This Healthy Granola is a crunchy, wholesome treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Packed with oats, nuts, and a hint of honey, it’s a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. In just 35 minutes, you’ll have a batch of golden, toasty clusters ready to elevate your breakfast or snack game. The texture is irresistibly crisp, with a satisfying chew from dried fruits or seeds you can add. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that’s both filling and energizing, making it a go-to for busy mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups.
What makes this granola truly special is its versatility and simplicity. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, from coconut flakes to dark chocolate chips, for a personal touch. The aroma of cinnamon and toasted oats filling your kitchen is pure comfort, and the end result is a jar of golden goodness that stays fresh for days. Whether sprinkled over yogurt, paired with milk, or enjoyed straight from the jar, this granola is a healthy delight you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients for Healthy Granola
- 1 cup whole rolled oats* (use gluten-free if needed)
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts (substitute with pecans or almonds if preferred)
- ¼ cup coconut flakes (optional, omit if desired)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil (substitute with olive oil or avocado oil)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust to taste or use honey as an alternative)
- 1 tablespoon creamy almond butter (substitute with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter)
- Fresh fruit and yogurt, for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the oats, walnuts, coconut flakes (if using), cinnamon, and salt.
- Drizzle in the melted coconut oil and maple syrup, then add the almond butter. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Scoop the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and press it into a 1-inch-thick circle to encourage clumping.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then rotate the pan halfway through. Use a fork to gently break the granola apart just a bit.
- Bake for another 15 minutes, or until the granola is golden brown.
- Let the granola cool for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy with fresh fruit and yogurt, if desired!
Creative Serving Suggestions
This Healthy Granola is incredibly versatile! Serve it over a bowl of creamy yogurt and fresh fruit for a quick breakfast. For a fun twist, sprinkle it on top of smoothie bowls or blend it into your favorite smoothie for added crunch. You can also enjoy it as a snack straight from the jar or pair it with a splash of milk for a simple cereal.
Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness
Store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to a month or freeze it for up to 3 months. If it loses its crunch, simply pop it in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes to revive it.
Easy Recipe Variations
Customize this granola to suit your taste! Swap walnuts for almonds or pecans, or add dried fruit like raisins or cranberries after baking. For a chocolatey treat, mix in a handful of dark chocolate chips once the granola has cooled. You can also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Mornings
Double the batch and store the extra granola for future use—it’s perfect for meal prep! If you’re short on time, skip the clumping step and spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet for a quicker bake. You can also prep the dry ingredients the night before and mix in the wet ingredients just before baking.
Healthy Granola
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole rolled oats*
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup coconut flakes optional
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon creamy almond butter
fruit and yogurt, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the oats, walnuts, coconut flakes, if using, cinnamon, and salt.
- Drizzle in the coconut oil and maple syrup and add the almond butter. Stir until combined.
- Scoop the granola onto the baking sheet and press the mixture into a 1-inch-thick circle. This will encourage clumping.
- Bake for 15 minutes, rotate the pan halfway, and use a fork to gently break the granola apart just a bit.
- Bake for 15 minutes more, or until golden brown.
- Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.