Breakfast • Snack • Simple Recipes
Homemade Granola
A simple, crunchy homemade granola made with oats, nuts and a lightly sweetened coating.
From My Kitchen
There is something remarkably special about the smell of granola toasting in the oven. While store-bought bags are convenient, making it yourself feels like a quiet act of love for your home. It’s surprisingly simple to put together, and once you realize how easy it is to customize with your favorite nuts and seeds, you’ll likely never go back to the boxed version. I love keeping a container in our pantry for quick breakfasts or a satisfying afternoon snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to make with just a few minutes of prep time.
Uses simple, wholesome pantry staples.
Highly customizable to your taste preferences.
Wonderful for meal prep and busy mornings.
Significantly less expensive than artisanal store-bought brands.
Ingredients
4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, sunflower seeds, cinnamon and salt.
In a small bowl, stir together the maple syrup, brown sugar and vanilla until well combined.
Pour the maple mixture over the oats and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Spread the granola onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer and gently press it down.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring once about halfway through, until lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking it into clusters.
Shannon’s Kitchen Tip
Let the granola cool completely before breaking it apart; this helps create those lovely, crunchy clusters we all love.
Make It Your Own
This recipe is just a canvas! Feel free to add almonds, pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch. You can stir in coconut flakes or cinnamon before baking, and fold in dried cranberries, raisins, or chocolate chips once cooled. A final drizzle of maple syrup or honey can also add a delightful extra touch of sweetness.
Serving Ideas
Enjoy this granola served over creamy Greek yogurt, with fresh seasonal fruit, in a simple breakfast bowl with milk, or simply grab a handful as a satisfying snack throughout the day.
Storage
Once completely cooled, store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunch. It stays fresh for up to two weeks, though it rarely lasts that long!