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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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