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
Ana says
I discovered your blog a few months ago when I was searching for a better recipe for cooking a whole chicken in the crock pot. The one I had looked a bit to plain for my liking. Now, that is the only way I cook my chicken and we all like it at home.
Now I am trying to reduce to keep my weekly grocery expenses within a new low budget and one although we mostly cook from scratch for dinners, breakfast and lunches rely on boxed cereal and sandwiches. The cost of this items can add up pretty fast and become a big chunk of my budget.
I want to try this recipe and hopefully it will become a replacement for our daily cereal consumption.
If I can do this, I will be ready to take the 10-day pledge.
Thank you for inspiring me.
Tyler Pennypacker says
How well do the bars stick together/turn out when using steel cut oats?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Tyler. They should stick together ok, but, they can be a little crumbly. Jill
Melanie says
I would like to incorporate peanut butter. Can I just cut back on the honey and add the peanut butter?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Melanie. I have not tried that, but, I think it would probably work out fine. Jill
Anne E. says
What are the nutritional values to this recipe?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Anne. We do not track the nutritional content of our recipes. Here is a little further information as to why...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/04/29/mini-pledge-week-8-stop-eating-when-you-feel-full/. Jill
Amy says
Lisa,
I have to tell you that my family absolutely LOVES the granola!!!! They eat it with milk like cereal, munch on it as a snack, and as a topping. I have to hold them back while it is cooling, because they are walking by and breaking pieces off. Thanks for a great recipe!!!
Stephanie says
Lisa,
This was easy, fun and delicious !!! You are inspiring me to drastically cut out the amount of processed foods.
For that I am grateful!!!
Many blessings to you and your family:)
Rick says
Made the granola this weekend. Couldn't find unsweetened coconut or unsweetened cranberries, which I added, but it's a step in the right direction, and overall it turned out great! Also, used a food dehydrator to get the job done which turned out perfect.
Caryn says
Great! My husband lves when i make granola. This recipe is way better than the one i used to make. Thank you!
Anna Hutchinson says
What is a serving size for this?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Anna. I usually do 1/2 cup. Jill
Melanie says
Just made this this evening. Yum!!! I had to eat a bowl before bed because I had to try it. I put on a few wild blackberries from the freezer that we picked last summer. It was great! I was wondering if there was somewhere that you've figured up the nutrition information. I can do it myself but if it's already been done, that's just a time saver! Thanks for your page and great ideas!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Melanie. No, we do not track the nutritional information for our recipes. Here is a little more information as to why...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/04/29/mini-pledge-week-8-stop-eating-when-you-feel-full/. Jill
Denise says
This wasn't our favorite granola, but it sure made my house smell great with all the wonderful spices.
Anna says
I just made this granola for breakfast and it is delicious :) My mom has a granola recipe that is quite similar, but I have never made granola with almonds or walnuts. Now I feel like I have been missing out - this is fantastic!
Krystal says
I love this idea and recipe however the 2 times i have attempted this I had to pull it out with 30 minutes remaining because mine burnt on the edges...any advise for tricks to what I may be doing wrong?
Anna says
My mom used to make granola once a month and in her recipe, she writes to take the granola out about half-way through and stir it all up. I usually stir it twice while cooking because I can't resist the smell! This has kept my granola from burning. Another tip might be to turn the oven down from 250 to 240? Just a thought!
Dana says
I would try turning your oven down to 200 and see if that helps. Maybe your oven runs a little hot. I also stir mine every 15 minutes as I am not trying to make the bars but the cereal. Hope that helps.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Krystal. Are you stirring it half way through the baking time? I might also suggest lowering your oven some, maybe to 225. Jill
Racquel says
I was wondering have you ever made this recipe without nuts...our oldest son is allergic to nuts and I was wondering if there was something you would put in instead of them....THANKS
Julie says
I was just about to post the same nut question! Also wondering if the coconut is essential? I have been studying this recipe for weeks....sounds so good! Thanks, Lisa!!
April says
I have made this recipe without coconut and it turns out great. I have nut left out nuts completely but I have used more of nuts we have on hand, or just plain like better than others. I have also used dried fruit. Last time I used maple syrup instead of honey. The best part of making granola is you can make it the way you like.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Julie. No, the coconut is not necessary - you can certainly leave it out. You could certainly leave out the nuts as well and replace them with things that you are able to have, maybe seeds of some sort. Jill
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Racquel. I have not, but, you could definitely leave them out. You might want to replace them with seeds if you like. Jill
Michael G says
My wife and I (OK, mostly my wife) are trying to get as much processed food as possible out of our diet. My wife loves your site and has asked me to also look at it so 'the responsibility doesn't lie solely on her' - a valid request. So, I am doing that and love what I have read so far. We have a long way to go, but at least we have started! My wife has made your 'The Best Whole Chicken in a Crock Pot' and 'Homemade Granola Bars' and our family absolutley loves them. Looking forward to enjoying more real food - thanks for all of your information. We couldn't do it without you.
Alie H says
I'm curious - how long would you say that the 'shelf life' is for this? I'm new at cooking & doing it for one so that big batch can last a while!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Alie. I have kept mine in an airtight container for up to 10 days. Jill
shawna says
At my house, it usually only lasts a few days because we all (even my picky 10 year old) eat it so quickly! But I do put half in the freezer just to keep it fresh.
Jenny says
I just discovered you from friends on Pintrest and have to say I am so grateful for your website and the time you put into making my life a lot easier...I am huge on counting calories, fat etc and would love to see if it's possible that you can add that on your recipes.
Again thank you so very much for this awesome amazing website.
Cindy says
Jenny,
I just wanted to let you know that I applaud your efforts to get healthy! However, counting calories is not an effective tool for weight loss. Scientists and doctors have now discovered that a calorie from one type of food can be completely metabolized differently than a calorie from another food. So, if you're counting calories in order to monitor how much you can take in, versus calories expended, then it's not going to be accurate. And, every body is different as well. A place to research this further is Dr. Mercola's website. Thanks for your time!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Jenny. We don't track the calorie info and here is some information on why...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/04/29/mini-pledge-week-8-stop-eating-when-you-feel-full/. Jill
Natalie says
Hi Lisa!! Do you thbk I could use the go raw organic sprouted seeds for this granola?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Natalie Yes, I think those would work. Jill
Melissa says
These were great! Thanks for sharing! I linked you on my post. :) http://www.sweetbeansoflife.blogspot.com/2013/01/granola-barscereal-and-death-of-crock.html
RPisano says
Hello! I JUST pulled a batch out of the oven 20 mins ago - SOOOOO GOOD!!!!
I'm new to the whole foods scene - how do you store this granola? There is no way I'm going to be able to finish all of this granola this week - I've seen some previous comments about freezing it - how do you defrost it for use?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi RPisano. I store mine on the counter in an airtight container. If you plan to freeze it, I would probably seal it in a ziploc bag. I don't believe it really "freezes", so, to thaw it, I think you can just remove it and thaw it on the counter. You could probably even just scoop out one serving at a time to thaw as well. Jill
Alexpz says
Hi! I'm excited to try your rcipes soon! Do u usually have the caloric content in the recipe somewhere? I'd like to know the serving number and calries for this granola. Thanks:)
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Alexpz. Sorry, but we do not track the the nutritional information for our recipes. There are many tools/apps, however, where you can enter the recipe to determine this information. Jilll
Sheery says
This recipe sounds so amazing! I'm wondering if anyone knows how it turns out without the nuts. My daughter is allergic to cashews and almonds so I'd obviously leave them out. Also, would I need to add more or less of the other ingredients by leaving the nuts out? Thank you.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Sheery. I think you could probably leave out the nuts. Can she have seeds? You could replace the nuts with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc.? You could also always just add more oats. Jill
E says
I use the same recipe (more or less) except that I don't add any butter/oil. My family thinks it tastes fantastic! We eat it with almond milk, add it to our hot cereal and use it to top yogurt.
What does the butter add to the recipe?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi E. It just adds some more moisture/flavor, but, sounds like you enjoy yours without it. Thanks for the information. Jill
Linds says
Lisa! Thanks for your blog and informative healthy eating! We're getting closer and closer to being real food eaters over at this house! It's definitely not an overnight things especially with children! But it's well worth it! I just wanted to share with you that substituting half of the butter in this recipe with Coconut oil make a delicious turn of events! We make granola on a regular basis! The smell alone is enough to throw away all my Scentsy Bars!
Julie says
I am planning on making big batches of freezer meals to stock up before my second child arrives... How does this granola freeze? Any suggestions to the best way to store it? And lastly how long will it last in freezer? Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Julie. I have not frozen the granola, but, I would imagine it would freeze ok. I would probably seal it in an airtight container and I would think it would last up to 3 months or so. Best of luck to you and your family. Jill
Maxine says
I'd like an idea of the nutrition facts and figures for the basic recipe. It sounds good, though I'm not too sure about the coconut.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Maxine...sorry, but, we do not track the nutritional information, but you can probably calculate it online. Jill
Ginger Shields says
I've been making granola in the oven for years with a recipe similar to this... I received an Excalibur dehydrator for Christmas, anyone ever make theirs in one instead of the oven? Any tips, tricks or suggestions?
Jennifer says
This recipe was fantastic. I was so happy that the e-mail notification came in. It was fast and easy. Just in time for Santa.
Stacy says
We tried this out sans the ginger. The taste is quite delish, but it didn't clump together at all. Just yummy individual oats and nuts. I let it cool before messing with it. Any tips?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Stacy. I do mine in a 9x13 pan with parchment paper and then pull it out to cool before cutting...that might help. Jill
Asli says
Just made 2 batches of this for my daughters teachers as Chistmas gift. My kitchen smells heavenly!
Erika says
Hi I would love to make this but I'm the only one in the house who likes anything in my granola besides oats and honey! I'm guessing I would have to modify the amounts of everything else if I'm omitting nuts coconut etc. any ideas? Btw I'm kinda obsessed with your blog! Haven't made the move to total real food yet but I'm on my way!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Erika. I would probably just increase the oats to compensate for the other ingredients you are leaving out, maybe not 1:1 though since the oats probably absorb more liquid than the other ingredients you are omitting. Glad you are enjoying the blog. Jill
Stacy says
The article mentions sesame and flax seeds but these aren't in the recipe. What would they be substituted for?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Stacy. Lisa was just mentioning that you can play around with the seeds you use and swap out different ones that you like or add them in addition to the others. Hope you enjoy the recipe. Jill
Stephanie says
I get sad when I run out of this granola! And I always make a double batch and keep it in the freezer. I like to add some peanut butter into the melted mix. I've also added pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice. I also like to add a tsp of almond extract. It's so delicious!
Nicole says
Has anyone figured out how much it costs to make a batch of this?
Becky says
Cathie...I was wondering the same thing.
Sam says
I asked on Facebook without a reply. I shopped for everything and it was a pricey purchase. Hoping to find a bulk store soon.
Cathie says
Hi, Hannah,
I am not crazy about coconut either, but you really can't taste it in this recipe. Because it is toasted it adds more sweetness then coconut flavor. My family LOVES this granola. In fact, I am eating some with yogurt as I type! Enjoy!
Michelle says
Just made this and let me just say DELICIOUS!!!
Awesome Healthy Recipe :-)
Sarah says
I'm vegan,so I substituted the honey for Maple Syrup, I also substituted the pumpkin seeds for Walnuts, and the Sunflower seeds for some more coconut and almonds...turned out sooo delicious, I'll have to stop myself from eating all of it! =o Thanks for the great recipe.
Renee says
Sarah- I was just looking around here for a substitute for the butter... What did you use? I wonder if I could use coconut oil?
Hannah says
I'm excited to make these! I do not like coconut...any suggestions for using something else in its place? Or will it be sweet enough without it? Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Hannah. I would probably just leave it out. Jill
Jill says
Just had to say that I made this granola cereal yesterday and it was a hit with the whole family! My 1-yr-old daughter snacked on small pieces of it while she played along in her play kitchen. My husband dipped into the container more than once at night for a snack. And I love it, too. Thanks!
Amy says
Followed your recipe exactly (because you haven't steered me wrong in any of your other recipes), using pecans instead of cashews, and it is delicious in a bowl of milk. I was looking for something to replace our box cereal and this is it. It's a little too crumbly for granola bars. This is the recipe I use for granola bars and they stick together wonderfully: http://www.hungryhealthygirl.com/2012/08/21/day-2-back-to-school-snacks-granola-bars/