One of my favorite things is plain Greek yogurt with granola and berries. I eat it for breakfast, lunch, snacks – any time of the day. But just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, I started making my own granola – now it’s perfection! The granola is easy, healthy, nothing artificial and just the right amount of sweet!
I searched granola recipes and adapted each one I tried. Eventually, I found the perfect combination of ingredients for my taste. It’s clean and healthy with nothing artificial. There are so many ways you can customize this for your own taste. And so many ways to use it!
I use half avocado oil, half melted coconut oil and like the combination. If you only have one of the two – either would work on its own. I also use half maple syrup, half honey as my sweetener. I really like the flavors together. Again, you could use just one or the other. (Just remember to double it)
Delicious and creative ways to use homemade granola
- Yogurt Parfait – Layer with Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of honey.
- Snack by the Handful – Just as it is, a perfect crunchy snack.
- Smoothie Bowl Topping – Adds crunch and texture to a creamy bowl.
- Ice Cream Topping – Sprinkle on vanilla, chocolate, or fruit-based ice cream for extra flavor.
- Baked Fruit Crisp Topping – Use granola as a shortcut topping for baked apples or berries.
- Trail Mix Base – Mix with dried fruit, nuts, and chocolate chips.
- Cereal Substitute – Serve with milk or a milk alternative.
- Pancake or Waffle Topping – Sprinkle on top with maple syrup for crunch.
- Baked into Muffins – Fold into batter or use as a crumble topping.
- Coating for Baked Apples or Bananas – Roll fruit in honey, then granola, and bake.
- Energy Balls – Mix with nut butter and honey, roll into bite-sized snacks.
- Sprinkled on Oatmeal – Adds texture to a soft bowl of oats.
- Crust for Cheesecake or Tart – Use crushed granola mixed with butter for a base.
- Hostess Gift – put in a cute jar, add a pretty label and it makes a great gift
Recipe – It’s easy and full of healthy ingredients
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
yield
about 8 cups
Ingredients
- 4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups raw nuts chopped (I love almonds and walnuts, but you can use your own favorites)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 1/4 cup real maple syrup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Steps
1
In a medium bowl, mix oats, chopped nuts, salt and cinnamon. I use a mini chopper for the nuts. Having some finely chopped pieces and some larger ones adds a nice variety to the texture.
2
Add melted coconut oil, avocado oil, maple syrup, honey and vanilla and mix well.
3
Spread mixture on a parchment lined baking sheet.
4
Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, stirring halfway through. It should be a light golden brown.
Add-in ideas:
| Chocolate Chips (dark, milk, white) | Adds richness and sweetness | Only after cooling (they’ll melt if added warm) |
| Peanut Butter | Stir 1/4–1/3 cup into the wet mixture for peanut flavor throughout | Before baking (mix with oil/sweetener) |
| Coconut Flakes (sweetened or unsweetened) | Lightly toast while baking for flavor and crunch | Halfway through baking to avoid burning |
| Spices (nutmeg, cardamom, ginger) | Add depth and complexity | Mix into dry ingredients |
| Seeds (chia, flax, pumpkin) | Boosts fiber, omega-3s | Add before baking or sprinkle after |
| Protein Boost (protein powder, collagen) | For fitness-oriented granola | Mix with wet ingredients before baking |
Let the granola sit and cool on the baking sheet. It will firm up and form more clumps.
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for several months.
Let me know what you think!
