This homemade recipe for granola is super yummy and so flexible! Below is our favorite cereal version, but there are many ways to tweak the recipe depending on your preferences.
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Homemade Granola Bar and Cereal Recipe
For the nuts you can put either all almonds or all cashews (or split them as listed below or even try a totally different type of nut). Also, the same thing works for the seeds – you can either put in all pumpkin seeds or all sesame seeds or put in half and half. You could easily play around with the amounts of sesame seeds and flaxseeds as well. If you can’t find unsweetened shredded coconut you can leave it out completely.
If you want granola cereal make it with rolled oats. If you want granola bars then substitute steel cut oats for the rolled oats, and I also like to add dried fruit bits before baking the bars.
How to Make Cereal Homemade (Or, Granola Bars)!
For the cereal, once it has baked and cooled completely, you want to put it in a gallon zip lock to break it up into small cereal pieces. If you are making granola bars just break off big chunks instead of using a bag. Don’t expect perfectly uniform rectangles for your granola bars, these are homemade after all!
The oats, nuts and spices are seriously what make these bars come together! That being said, you can add any number of ingredients to make this cereal homemade with some fun, seasonal flavors. Simple modifications in the ingredient ratios can make for a festive mix, too. For instance, amp up the cinnamon and nutmeg for a perfectly fragrant winter-themed granola.
Looking for a protein granola that can help you last through those late-afternoon cravings? Fill your homemade granola mixture with some flax seeds, chia seeds or even powdered peanut butter to make those macros skyrocket! Dried fruits like raisins (or craisins, a personal favorite) can also make for a granola bar or homemade cereal that is perfectly crafted to fit your palate. Besides, the best way to add more nutrients to your family's diet is by making recipes you'll actually want to come back to!
How Long Does Homemade Granola Last?
This homemade granola recipe will stay crunchy and flavorful for about a month when stored in an airtight container out of direct sunlight. After that, you should probably start to plan your next batch! Side note: finished granola bars might fare well in the freezer if sealed properly although you should expect to lose some of that desired 'crunch' in doing so.
Granola Recipe (Cereal or Bars)
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups oats (rolled, (if you want bars use steel cut oats so it will stick together better))
- 1 cup almonds (raw, sliced)
- 1 cup cashews (or walnuts or pecans)
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- ½ cup sunflower seeds (raw)
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds (raw)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (ground)
- 1 ½ teaspoons ginger (ground)
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (ground)
- 6 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
- ½ cup honey
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Cover a rectangular baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry oats, almonds, cashews, coconut, seeds and spices together in a large mixing bowl.
- Heat the butter and honey together in a small saucepan over low heat. Once the butter melts stir in the vanilla and salt.
- Pour the hot liquids over the dry ingredients and stir together with a rubber spatula until evenly coated.
- Spread mixture onto prepared pan in one even layer. Bake for 75 minutes.
- The granola will become crisp as it cools at which point you can break into pieces (if making bars) or break it up into small chunks by pounding it in a zip lock bag (if making cereal). Store in air tight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
More Homemade Breakfast Ideas:
- Fluffy Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes
- Blueberry, Fruit and Nut Whole Wheat Muffins
- Freezer Friendly Breakfast Burritos
patti says
I just made a batch of the yummy granola and was curious if I can store part of it in the freezer as there is way too much for me to consume in a 2 week period.
Annette says
Trader Joes now has unsweetened coconut.
Karen says
Are the steel cut oats cooked first? It seems like they would be very crunchy in the bars if they weren't.
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
No, they cook in the oven. The texture is crunchy.
Heidi Witt says
Delicious!
I made the granola. Concerning the nuts & seeds, I used what I had ... IF they weren't raw, THEN I just added them after baking ... when I added raisins. Turned out great.
Thanks!
Bonnie says
Made a batch of this last night and am eating a bowl of it right now. It's really good! I think it would be great with some raisins added, too.
I'm so glad to find a healthy alternative for me and my family. Thanks!
Annina says
This sounds great! Unfortunately, I am lactose intolerant and can't eat butter. Many alternatives - like margarine - are not an option for me, as I prefer not eating plastic
Has anyone tried substituting something 'real'? For example coconut oil?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi there. Yes, other readers have used coconut oil as a non-dairy sub.
Katy Murnan says
You can use ghee
Linda Paijean says
I have been eating this every morning for a month (as cereal with banana or in my steel cut oats) I find it nutritious, satisfying and delicious. It calls for sliced almonds, can I purchase sliced almonds? All I can find is slivered. I also enjoy the no-mayo potato salad, thank you for passing along your recipes!
Hillary says
Can this be made without the coconut? Thanks!
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi. You could leave it out or replace it.
Andrew says
Do you have any info about the nutritional content per serving, e.g. Calories, grams of carbohydrate, etc.? Thanks.
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Andrew. That is not information that we provide. This post my help explain: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/01/04/healthy-eating-defined/.
Andrew says
Ok. Thanks. To be honest the reason I was asking is more linked to exercise and triathlons rather than how to define healthy eating - I am taking part in a half-ironman and was going to eat the granola on the morning of the race but want to ensure I get a certain amount of energy (calories/carbohyrdates) to start the day with bearing in mind the energy needs of the event. No problem - I will experiment in training with how much I can eat. Thanks.
Lori Thomas says
What is an appropriate serving size for this granola?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hello. A half cup is a good start. :)
Carolyn says
I blended 2/3 cup cooked sweet potato with 1/4 cup maple syrup and left out the butter....probably could have used rice syrup or no sweetener. It did stick together pretty well. I also used half rolled oats and 1/4 each rolled barley and rolled six grain flakes.
Greta Vanderzee says
I have been making this granola for the past year and a half. Make a batch a month. Store half in an airtight container for on our yogurt or with milk and freeze the second half to use later. Everyone loves is, our favorite.
Jennie says
I tried making bars today but they came out rather crumbly. I have never used steel cut oats before. Was I supposed to cook them first? I didn't notice cooking instructions on the steel cut oats package until the mix was already in the oven.
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi. No, you do not need to cook the steel cut oats first. Bars with the steel cut oats have proven challenging for some readers. I have added honey and done a lot of pressing to make it work but I've also tried using a date paste rather than honey and it works well. Here is an example of a simple date paste: http://www.naturaldelights.com/recipes/medjool-date-paste.
Alana says
This is my New favorite cereal...I cringe when my girls ask for boxed (we are taking real food baby steps for the family!). Is it bad that it's the first thing I think about and look forward to with my coffee in the morning, which, by the way, is fixed with cocoa and maple syrup...another fab recipe of 100 days!!!! Love this website!
Karen says
Is 75 minutes correct? Mine came out very dark and has a burny taste. It also could not be eaten as bars as it was way to crumbly. I wanted cereal anyway so that wasn't really a problem.
Michele says
Karen, I had the same issue. The next time I made it, I used a smaller pan and only baked for 65 minutes. The texture was great and it wasn't burnt.
Karen says
I made it again the next night and lowered the temp a little and it came out great.
Dawn says
I've read through several pages and not seen an answer to my question so I'll post it anyway and risk duplication. I would like to make this cereal without a sweetener but I know the honey is working as a binding agent as well. What do you suggest I use instead? Do I even need one since I'm making it as cereal and not bars? Thanks!
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi. We have not attempted to make this without honey or maple syrup. I think the butter is enough to bind the spices but without the sweetener, you will not have any clumping.
Kristen says
I made it without the honey and used coconut oil instead of butter because I didn't have any butter in the house. It was still good, but not so granola-like in texture...no clumps. I do like it better with the honey, but at least the coconut oil gave it a little sweetness.
Amy H. says
If you like clumpier granola, you can add one egg white to the butter instead of the honey -- it comes out in very nice chunks!
Brenda says
What are the nutritional fact? Calories, protein, carbs, etc.
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Brenda. We do not try to keep track of those details ;) I do know that several readers have provided info if you scroll through the comments.
Nicole says
Someone may have asked this but is there a nut free alternative? My son has a nut allergy but obviously two cups adds a lot of protein so i'm struggling how to fill that gap.
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi. While it is a large quantity, you can sub with various seeds such as pumpkin, sesame, etc.
Mari says
Is it ok to use roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of raw? Where do you buy raw seeds?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi. You can find them in health food stores usually in the bulk bins. I use roasted seeds sometimes. Works fine though they can get a little crispy.
Allison says
I’m going to use pecans as the only nut. Do they need to be raw or roasted?
100 Days Admin says
That's really up to you. This granola can really be made to fit your taste. - Nicole
Cynthia Henderson says
You can find unsweetened organic coconut at Walmart. It is under the brand Wild Oats.
Corrie says
Can I use something different than butter? Coconut oil? Ghee? Mixture of both? My daughter doesn't tolerate butter well
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Yes, any of those. ;)
Kari says
How many cups does this make?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hello Kari. It makes 7-8 cups.
Audrey says
Is this healthier than buying vanilla flavored granola from the grocery store? I've gotten mine from Sprouts in the past.
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi. It would be more fresh for sure. Most store bought granola contain additives and preservatives.
denise says
I'm wondering if there is a substitute for almonds....allergies to these in my household.
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Denise. You could sub with any nut or combination of seeds that work for you.
Sarah says
I am really looking forward to trying this! I was wondering if the are any alternative non-nut ingredients to use in place of the almonds and cashews. My sons go to a nut-free school, and I'd love to be able to include granola for their yogurt. Any ideas that I could try? Thanks!
Kristy says
To questions about nuts...I have not made this in a while and just logged in the review the recipe to make for Christmas presents and saw the nut questions. I have made a version with only oats and coconut upping the amounts of each to equal the total volume of the original recipe, same spices, honey, butter amounts along with same cooking time. Turns out great! You can also add barley flakes and uncooked quinoa for crunch.
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hello. Various seeds and dried fruits are a good bet.
Nicole says
Just saw this you can ignore my question, I think this sounds great with dried cranberries or apricots!
Cindy says
Hi...I absolutely LOVE this recipe. I have tweaked it to my family's tastes, and it has been a staple in my home. But....the "baby" is now 2, and is eating family food. He cannot have nuts or seeds which takes away the bulk of this recipe!!! Is it wishful thinking to think there is a way to make my beloved granola in a form my little guy can actually eat? Please don't laugh. I'm actually serious.
Nicole says
Nope because my son has a nut allergy and I need something we all can eat, much easier that way so i'm hopeful someone will reply with an option for us :)
My son is 2.5, no nuts, no popcorn, no grapes lol choking hazards.
My son with the food allergies is 6.
Danielle says
I make granola all the time and don't think you need the nuts or the seeds.
Milena says
I absolutely LOVE this granola!!!
My kids are not fan of granola tho :( Is there any store bought cereal Lisa would recommend to buy? Thanks
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi. You can find 100% whole grain puffed wheat and rice at grocers such as Whole Foods or Earth Fare.
Debbie says
Hi!
I love this cereal! At work, colleagues and I have joined the Not a Single Pound Challenge. We were weighed last week and the challenge is to maintain our current weight until after the holidays. I am taking this very seriously. Does anyone have an idea as to how many calories are in a serving (1/2 cup) of this amazing cereal? I am utilizing a Fitbit which has the feature of inputting what I eat in hopes to be successful! Thank you so much and sorry if this question has already been addressed and answered.
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi there. We don't provide calorie info because we aren't calorie counters. ;) I do know that several readers have provided info in the comments.
Debbie says
Thank you!
Abby says
I've recently been told I may have an egg sensitivity, as well as wheat, barley, rye and oats. I'm supposed to give all that up for 30 days to see how I react, so basically, I'm to go gluten free plus oat free in addition to egg free. I have always loved this recipe in the past and have found that most gluten free foods/recipes are either processed to death, or use ingredients that I don't want to use and/or do not work as healthy real food. I'm desperate for some breakfast foods besides yogurt with fruit and nuts! Do you have any suggestions as to what I could replace the 3 1/2 cups of oats with? Should I just use more of each of the nuts and seeds? Thanks for any advice!
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
HI there. Here is a grain free granola: http://minimalistbaker.com/simple-grain-free-granola/.
Melissa says
What is a serving size of the granola used as cereal?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Melissa. I usually do about a half cup.
Daniel Thomas says
If I halve the recipe, would I still cook it for the full time?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi. You would likely need a little less time. Keep a close eye on it beyond an hour.
Jennifer K. says
Can this be made nut-free and still taste as good? My kids like to use granola as a topping for yogurt but they are in a nut-free class at school. Thx!!
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi. When you remove the nuts, you remove some large ingredients but you can just replace it with more seeds. Or, here is a nut free recipe that I've tired but I replace the veggie oil with butter or coconut oil and nix the brown sugar. Then it qualifies under Lisa's rules: http://www.food.com/recipe/kid-safe-nut-free-granola-465337.
Melissa Brown says
This looks good. I am always on the look out for natural cereal options that can be made since the box store options aren't the best or cost too much.
It is amazing all the additional ingredients that go into boxed cereals to preserve their shelf life. Here is a blog on some common preservative you may find in the ingredients.
http://agreenleafhome.com/cereal-preservatives/
Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Stef says
SO SO good! I love that it's so versatile. Out of personal preference I subbed pecans for the cashews and chia seeds for the pumpkin seeds, I also reduced the nutmeg to ¼ tsp.
It made the house smell amazing all day, even my husband agreed and he's generally pretty blasé about things like that.
The Best part though? My 13 month old had so much fun helping me mix it up and he could not stop eating it! Part of the joy of food is that it brings people together. So any recipe that my baby can help me make and then subsequently enjoy with me, well... It's a keeper!
Karen says
Up to now I've been pretty blasé about granola in general, and never bothered to make it. Having made this one, now I love, love granola! I followed the recipe almost exactly, and it's amazing, but I can see how easy it will be to change it around with whatever I have on hand.
Melissa says
I cannot stand coconut..any suggestions for a replacement? ?
Thanks!
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Melissa. You could probably just omit it and up your oats. :)
Lindsey says
Can coconut oil or ghee be subbed for butter? Would I use the same amount? Or is there some other dairy free option?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi there. Coconut oil or ghee should work using the same amounts.
Noel says
FYI: just found unsweetened organic coconut at Walmart for $1.98 for 7oz.
Janice says
I have been working on removing carbohydrates from our diet because our sugar is high and causes a pre diabetes diagnosis. So we do not eat grains, including oatmeal. Also we eat mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes and we eat no bread, rice or other grains. We get most of our carbs from fruits and veggies. I love your granola recipe but I went to the health food store and bought a large bag of shelled brazil nuts. I ran them through my food processor using the the slicer blade and substituted them for the oats in this recipe. It was delicious and you might want to give that a try.
Lesa says
Hi there! I've made this recipe four times now and the first two times it came out perfect and the last two it won't stick together. I've not done anything different each time and have always followed the recipe. Any ideas? TIA
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Lesa. Did you change your honey? I find that some honeys are stickier than others but this recipe does tend to be more "cereal like" vs. clusters of granola.
Shelly says
Do you know how many calories are in a serving of this granola?
Thank you.
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi there. We do not count calories. This might help explain: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/01/04/healthy-eating-defined/.