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
Jill says
Lisa, I have the recipe in my oven right now and both of my kids (4 and 7) loved tasting all of the nuts and helping me make it. We can't wait to eat it for breakfast. It smells so good right now and I've been recommending your website to many of my friends. One friend couldn't thank me enough for showing it to her! Thank you so much for sharing all of your recipes to get us on the right track to eating better!
Aimee says
Has anyone tried feeding this to young children? I am wondering if it will be "chewable" enough for my 1 1/2 year old. Does it soften if I let it soak in milk for a few minutes?
Lisa says
Aimee - I would be sure to chop up the nuts really good or even leave them out for a 1 1/2 year old.
Aimee says
Thanks! I was thinking I would run the nuts through a food processer first.
Mieke says
I just tried this recipe and it smelled so good until it started to smell like it was burning. I went to check on it, and sure enough, after only 50 minutes (not the 75 called for), the granola was burned... Is 75 minutes a typo? I am so disappointed as the nuts were quite expensive and now the whole thing is ruined :(
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Mieke - I'm sorry the recipe did not work out. Did you cook it only at 250 degrees? 75 minutes is the appropriate amount of cooking time at 250 degrees. Jill
Mieke says
I did try it again - didn't have quite enough nuts, but made it with less nuts. I turned the oven down to 200 and only cooked it for about 55 minutes. My oven must just be really hot at lower temps or something. Anyways, it turned out great the second time around! I am hoping to get a new oven soon, so hopefully the new one won't run as hot. Thanks for the recipe!
kate says
Random idea to some, however we use chia seeds instead of pumpkin. Chia is fabulously healthy and does not affect the taste. This recipe is fantastic and granola is now the preferred snack, and breakfast, and lunch. Really. With yogurt, milk, or by the handful-running out is just not acceptable around here. A great recipe-thanks so much.
Amy says
We love, love, love all the great recipes and tips you've given on your blog! Thanks so much for all the work you've put in to helping others eat clean, healthy food. Quick question... can you freeze a batch of this granola cereal? I want to make it about a month in advance and I know it won't be very fresh if I just leave it in a air tight container for 4 weeks. =)
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Amy. I have not tried freezing mine...it never seems to last that long. I don't see why it wouldn't freeze well though...I would give it a try and see how it goes. Good luck. Jill
E says
I made this last night, and just had it for breakfast with some plain yogurt mm so good! I took out the coconut though because I personally don't like coconut
Leah says
I was wondering if you have ever tried freezing the granola. My husband and I are trying to have a clean diet, but I have trouble finding time to make things from scratch every week. Do you think it would work if I maybe freeze a big batch and heat a portion in the oven the week we plan to eat it?
100 Days of Real Food says
I have not tried that, but I would be interested in knowing how it turns out for you!
Michele says
I just pulled this out of my oven...can't wait to try it! My house smells wonderful! I even have my husband wondering how good it is!
Carrie says
Just made this today for the first time, and it was delicious! My oldest didn't even wait for it to cool before he ate some. I added a little bit of cocoa to the honey and butter mixture as it was melting, and now it's chocolate!! LOVE!!
Amy says
Oooh! About how much cocoa - a tablespoon? My kids would probably love that!
Aisha says
I have found unsweetned coconut at Kroger. Now, it is not organic but it is unsweetned with nothing else added. And most times on sale for $1 a bag.
Emily says
I just made this yesterday with steel cut oats in hopes of making bars. All of it stuck to the parchment paper, and the parchment paper stuck to the pan :( its a huge mess! I just ended turning it in to cereal because it all came apart. What did I do wrong?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Emily. Sorry it didn't turn out right...did you follow the recipe exactly?
Valerie says
I made this with steel cut oats as well, hoping to make bars. Although it turned out very yummy, it did not stick together at all in bar form. I think i followed it exactly (luckily my whole foods had everything!). Thanks!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Valerie. Sorry they did not turn out. Yes, sometimes they have a hard time sticking together. Jill
Christi says
I had a hard time finding pumpkin seeds. I found some organic shelled pumpkin seeds... does it matter if they are shelled? Thanks!
100 Days of Real Food says
The pumpkin seeds should actually not be in the shells...they are sometimes called "pepitas"
Amy says
My daughter has just discovered her love of granola and I bought some at Fresh Market that wasn't as healthy as I would like it to be. Do you think I could use unflavored coconut oil and agave instead of the butter and honey. We're vegan here... Thanks for the recipe!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Substituting coconut oil for the butter should be fine, but you may want to confirm that it is a one to one ratio. As for the agave, our Team recommends avoiding agave and here’s why: http://www.foodrenegade.com/agave-nectar-good-or-bad/. Perhaps pure maple syrup might be an acceptable substitution.
Jennifer says
I was reading this recipe and went to the comments for reviews and saw this comment. Here's an interesting view on the controversy of agave. Also, the article you posted, It reads with no real evidence of the danger of agave nectar.
http://www.sweetenitwithagave.com/resources/is-agave-nectar-bad-for-you-getting-to-the-bottom-of-myth-vs-fact-2/
Critical Reader says
I don't know if you are still following this post, but you can make granola easily with brown sugar and any kind of mild tasting oil. I normally use sun flower oil or mild (!) olive oil. My base mixture is 500g oats, 50g coconut, 100g other nuts, 125g brown sugar plus a few table spoons of maple syrup to taste (making it with maple syrup alone might be too strong), 50 ml oil. Combine oats, coconut, nuts, and whatever else you like in a bowl. Heat about 100-150 ml water, add the sugar, let it boil until the sugar dissolves, remove from heat and stir in the oil, (optional: add a bar of dark chocolate), and maple syrup. Mix the liquid with the dry ingredients, add spices to taste (I normally only add a pinch of salt and some cinnamon) and bake it in the oven; 30 min at 175C.
Concerning the "unhealthy" granola you found at Fresh Market, don't get tricked by the food labels. If the posted granola was sold in a store, its ingredients would have to be labeled as oats, honey, cashew, almonds, butter, coconut, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc. 100g homemade granola contain 481 kcal, 31% fat, 45% carbohydrates, and 13% protein (values obtained from the USDA food composition database). Granola tastes good and kids love it, because its ingredients are roasted with fat and sugar and unfortunately everything high in fat and sugar seems to be irresistible for kids. My personal opinion: granola itself is a calorie bomb, hence its base ingredients are healthy and combined with for example plain yoghurt and fruits it makes a wonderful breakfast.
Brooke says
I just made this granola and it is absolutely delicious! My husband was even picking at it and it wasn't even cooled yet. Thanks!
Karen says
This is the BEST granola I've ever made!! I can't wait for my kids to get home! I made four different kinds for them to see which one they like best. Your recipe is my favorite. Thanks for the recipe!
Ashley says
Is there any way to figure out the calories and fat per serving for the granola? I can figure out the total but am at a loss to convert that to 1/2 cup serving. Thank you!
100 Days of Real Food says
Sorry we don't count calories/fat grams/carbs/etc. (on purpose) so I am not able to help you out with that one!
Natasia says
If you have the total number of calories and there is approximately 3 cups and ther are two halves per cup that means there are 6 half cup servings total so divide your total by 6 and that will give you an approximate number of calories.
Lori says
You can input the recipe on http://www.myfitnesspal.com and it will tell you the amount of cals/carbs/etc if you ballpark the # of servings in the recipe. Hope that helps! :)
Andrea Valeno Elliott says
Ashley, go to Calorieking.com and look up each ingredient and add them together then decide how many portions and how much a portion is and you will have your caloric value. I am very conscious of portion control myself...smiles
Shannon says
I made this last week, and it is great! Instead of having to put it in a ziploc bag and bang it, I actually stirred it every 5 minutes (until it cooled) after it came out of the oven. So, I didn't have any large pieces that needed to be broken up! Worked great for me!!! (Ziploc baggies are pretty fragile, and tear easily...I didn't want any possibility of plastic remnants in mine!!!) :) Thanks for all you do!!!
Leslie says
I just found this and am excited to try. Did you list the nutritional info somewhere I missed? And idea on the approx. calories? Thanks so much!
100 Days of Real Food says
Leslie - We actually don't count calories (on purpose)...so I am not able to share that with you. Sorry!
Tara says
My husband is highly allergic to nuts, do you think it would be ok to add more seeds (pumpkin/sunflower) to make up for the lack of nuts? Thanks so much!
100 Days of Real Food says
Yes, that will definitely work.
Shannon says
You could always just add more oatmeal!!! I LOVE oatmeal, and next time I make it, I will be adding more! :)
Justyna says
I made a batch this morning (minus the sunflower and pumpkin seeds) and it not only smelled delicious while cooking, but tasted that way too! I'll make some more when this runs out (I'm the only one in the house who will eat it) and I think next time I'll add in some flax and raisins. Also, I ran out of parchment paper and had no problems with getting it off the cookie sheet or clean up.
Christina Bryant says
Thanks for posting this recipe, I have been wanting to make my own granola. We usually buy our granola from Sprouts but it may be time to switch over to homemade.
Pam says
Just made this yesterday, and oh my, I am in love!! This recipe is so much better than all the the store bought granola I have had. It smelled so good baking in the oven! And tasted even better! Left out the ginger and pumpkin seeds (just used more sunflower seeds in its place) and it turned out great!! Thanks Lisa!
Laurie says
Just a comment about getting bars to stick together - I have another real food granola bar recipe that calls for using regular rolled oats and blending them in a food processor or blender with the nuts until they are finely ground, then mixing with other ingredients and pressing firmly into a baking pan. I haven't tried this recipe yet, (it looks great!) but thought that technique of blending the nuts and oats might help get them to stick into bars better.
Kelly says
I made this yesterday and it is yummy! I just read in deliciously organic that you should soak raw nuts to neutralize the enzymes to make them easier to digest. Are you supposed to do that for this recipe?
100 Days of Real Food says
You don't have to...I don't!
stephanie cooper says
Will it work without the parchment paper?
100 Days of Real Food says
I wouldn't recommend it...you might end up with a big sticky mess.
Martha says
I made this granola las night and it was delicious.. But for some reason a lot of the seeds and nuts didn't clump together. I wonder if I spread it out too thin? Should I make it a little thicker?
100 Days of Real Food says
If you use rolled oats it won't stick together in big clumps like it does when using steel cut oats. Glad you enjoyed it.
Leslie Gracia says
Hello,
I just recently found your website and am so glad I did. I'm looking for an alternative to store bought cereal for my boys (age 6&3). They don't eat any nuts and I'm not sure they'd go for granola. Do you have any suggestions?
-Leslie
100 Days of Real Food says
A couple decent choices that all are 1 whole-grain ingredient are Shredded Wheat (my daughter prefers Barbara's "Biscuits" version) and the puffed grain cereals like brown rice, corn puffs, etc. Unfortunately there aren't very many choices! Also FYI - You can sub additional sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of the nuts in the granola.
Wendy says
I'm wondering. I make granola 'cereal' for my little girlies once a week. My recipe calls for oil and I usually use coconut oil. Wow! It takes great. Now, that gets pretty spendy. If I don't want to slpurge on coconut oil what would be the next best thing to use? Olive oil, butter? Should I pay extra for coconut oil?
Thanks for your help.
100 Days of Real Food says
Definitely try organic butter...that's what we use (and it's cheaper!)
Tina says
I made this for my family this weekend. It was a hit, even with my husband! The only problem I have is trying to make it last longer. They love it so much, I can't keep them out of it!! Thank you for the recipe. I will be making it again and trying different variations of it. Thanks!
Laura says
Oh my gosh this is so good. I was really not expecting it to taste this good. Much better than store bought
Paige says
This recipe is in my oven right now! Thank you so much for your blog and your inspiration. We are transforming our food budget and the way we eat thanks to great blogs like yours!
Julee Wilson says
I was wondering what the serving size for the granola is. I've been trying to incorporate more reall food into our diet, but also am trying to lose weight. I think "portion control" is a big issue for me personally...........
Thanks!
Julee
100 Days of Real Food says
Yes, portion control is pretty important! A serving size is between 1/2 and 3/4 cup + milk of course.
Lindsay says
I am wondering if there is a possible substitute for the oats? We just learned that our daughter is allergic to gluten and grain. These look so amazing and I am looking for some great cereal-like breakfast options.
100 Days of Real Food says
Someone told me they used puffed rice once (1-ingredient whole-grain brown puffed rice) and that it worked!
Brenda Wilkey says
They do make certified gluten free oats(Bob's) that I love. I have Celiac's Disease and am very sensitive to oats if they are not the gluten free variety.
Mirandi says
To Lindsay:
I found a recipe that just uses nuts and seeds and no granola for a grain free bar: http://deliciouslyorganic.net/granola-bars-grain-free-recipe/
Yield 12-16 Bars
1 1/2 cups chopped almonds (dehydrated or toasted)
1 1/2 cups chopped cashews (dehydrated or toasted)
1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
1 1/2 cups seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, etc.)
3 Tbsp coconut oil (or unsalted butter) melted
2/3 cup light honey
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1/4 Tbsp celtic sea salt
See website for directions. I hope this helps.
Kristin says
We love, love, love your granola recipe! Though, I skip the seeds and do a cup each of pecans, almonds and cashews. I would make it more often, but with 3 cups of nuts, it's a little pricey. Also, it NEVER lasts a week! I use an easy baking tip I got from a post on the heavenly homemakers website, bake the granola at 375 for 10 minutes, then turn the oven off and let the granola sit overnight. Super easy, uses less energy and the granola comes out perfect every time. I'll stick to my own granola bar recipe though, because mine stick together better, so they are prefect for stocking the freezer :)
Donna says
So Kristin, what would be your recipe for granola bars?
Kristin says
My husband LOVES Q. chewy granola bars, this recipe is a healthier substitute.
Granola Bars
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup white whole wheat flour
1/2 cup wheat germ
3/4 cup golden flax meal
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 large egg
scant 2/3 cup honey
1/4 cup coconut oil (in liquid state)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup mini chocolate chips
Mix dry ingredients, add wet ingredients and stir until thoroughly coated, stir in chocolate chips, pour into greased 9x13 metal baking pan. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Cut into bars while still warm. The bars are softer when eaten fresh, but can be frozen for long term storage.Â
1 cup nuts or dried cranberries or cherries can be substituted for the chocolate chips and/or add 1 tsp cinnamon if desired.
Â
Casey says
This is a great granola bar recipe! Thank you! We love it! I will have to make it with cherries next time!
Cydni says
I found all of the raw nuts and seeds as well as the unsweetened coconut at Harris Teeter. :) Delicious recipe, by the way!
Mirandi says
I see the recipe calls for "raw" seeds and nuts. Would it work if they were not raw? My twin sister and I are going to do this and are having a hard time finding raw.
100 Days of Real Food says
My only concern is that they would get overcooked since they've already been roasted, but you could try it. Healthfood stores usually carry the "raw" ones. Good luck!
Mirandi says
That's what I was afraid of. Unfortunately, we don't have any whole food stores close by. I will keep searching. Thanks for the reply!
Shannon says
I get my raw nuts at Costco. They come in a large bag, and the cost is great! They carry pecans, walnuts, and almonds. (They are in the baking section.) Most grocery stores carry raw nuts in the baking aisle if you don't care if they are organic or not. :)
Kristen says
I posted this below but thought it would also be helpful to you if I replied to your post. I made this recipe today with ROASTED cashews, almonds, sunflower and pumpkin seeds because I had them on hand and wanted to see if it would turn out okay (I can get raw but nuts aren't cheap, I wanted to use what I had). I had a feeling it would be fine given the very low oven temp. They turned out delicious and did not taste burnt at all! Hope that helps.
dhyana says
mirandi -- go to amazon.com -- you can buy just about anything a really good prices -- saves time and money (gas price -- oy vey!) i have to travel 35 miles to a sams club -- recently i forgot to buy almonds -- a staple in my diet -- rather than haul myself all the way back to sams i went online and bought the almonds for about the same price -- and since i belong to amazon prime (free trial and then $79/year) i didn't have to pay shipping -- "winning" as my son would say :-) (i realize this sounds like an add for amazon but it's not --it's a true story) shine on!
Roslene says
You should try local farmers. I know plenty of locals (in my area at least) that sell raw nuts of all varieties! Peanuts, Almonds, Pecans included. The only thing that's difficult for me to find raw is cashews.
Jenikins28 says
I think raw just means "natural". Not roasted or salted.
kelly says
you can buy all the raw nuts etc at www. nutsonline.com
Kelsey says
I want to pin this, but I don't see the link!
Ruth B says
I just discovered your blog/FB page on Pinterest yesterday. I am hooked! What an amazing website you have! I have this granola in the oven right now! Thank you!!
Megan says
A trick I learned in the comments of Alton Brown's granola bars is to put parchment paper on a cookie sheet, spread the granola mixture on that then put another piece of parchment paper on top and use another cookie sheet to press down on it all. This will prevent the bars from coming apart. The recipe I have for granola bars calls for 3-5 Tbsp of oil. 3Tbsp=crunchy 5Tbsp=chewy I don't know if that has anything to do with them staying together.
Nicole says
LOVE LOVE LOVE this recipe!! People have actually asked me to sell this to them!! Very big hit with the kids too!