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
Kathy says
Has anyone tried to replace some or all of the butter with coconut oil? Any suggestions on how to make it less crumbly?
Jeannette says
Hi Kathy, I used coconut oil instead of butter and it tasted great but it turned out crumbly. I only used 2 Tbsp of coconut oil because I was trying to lighten it up. I thought it turned out nice. I also used maple syrup instead of honey. I warmed up the maple syrup and coconut oil in the microwave for 1 minute before adding it to the oat mixture. Next time I am going to try it with honey and a little more coconut oil just because I'm curious.
Have you tried it yet?
Maria says
Really really good. It was too crumbly to make granola bars but it tastes really good anyways.
Jen says
I made this today, smelled great but it tastes burnt. Maybe my oven was too hot? I'll try it on 200 next time. I also didn't measure the honey, I eye balled it. Mine isn't clumping like granola, it's more like very toasted oatmeal.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Jen. Yes, I would not bake it any higher than 200 unless you are going to decrease the cooking time. Jill
Laura J says
The recipe says "Preheat the oven to 250 degrees." Is it meant to be turned down to 200 at some point?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Laura. There is no need to turn it down unless you know your oven runs hot. Jill
Natasha says
Where do I buy steel cut oats? Have never even heard of them!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Natasha. You should be able to get them at any mainstream grocery store. I usually buy mine at Trader Joes. Jill
Bea says
I've always made this recipe with honey but was wondering if you could make it with maple syrup and then leave out the butter or do you need it to thin out the syrup?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Bea. You could substitute the maple syrup for honey, but, I would still include the butter. Jill
Alicia says
I do not know what went wrong with mine, so please help! I opted to try the bars first. I used the steel cut oats and followed the recipe verbatim except I used sweetened coconut (could not find unsweetened) and I added craisins. I baked for the 75 minutes at 250 and allowed the bars to cool for 2 hours before cutting them. When I broke a piece apart it did break into pieces, but as soon as you take a bite they crumble. Is it suppose to do this? They taste wonderful, so instead of keeping them chunks, I crumbled them for cereal and granola. Ideas?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Alicia. These bars are very crumbly, so, they are somewhat difficult to keep together. I might not let them cool so long next time before cutting them. Glad you still enjoyed them. Jill
Jenna says
I made this granola last night. Had to take it out about 15 min earlier than is recommended because it looked, and smelled, burnt. It was definitely overcooked. Next time I will check it at about 30 to 40 minutes.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Jenna. Did you also make sure that your oven was only set to 250? Hope ti works out better next time. Jill
Naomi says
I have made this a couple times now and it's a huge hit at my house! Instead of cashews I used a half cup each pecans and walnuts. So yummy, thanks for another amazing recipe!
Krithika says
Hello, I would like to know what is the use of the coconut? I usually buy fresh whole coconut. Can I use that in this recipe?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Krithika. The coconut adds additional flavor. I don't see why you couldn't use the meat of the coconut instead...it just needs to be shredded and somewhat flaky as it will gain moisture when mixed with the wet ingredients. Jill
Mallorie says
I'm excited to share a recent discovery for yet another use this granola has! I've really been craving apple crisp or crumble dessert lately, but all the recipes out there call for puff pastry or other 'not-real-food-ingredients'...then it dawned on me - used this granola for the crisp/crumble and then add baked apples (cook in pan on stovetop in butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon), and then top with your homemade whipping cream!! SO amazing!!!
Kim says
Just wondering do you have to use unsweetened coconut or can you use sweetened
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Kim. Unsweetened is what we use. Jill
Britt Henesy says
Love this granola! I was just looking up the recipe to make it again. Would like to add though, I made the granola bars with uncooked steel oats and they would not hold together and were very difficult to chew. Would love a granola bar recipe that's good for smaller kids! Thanks for all of your wonderful recipes. I'm a big fan and recommend your site constantly! We've got your spelt pumpkin muffins in the oven right now. Can't wait to try them.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Britt. Glad you enjoyed the granola. I know Lisa's girls eat this one as well, so, I think it would be fine for the smaller kids (assuming no allergies). Sorry the bars didn't turn out. I would agree they can sometimes be a bit "crumbly". Glad you are enjoying the blog as well. Jill
kathleen says
Is in the oven right now. Smells delicious!!
Lisa says
Hi,
We love this cereal! I know you're not one for counting calories etc...but wondering if you have done it for this cereal or any of your other items? loving your blog!
thanks,
Lisa
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Lisa. Glad you're enjoying the blog. Sorry, we don't track the nutrition information for our recipes. Jill
Molly says
I live at altitude and just made this. I followed it really closely. However, it was WAY over cooked after 62 minutes. Next time, I will go for 45-50 mins. Just a heads up for those cooking above sea-level.
Tara says
Can I freeze the granola?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Tara. I've not tried that. It might be fine, but, again, I've just not done it. Let us know how it goes if you decide to give it a try. Jill
Krissy says
Out of honey...used organic blue agave nectar instead. Turned out great!
Carly says
This may be a silly question I've never purchased pumpkin seeds before so when I did for this recipe I bought the kind that were not shelled but I read that wthe shell is edible, have you ever made this recipe with the seeds still in the shell?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Carly. I haven't. I usually buy the ones that are shelled already. Jill
Kerry says
I have learned that soaking grains, especially oatmeal, is the way to go. Have you soaked the oatmeal for 24 hours, then mixed ingredients and baked it? I think I will try your recipe, using soaked oats and put everything in the dehydrator. Thoughts?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Kerry. I have not tried that, but, give it a try!!! Let us know how it goes. Jill
Carol Butler says
How did soaking the oats work for you? Just curious because I plan to use this recipe very soon. Thanks
Laura S says
As a response to Calories I made the serving 1/4 cup-
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size
1 serving (80.2 g)
Amount Per Serving
Calories
395
Calories from Fat
226
% Daily Value*
Total Fat
25.1g
39%
Saturated Fat
10.1g
51%
Trans Fat
0.0g
Cholesterol
15mg
5%
Sodium
48mg
2%
Total Carbohydrates
37.0g
12%
Dietary Fiber
5.3g
21%
Sugars
13.4g
Protein
9.0g
Vitamin A 4% • Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 5% • Iron 18%
* Based on a 2000 calorie diet
Read more: http://caloriecount.about.com/granola-100-days-real-food-recipe-r1160472#ixzz278cgPLq7
Laura S says
I have made these a few times using different nuts and using butter or coconut oil - I like all the variations. Thanks for the recipe!
Joanna says
Hi there, Love this recipe!!! Do you happen to know the nutritional information. I need it for counting points with weight watchers. If I don't portion it out and watch how much I eat I could eat the whole Thing!!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Joanna. Sorry, I do not have the nutritional content, but, you can probably calculate it online by inputting the ingredients. Jill
Kelly says
Hi...was wondering why you didnt use coconut oil instead of the butter. Just curious becaus ei just bought my first jar of coconut oil and was researching how to use it.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Kelly. A lot of the recipes actually call for coconut oil. You can sub it in this one if you like. Jill
Kristel says
I made this granola tonight and it turned out great! My 9 year old doesn't like cereal, and she said she'd eat this w/ milk! Yay!
Stephanie says
I have tried several granola recipes at home and this is definitely the best! I love the fact that you can play around with the ingredients. My husband has a nut allergy and the granola was great with just extra coconut and pumpkin seeds to replace the nuts. I also added poppy seeds and flax, which gave a nice flavor. This is truly a staple recipe that you can build on depending on taste or what's in the pantry. Thanks so much....not to just stop munching on it...
Sabrina says
I made these at the hotel I work at for a VIP event. No one could stop eating them! They were so good that I made a full sheet pan of them.. it made about 60 granola bars and they were all gone by the end of the day! I just need to get more oats at home to make them for my kids.
Kristel says
Can this be made with quick cooking oats? I have a ton of that on hand, along w/ the rest of the ingredients but didn't know if it would affect how it cooks/tastes? Thanks for the feedback!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Kristel. I'm not sure it would work quite right with the quick cooking ones. I always use the rolled oats. Jill
Jennifer says
Made our first batch tonight! It got a thumbs up from even my pickiest eater. :-)
Monica says
Just made it for the first time and all the family keeps getting another spoonful
Before I even can store it. Thanks!
Jennifer says
Oh my gosh! I can't believe how much my daughter (19 months) loves this stuff. She eats it plain, as cereal with milk, and in Larabars. She will eat it just about anyway I serve it. Because granola is so calorie packed we limit how much we eat each day, but it sure does make the morning easy. I never have to ask myself what I'm going to feed my daughter.
I used our last cup making the Larabars for the first time and just popped the next batch in the oven. I was out of nutmeg so added a little extra cinnamon. My local organic/bulk store just started selling cocoa nibs in bulk. I added a half cup to the recipe and skimped a bit on the nuts and seeds. I hope it gives the whole thing a little chocolate flavor without all the sugar that usually comes with it.
Holly says
Any suggestions if you really dislike coconut? Has anyone tried replacements that work?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Holly. You can just leave it out or maybe substitute more of something else. Jill
Maree says
Homemade granola is the best. I would like to recommend part or all brown rice syrup for the honey (maybe half and half). Brs is not as sweet tasting as honey but it is very thick and sticky and helps to get those bigger chunks of granola that I like to eat as a snack!
Danielle says
I just made this recipe for the first time and it's wonderful! Thank you. I'd love a nut-free-granola recipe to send to school with my preschooler. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Jenni says
HERE! try these recipes!
https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/07/01/recipe-homemade-larabars-4-ways-including-nut-free/
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Danielle. I don't have a recipe for nut free granola, but, you could always substitute seeds for the nuts and give that a try. You may also be interested in our nut free Lara bar recipe. https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/07/01/recipe-homemade-larabars-4-ways-including-nut-free/. Jill
Jessica says
I made the granola bars last week with my kids...and the bars just crumbled and turned into the cereal Still, very yummy, but any tips on how to make them into "bars" or "squares"?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Jessica. I have found that if you increase the honey they stick a little better, but, obviously, you may not want to do that. You can also make the granola version of the Lara bars (https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/07/01/recipe-homemade-larabars-4-ways-including-nut-free/) and those stick together great. I know my kids really enjoy those. Jill
Amy says
I omitted the nuts (didn't have any on hand) and used organic puffed brown rice cereal to make up for the nuts. So, it was just sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, coconut, oats and puffed cereal, along with the spices. It turned out great! (I omitted the ginger too because I didn't think my kids would go for that) I think as long as you stick with 7.5 cups of dry ingredients, it doesn't matter what combinations you use. So, use what you like! Also, you can mix in dried fruit, like craisins or raisins AFTER it cools. I could eat this all day. One other thing I did was stirred the mixture a few times while baking because the stuff on the edges was getting darker than the stuff in the middle. Just think of the options though if you have a picky family and you are trying to get them to transition to "real food." Put in familiar ingredients that they'll recognize and show them how "real food" cereal tastes better than the crap in a box!
Charlee says
Our preschool is nut free and I mean all nuts and seeds! So is there a recipe for bars without nuts or seeds?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Charlee. Check out the nut free lara bar recipe. https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/07/01/recipe-homemade-larabars-4-ways-including-nut-free/. Jill
Dawn says
We LOVE this recipe! When I told my husband about a month ago I was going to make homemade granola he was very skeptical. Now I laugh because I can't make it fast enough, and it's not even lasting a week!! ;) I have started buying the ingredients in bulk from Costco, great savings! This recipe is very flexible, I use pecans, almonds, sunflower seeds, and flaxseed. I also used roasted nuts the first time because I already had them, and they didn't burn, it worked fine. Thank you!
Kristen says
Just thought I'd mention that I made these with ROASTED cashews, almonds and sunflower seeds (it is what I had on hand and also, while I could get my hands on raw, I wanted to see how it would turn out) and we love them. I saw someone questioning whether that would be okay since they have a hard time finding raw nuts/seeds. They do not taste burnt at all. I think perhaps because it is cooking at such a low temperature, it works out fine! Thanks for the tasty recipe :)
Barbara Love says
Finally got to make this today. Boy is it ever good. I omitted the seeds and added raisins and cranberries. YUM!!
Jill says
Update, my family and I love the granola (even my husband) and my son said today, "who knew food could taste so good." It was really funny. Thanks again for all the great recipes and posts!