supports digestion and adds cozy flavor – very, very optional here!
• Sea salt – balances sweetness and enhances all flavors. For the best results, use a high-quality sea salt, such as Maldon.
• Dried fruit– adds natural sweetnes, fiber, and micronutrients. Cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates or even dried figs work beautifully. Get creative and experiment with your favorite combinations!

Total time: 25 min | Servings: 5-6 | Difficulty: easy

Ingredients:

• 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats 
• ½ cup sliced almonds
• ½ puffed quinoa
• ¼ cup flax seeds
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup almond butter (or any other nut butter)
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• ½ cup your favorite dried fruit (I like adding cranberries)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, sliced almonds, puffed quinoa, flaxseeds, cinnamon, and sea salt.
3. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the almond butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil together, stirring until smooth.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until everything is well-coated.
6. Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing it down lightly to form clusters.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden and fragrant.
8. Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, gently fold in the dried fruit.
9. Store the granola in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Tips

1. Press for clusters: After spreading the granola on the baking sheet, press it down lightly with a spatula. This helps form clusters that hold together once baked.
2. Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the granola in the last 5 minutes—it should be golden but not burnt. It will crisp up as it cools!!!
3. Cool completely before adding dried fruit: Adding dried fruit too early can make it sticky or chewy. Fold it in only after the granola has cooled.

Swaps and Alternatives

• Nut allergies? Swap almonds and almond butter for sunflower seeds and sunflower seed butter.
• Different dried fruit: Try apricots, blueberries, or cherries.
• Sweetener alternative: Use agave syrup.
• Oil alternative: Swap coconut oil for avocado oil or another neutral oil.

Nutrition

Approximate per 100 g: Calories: 456 kcal | Protein: 11 g | Carbohydrates: 50 g (17 g sugar) | Fiber: 7 g | Fat: 22 g

Dietary info

Gluten Free | Vegan | Lactose Free