crunchy granola

Homemade Granola: A Quick, Easy & Deliciously Crunchy Recipe

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Making your own granola at home is not only incredibly easy and budget-friendly, but it’s also the perfect way to create a breakfast that suits your exact preferences. While store-bought granolas often contain more sugar, palm oil, or additives than you’d expect, homemade granola requires just a few wholesome ingredients. The result? A healthier, crispier, and far more flavorful version that you can fully customize. Whether you love a tropical mix, a nut-heavy crunchy blend, or a light granola with bright, fresh spices — anything is possible.

At home, we’ve been making our own granola every single week for the past five years. The best part about making it yourself is that you can tailor it to your taste and dietary needs. Our go-to version always includes a generous handful of nuts, and once baked, we mix in dried fruit such as raisins (read here how to make your own raisins), dried cranberries, or finely chopped dried figs and prunes. Every week we tweak the recipe just a little — which keeps it fun and delicious.

Why Make Your Own Granola?

There are many wonderful reasons to switch from store-bought to homemade:

✔ You know exactly what’s in it

Many packaged granolas contain high amounts of sugar, glucose syrup, or unnecessary additives. Homemade granola is pure, wholesome, and completely customizable.

✔ Ideal for allergies or intolerances

Need gluten-free oats? Nut-free for kids? Dairy-free? You decide what goes in — and what stays out.

✔ Much cheaper than store-bought granola

Especially when buying ingredients in bulk, the savings are impressive. Nut mixes and “premium” granolas are often the most expensive varieties in shops, but at home they cost just a fraction.

✔ Much more delicious

The aroma of warm, freshly roasted granola in the oven is worth the effort alone. Plus, it stays crisp for days when stored properly.

What You Need for a Basic Granola

This recipe is simple, nutritious, and the perfect foundation for countless variations.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 500 g oats (about 5 ½ cups) — the fiber-rich base
  • 130 g honey (about 6 ½ tablespoons) — for gentle sweetness and caramelization
  • 80 g rapeseed oil (about ⅓ cup, or use another neutral oil) — helps bind everything
  • 70 g raisins (about ½ cup) — natural sweetness
  • 30 g flaked almonds (about ¼ cup) — light, crisp texture
  • 30 g sunflower seeds (about ¼ cup) — healthy fats and pleasant crunch

Want to make your granola even more nutritious? Add chia seeds, flaxseed, or hemp seeds for extra fiber, protein, and omega-3.

How to Make Homemade Granola

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 355°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl: oats, almond flakes, sunflower seeds, and raisins.
  3. Prepare the honey mixture: Whisk together the honey and oil until smooth.
  4. Combine everything: Pour the honey-oil mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well. Make sure every oat flake is coated.
  5. Spread onto baking sheets: Keep the layer thin for maximum crunch.
  6. Bake for 15–20 minutes: Every oven behaves differently, so keep a close eye on the granola the first few times. We use an electric convection oven at home, and these times and temperatures work perfectly for us.
  7. Let it cool completely: Granola is soft when warm; it becomes beautifully crunchy only once fully cooled.
  8. Store in an airtight glass jar, where it will stay crisp for up to two weeks.
Een close-up van zelfgemaakte granola op een bakplaat met achtergronden in natuurlijke kleuren.
Versgebakken granola, goudbruin en knapperig, verspreid over een bakplaat met een siliconen onderlaag.

How to Get Granola Perfectly Crunchy

The ultimate crunch depends on three key factors: spreading thinly, mixing well, and cooling long enough.

  • Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat: prevents sticking and ensures even heat distribution.
  • Spread it out thinly: thick layers won’t crisp up as nicely.
  • Rotate the trays halfway through baking: ensures even browning.
  • Watch your oven closely: every oven is unique; adjust the time if needed.
  • Cool completely: this step is essential — it’s where the magic happens.

Sugar Alternatives (Including Low-Sugar Options)

Honey is delicious, but there are excellent alternatives if you prefer less or no sugar.

Low-sugar granola with applesauce

You can replace the honey with applesauce (link to recipe).
It still coats the oats nicely and adds subtle natural sweetness.
Use unsweetened applesauce for a granola containing only the natural sugars from apples.

Completely sugar-free?

Choose one of these sweeteners:

  • Stevia (a zero-calorie natural sweetener)
  • Erythritol
  • Monk fruit sweetener

The texture will differ slightly from honey-based granola, but it’s still delicious.

Variations & Seasonal Favorites

Granola is perfect for experimenting, and we often create seasonal versions.

👉 For our coconut & cranberry granola

Some of our own favorite seasonal ideas:

  • Autumn: warm spices like speculaas (pumpkin spice) and a splash of maple syrup
  • Winter: coconut and cranberries
  • Summer: extra nuts and dried summer fruits
  • Spring: lemon zest for a fresh, bright flavor

Everyone in the family has their favorite — which is exactly what makes weekly granola-making so much fun.

How to Make Granola More Nutritious

Want a more powerful breakfast? Add:

  • Protein: peanuts, hazelnuts, cashews, almonds
  • Omega-3: chia seeds, flaxseed, walnuts
  • Fiber: extra oats, psyllium husk, wheat bran
  • Minerals: pumpkin seeds (rich in magnesium)

Storing Your Granola

Store your granola in an airtight glass jar to keep it crisp.
There is no need to refrigerate or freeze it — cold storage will actually make it softer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why isn’t my granola crispy?
Usually the layer was too thick, the mixture too wet, or it wasn’t cooled long enough.

Can I make granola gluten-free?
Absolutely — just use certified gluten-free oats and check other add-ins for cross-contamination.

Which oil is best?
A neutral oil like rapeseed, rice bran, or sunflower oil. Olive oil works too but adds a more distinctive flavor.

Can you make granola without an oven?
Yes! Toast it in a pan over low heat. Stir often and be patient.

Serving Ideas for a Complete Breakfast

  • With yogurt and fresh fruit: Greek yogurt with berries, sliced banana, or chopped apple.
  • On smoothie bowls: adds texture and extra flavor.
  • With milk or plant-based drinks: a classic, filling combination.

Final Thoughts: A Breakfast That Always Fits Your Taste

Making your own granola is such a small effort for such a big reward. You choose the ingredients, tailor every batch to your taste, and create a breakfast that is not only nourishing but also feels like a daily treat. Whether you prefer something sweet, nutty, crunchy, fruity, or light — this base recipe lets you go in any direction you like. And best of all? You get to enjoy something homemade every morning. With the right storage, your jar of granola stays crisp for days, ready to enjoy with yogurt, milk, or a cozy bowl of warm porridge. Happy baking — and even happier breakfasts!

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Cranberry Coconut Granola: Crunchy, Sweet & Cozy

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A Comforting Breakfast for Cold Mornings

There’s nothing better than starting the day with a crunchy, flavorful breakfast that fills the house with warmth. This cranberry coconut granola brings that perfect winter feeling to your breakfast table. The tropical sweetness of coconut pairs beautifully with the tart flavor of cranberries — a delicious combination for chilly mornings.

As it bakes, your home fills with the gentle caramel scent of honey and coconut — it almost smells like cookies fresh from the oven. You can make a big batch all at once, so you’ll have a quick, wholesome breakfast ready for busy mornings.

👉 Tip: Take a look at my basic granola recipe — it’s a great starting point for experimenting with your favorite flavors.

More About the Ingredients

Oats form the heart of every granola. They’re packed with fiber, which provides slow, steady energy and keeps you full for hours — perfect for starting your day right!

Dried cranberries bring balance with their tart, fruity flavor. They add a lovely pop of color and are rich in antioxidants. Prefer a less sweet granola? Choose unsweetened cranberries.

Coconut adds a subtle sweetness and tropical aroma that surprisingly fits right in with wintry flavors — especially when combined with the tartness of cranberries.

Pumpkin and sunflower seeds add a satisfying crunch and healthy fats. They make the granola extra nutritious and give a mild, nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with honey and coconut. You can easily swap in other seeds if you like.

Honey is the natural binder in this recipe. It caramelizes slightly in the oven, creating that irresistible aroma and a beautiful golden color.

Canola oil (or another neutral oil like sunflower oil) helps the granola bake evenly and turn crisp without overpowering the flavor.

Ingredients for Winter Granola (makes about 1½ pounds / 700 g)

  • 4 cups (400 g) rolled oats
  • ¾ cup (100 g) dried cranberries
  • ½ cup (50 g) shredded coconut or coconut flakes
  • ½ cup (60 g) pumpkin seeds
  • ½ cup (60 g) sunflower seeds
  • ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon (130 g) honey
  • ⅓ cup (80 g) canola oil (or another mild vegetable oil)
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, coconut, seeds, and cranberries. Add a pinch of salt — it might sound odd, but it really enhances the flavor.
  3. Prepare the honey mixture: Stir the honey and oil together until smooth and well blended.
  4. Combine everything: Pour the honey mixture over the oat mixture and stir until every oat is lightly coated.
  5. Bake the granola: Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheets and press it down gently with a spatula. Bake for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown.
  6. Cool completely: When you take it out of the oven, you’ll hear the granola crackle softly. It doesn’t get perfectly crisp until it’s completely cool — then it’s wonderfully crunchy.

Serving & Variation Ideas

  • With yogurt or kefir: The tart cranberries pair perfectly with creamy yogurt. Want to try making your own? Check out my post on how to make homemade yogurt — it’s easier than you think!
  • As a topping for applesauce or stewed pears: Sprinkle a handful of granola over warm applesauce or poached pears for a delightful crunch. The combination of sweet fruit and toasted oats is simply irresistible.
  • Festive dessert idea: Use this granola as a crunchy topping for a creamy trifle with mascarpone. (I’ll be sharing that recipe soon!)
  • Extra flavor and aroma: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the mix for an even cozier winter touch.
  • Prefer a lighter flavor? Substitute honey with maple syrup for a subtle caramel note and a slightly looser texture.
  • No seeds? No problem: Skip the pumpkin and sunflower seeds and add an extra 1 cup (100 g) of oats instead for a softer, milder granola.

Storage & Shelf Life

This granola stays crispy for at least 4 weeks when stored in airtight glass jars in a cool, dry place. Avoid keeping it near the stove or oven — warmth and moisture will soften it.

For extra freshness, store your granola in smaller jars and open one at a time. That way, it stays perfectly crunchy until the last bite.

Looking for a thoughtful gift idea? Fill a glass jar with granola, tie a ribbon around it, and add a handwritten tag with the recipe. A homemade gift that’s guaranteed to make someone smile!

Why You’ll Love This Granola

Still need a reason to make your own granola? Here’s why this one’s worth it:

  • Ready in less than 30 minutes
  • Made with all-natural ingredients
  • Wonderfully crunchy and flavorful
  • High in fiber for lasting energy
  • Easy to make in big batches
  • Fills your home with warmth and a sweet, cozy aroma

A Granola for Cozy Winter Days

This cranberry coconut granola is full of warm, comforting flavors — ideal for cold mornings when you need a boost of energy. With just a few spoonfuls, you can transform a simple bowl of yogurt or milk into a wholesome, satisfying breakfast.

Enjoy it as a topping on yogurt, with milk, or even by the handful as a quick snack.
Make a batch for yourself or give it as a festive gift in a pretty glass jar — the perfect homemade treat for the holiday season!

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A close-up of dried cranberries on top, in contrast with baked granola featuring oats, coconut, and cranberries, with decorative text overlay promoting a cozy winter breakfast.

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