Easy Toasted Homemade Granola

Once you’ve made your own homemade toasted granola, you’ll never go back to store-bought!

Once you make your own granola, it’s hard to go back to store-bought. The heavenly smell alone – warm cinnamon, maple syrup and toasted coconut wafting through the kitchen – is worth it! And the fact that it’s ridiculously easy makes it even better – I’m talking 5 minutes’ prep, then 20 minutes in the oven. No weird ingredients, no babysitting the oven, and no burned bits (thanks to a few clever steps I share in the method). It’s cheaper and tastier than store-bought, and totally customisable, which is great if you have people in the household with intolerances or allergies … or who are picky about their granola ingredients.

Overhead shot of homemade granola with mixed nuts and dried berries.
No more scanning the ingredient panels on supermarket cereal boxes! Now you can make this delicious granola at home, filled with your own perfect combination of nuts, fruits and seeds.

Finding the “perfect” granola at the supermarket is a minefield! Some family members don’t want raisins, some don’t want seeds, some can’t eat nuts and many commercial granolas are loaded with sugar. I mean, how many ingredient panels can you read in one shopping trip!

I make a big batch of this Easy Toasted Homemade Granola on a Sunday and eat it every way imaginable through the week – on yoghurt with fruit at 9 am as my second breakfast (I’m an early riser!), sprinkled over smoothie bowls, or straight from the jar during my 3 pm energy slump – as you can probably tell, this is a favourite recipe that I make mostly for myself (although my family do also love it).

I’ve included loads of ways you can enjoy this at any time of the day and plenty of suggestions for varying the ingredients. Experiment until you find your own dream combo, but here I’ve shared mine.

The smell of homemade granola toasting in the oven is heavenly! Many of the packaged versions are loaded with sugar and can have other undesirable additives too. So you’ll be pleased to know that making granola at home is actually super simple! I love knowing exactly what ingredients are in my granola, and the best part is that you can customise this recipe by adding your favourite nuts, seeds and dried fruit. Homemade granola also makes a great gift – store it in a cute glass jar decorated with ribbon, and voila!

Close-up of Crunchy homemade granola with a spoon in a bowl
There are so many ways to customise this granola recipe that you’ll never get bored. Swap out the nuts, fruits, spices and other flavourings to create a “granola of the month”!

What are some other ingredients I can add to my granola?

There’s a host of other ingredients you can add to your granola recipe:

  • Nuts – Try walnuts, almonds, pecans, hazelnuts or cashews.
  • Dried fruit – Try chopped dried apricots, currants, sultanas (golden raisins), goji berries, dried apple, dried pineapple or tart dried cherries.
  • Fresh fruit – Any berries, diced melon, sliced banana, nectarines or peaches, sliced apple or pear.
  • Spices – Pumpkin spice or even a gingerbread mix spice would be great additions.
  • Citrus zest – For a burst of citrus, grate in a little fresh orange zest.
  • Festive ingredients – Go all out for festive occasions and add a few choc chips at Easter or mixed spice at Christmas.

What are some serving suggestions?

The obvious way to serve granola is in a bowl with the milk of your choice (almond or oat milk go beautifully with granola), but personally, I love to serve my granola with plain yoghurt and fresh fruit. Use any fruit you like, but a mix of sliced strawberries and whole blueberries works brilliantly. You could also try coconut or vanilla yoghurt instead. Layering up the granola in a decorative glass with alternating layers of berries, plain yoghurt and granola makes breakfast feel like a treat (it’s also a lovely after-school snack). Sprinkle the top with a little cinnamon and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

Close-up view of crunchy granola with a mix of nuts and berries.
Making your own granola is ideal if anyone in the family has any allergies or intolerances. You can feel 100% safe as you know exactly what’s going in.

Can I make this granola vegan or gluten-free?

To make this gluten-free, make sure you use oats that state they are gluten-free (and not processed with other gluten-containing grains). For vegan, serve with dairy-free yoghurt, such as coconut yoghurt and plant-based milk.

Homemade granola makes a great gift

Customise a perfect granola blend for a friend or family member – maybe they’re crazy for hazelnuts or dried apricots! Pour into a decorative jar, add a cute ribbon and voila! Make a big batch to give out as gifts for the Holiday Season.

Watch how to make Easy Toasted Homemade Granola

If you enjoyed Easy Toasted Homemade Granola, I think you’ll love:

Creamy Oatmeal Recipe
Chia Pudding Recipe
Chia and Oat Puddings Recipe

Overhead shot of homemade granola with mixed nuts and dried berries.

Easy Toasted Homemade Granola

Author: Nicole
5 from 11 votes
“Best Ever Recipe. So quick & delicious. Love, Love the smell of Granola Baking.”
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Easy Toasted Homemade Granola is so simple to make that you’ll never go back to store-bought. Pack it with your perfect mix of nuts, seeds and fruit – it’s infinitely customisable.
Prep 5 minutes
Cook 20 minutes
Total 25 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 400 g (4 cups) rolled (porridge) oats
  • 125 ml (½ cup) coconut oil (melted) or olive oil
  • 125 ml (½ cup) maple syrup
  • 1 tsp natural vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp sea salt flakes
  • cups nuts/seeds of choice (I used a combination of pecans, sunflower seeds and pepitas/pumpkin seeds)
  • 30 g ( cup) shaved coconut flakes
  • 75 g (½ cup) dried fruit (I used dried cranberries/”craisins”)
  • Plain yoghurt, to serve (optional)
  • Strawberries and blueberries, to serve (optional)

Equipment

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) (180°C/350°F fan-forced).
  • In a large bowl, combine the oats, coconut oil (or olive oil), maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon and salt.
  • Spread out evenly on a baking tray lined with baking (parchment) paper and bake for 10 minutes.
  • Add the nuts/seeds and coconut to the ingredients on the tray. Stir well to combine. Bake for a further 10 minutes.
  • Stir the dried fruit through. Allow the granola to cool completely (it will deepen in colour as it cools).
  • Serve with yoghurt and fresh fruit, if desired.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks.

Nutrition information

Nutrition Facts
Easy Toasted Homemade Granola
Amount per Serving
Calories
789
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
46
g
71
%
Saturated Fat
 
22
g
138
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
6
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
15
g
Sodium
 
210
mg
9
%
Potassium
 
568
mg
16
%
Carbohydrates
 
86
g
29
%
Fiber
 
12
g
50
%
Sugar
 
27
g
30
%
Protein
 
16
g
32
%
Vitamin A
 
7
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
0.3
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
98
mg
10
%
Iron
 
5
mg
28
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes

Watch how to make it

Recipe notes

Make ahead

Make ahead and store in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks.

Leftovers

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
Course Breakfast, Granola, Snack
Cuisine American
  1. 5 stars
    Easy, perfect recipe! Keep coming back to this one.

    • So glad you love it! 🙌🏻 Once you realise how easy and delicious it is, you can’t go back! Thanks for the rating. Nic x

  2. 5 stars
    Best granola and so much better than any of the granolas I have bought since years. Thank you so much Nicole. I have ordered your book just recently but it takes time to arrive in Germany. I can’t wait for it to arrive. You have saved so many dinner nights for us as a family. You made a big difference. Thank you so much for all you do!

    • Hi Khanh, I’m thrilled that you’ve ordered the book! 🙌🏻 I’m so happy you enjoyed the granola and thanks for your lovely comments about the recipes. They mean a lot to me. 🥰 Thanks for the rating too. Nic x

  3. 5 stars
    I made this granola today and the whole family absolutely loved it! Delicious and not too sweet. I used dried apricots, cranberries, chopped walnuts and seed mix. Will definitely be making it again.

    • Isn’t homemade granola just the best! So glad you enjoyed it and I love the sound of your additions. 🙌🏻 Thanks for the rating. Nic x

  4. 5 stars
    I am so happy a came across this recipe. I absolutely love it! Always make a double batch, and add chia and hemp seeds in with the dried fruit. I use 1/4 cup maple and find that’s sweet enough. So happy to not be buying sugar laden muesli from the supermarket anymore!

    • So glad you are loving this, Ruth, and isn’t it great to make your own! I eat this ALL the time. Love the sound of your additions! Thanks for the rating too. Nic x

  5. 5 stars
    We’re now making your Granola weekly! Absolutely delicious. Thanks Nicole 🥰

    • That’s so great to hear, Bonnie! I hope you’re enjoying the smell as it cooks! Thanks also for the rating, Nic x

  6. 5 stars
    such yummy flavour mix!

    • So happy you enjoyed this one, Katy! Thanks also for the rating. Nic x

  7. 5 stars
    I made this a couple of weeks ago. IMHO, this is the best granola recipe I’ve ever made. And I have made a few different ones in the past. I am making it again, right now. It’s so yummy! Thanku for sharing ur recipe.

    • What lovely feedback, Dawn! Thank you so much! Thanks also for the rating, Nic x

  8. This is so easy, crunchy and delicious! The recipe was made with ease by my 14yo daughter.

    • Thanks for the lovely feedback, Karen! Nic x

  9. Thank you for this recipe! I’ve made so much and packaged it up for Easter gifts. Have a wonderful break.

    • Hi Catherine, so glad you enjoyed the granola and I LOVE that you gave it as gifts!! I hope your Easter was lovely. Nic x

  10. I love granola and have just made your version for the first time . It is utterly delicious, nice and crispy and moreish .I keep going back for more .Thank you Nicole , THIS is my new time favourite granola ♥️

    • Hi Helen, yep, it is addictive isn’t it! So happy you love it! Nic x

  11. 5 stars
    Best Ever Recipe..So quick & Delicious For Breakfast, Healthy snack, Coconut Yoghurt & Fresh Berries..Love Love the smell of Granola Baking..Thank-you Jillx

    • Hi Jill, isn’t the cooking smell just amazing! I’m thrilled you enjoyed this so much! Thanks for the rating, Nic x

  12. 5 stars
    We love this recipe. Been making it for 6 months or so, weekly.
    No more store bought granola for us 🙂

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Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes 

For recipes labelled ‘gluten-free’ or ‘dairy-free’, the ingredients included in the recipe are typically gluten- or dairy-free. However, it is the user’s responsibility to carefully check the ingredient panels on the specific brands of products purchased and used. Simple Home Edit cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions.