There is only one basic granola recipe you need to remember. Master this and you can mix and match your favourite ingredients for countless homemade granola possibilities!
(A fan of grab-and-go breakfast that’s also good for you? You’d love these Healthy Superfood Breakfast Cookies!)
When I learned how to bake, I realized that I can make at home a lot of the stuff we purchase at the store. And that homemade is way better tasting than ready-made.
For example, we don’t buy these things anymore; I just make them!
I’m adding granola to that list. We haven’t bought granola (or cereal!) in a very long time.
And what’s great is that this is almost a non-recipe. It’s a simple basic formula that is fully customizable so that you can make perfect granola each time.
One basic granola recipe you need to remember
The magic formula is this: 1 cup wet ingredients to 6 cups dry ingredients. That’s it!
There’s this great video on Epicurious where they explain that it doesn’t even have to be actual measuring cups. It can be a bowl, a coffee mug, whatever. Just whatever you use, the magic number is 1:6.
Related: How to Make No-Churn Ice Cream
What to use to sweeten granola
To sweeten my granola, I usually stick with honey or agave syrup
though a lot of times I put peanut butter too (I am so tempted to put Nutella or cookie butter
– maybe someday I will!).
I know a lot of you are into almond butter
and I’m sure that will work too.
Related: Soft and Chewy Cookie Butter Blondies
Do you put oil in granola?
In case you’re wondering if you need to add oil to your homemade granola, the answer is yes. Otherwise, you would end up with a very dry batch.
I always put olive oil. Tastes great too.
Homemade granola: tips for success
I’ve tried and tested this basic granola recipe countless times with different ingredients. And while I encourage you to go crazy and creative, here are my guidelines for a fantastic batch of granola every time:
- Use rolled oats
– not quick-cooking oats – as your base. Quick-cooking oats would brown quicker than the rest of your ingredients. We don’t want burnt granola, yes? - Don’t use less than 3 cups of rolled oats. I tried more and less and 3 was the magic number for me.
- If you’re using dried fruit (and you should!) like cranberries, blueberries or fig, don’t bake them. Add them after you remove the baking sheet from the oven while the granola is still warm. Otherwise, they would turn really tough and hard.
- If you’re using chocolate chips (and again, highly recommended!), add them once the granola is cool. If you add them when the granola is still warm they will melt and disappear (unless melted chocolate is the goal? Then go for it!)
- Add an egg white. I tried batches without (there are times when I don’t have extra and I didn’t want to waste an egg yolk) and while it did not affect the taste, the granola turned out less crispy, looser and just overall less shiny.
- Remember to spice things up! I usually just add salt, sometimes cinnamon. But you can put cardamom, nutmeg, whatever you think would complement the rest of your ingredients.
– not quick-cooking oats – as your base. Quick-cooking oats would brown quicker than the rest of your ingredients. We don’t want burnt granola, yes?
, 
or 
, don’t bake them. Add them after you remove the baking sheet from the oven while the granola is still warm. Otherwise, they would turn really tough and hard.
. But you can put 
, 
, whatever you think would complement the rest of your ingredients.Various granola flavours
I love granola experiments (the recipe I share here is just one of the combinations I use). You put in your favourite things so what comes out is your favourite granola. We sprinkle it over yogurt, drench it in milk, snack on it like popcorn.
So go and experiment! Find what your favourite granola combo is and never buy ready-made granola again.
Related: The Ultimate List of Breakfast Ideas
Easy and delicious overnight oats recipes
If you’re looking for other quick and easy breakfast recipes that you can make ahead, check out these overnight oats. Make the night before, grab-and-go the next morning!
-
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
-
- Raspberry White Chocolate Overnight Oats
Related: How to Take Delicious Food Photos
Basic Granola Recipe
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- egg whites from 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- peanut butter to round off your 1 cup see notes
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup almonds
- 3/4 cup walnuts I don't bother to chop the nuts
- cinnamon to taste (see notes)
- salt to taste
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberry
- 1/4 cup dried apricot chopped
- 1/4 cup dried fig chopped
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300F. Prep a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk all your wet ingredients together. Add your rolled oats and nuts and stir until everything is evenly coated. Add seasoning and give the mixture a final stir.
- Transfer and spread evenly on your baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, then stir to ensure everything is baking evenly. Bake for another 15 minutes and stir again. Finally bake for another 10-15 minutes until crisp and golden brown.
- Take out of the oven and add the rest of your ingredients. Stir and allow to cool completely before adding your chocolate chips, if using. Transfer to an airtight container.
Video
Notes
- When measuring your wet ingredients, you don't even have to be exact. Sometimes I just take a measuring cup, put my wet ingredients in and stop when I reach 1 cup.
- Because the recipe doesn't have to be exact, I did not provide weight equivalents for the ingredients.
- Seasoning doesn't count as part of your dry ingredients.
- Like I mentioned in the post, this is just one of the many variations you can make. Go and experiment with your favourite ingredients.
(Recipe adapted from Epicurious)
Happy baking!
Did you take this basic granola recipe for a test run? Tell me about it in the comments section below. I’d love to hear all about it. What’s your favourite combination?
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(This post was updated on 30 November 2018.)
Lauren says
There is so much good information in this post! I can’t wait to make some granola now. I was really surprised to see egg white but it makes sense both as a binder and to give the granola some shine!
Marisa Franca says
We love homemade granola. It is superior to the store bought garbage. And as often as we’ve made granola, I’ve never made it with olive oil or used an egg white. I am completely fascinated by what our granola would turn out with using both. We usually use coconut oil but olive oil is easy enough for us — we always have olive oil on hand. I’ll be picking up some supplies to make this.
Lois Christensen says
I love granola for breakfast and it makes a great snack. Your basic recipe looks very easy to follow! Thanks!
Veena Azmanov says
This is like the best of everything. I love granola and you have just the right mix of nuts, fruits and flavors. Love how easy this is too.
Arlene Mobley says
The possibilities are endless when you start with a basic recipe like this!
Denise says
This is possibly the most thorough granola recipe I have ever seen! I love all your tips as I make granola a lot and did not know alot of those things, like the egg whites for instance. Great post!
Jolina says
Thanks Denise!
Gloria says
Homemade granola is the BEST. You can make it just the way YOU like it. A great way to use stuff up in the cupboard. I love giving this as a “food gift” too. Always welcomed!!
[email protected] says
Looks great! Going to have to add this to the list. I’ve been meaning to find a favorite granola recipe.
Juliana says
Wow, this looks so good. I need to try to make this!! It’s the perfect kind of granola. Thank you so much for sharing!
Dunja says
I’ve never actually tried to make granola, but i really like eating it you you gave us such an useful information, i have to try it make it 😀
Jolina says
Hi Dunja! I encourage you to give it a try once; you might just stop buying ready made too! 🙂
Jennifer says
Sounds delicious! Thanks for the tips too especially about adding the fruit after its baked.
Jolina says
You are most welcome Jennifer! Hope you get to make your own granola soon!
Cat says
Such an informative post !! Nothing beats homemade stuff! Your photos are so stunning !! Love, Cat
Jolina says
Thanks Cat! Homemade is pretty great 🙂
Allie says
Yes, yes yes: I started making my own granola just this past year and its AMAZING how much better it is. It changes the game! This looks awesome!
Jolina says
It really does, doesn’t it? 🙂 Thanks Allie!
Anne says
Wow what a great idea! I spend a fortune on granola so i’ll definitely be trying out your recipe thanks 🙂
Jolina says
Nice! Making homemade granola might just change your life lol! Hope you have great success the recipe, would love to hear how it goes.
Borka says
I mostly eat oatmeal for breakfast, and I love to add everything, nuts, strawberries, and raisins!
Jolina says
Sounds like a pretty awesome start to the day! 🙂
Tina says
Thanks for this granola recipe! I didn’t know that it would be good to add egg white!
Jolina says
Thanks Tiina! Yes, egg white makes a subtle yet big difference (does that make sense? haha)
Maureen says
These are all great tips to make a basic granola recipe. I hope to try to make this for sure sometime as it sounds super delicious!
Jolina says
Thanks Maureen! Hope you like it!
Ave says
I haven’t made any granola at home, but we buy it a lot, as my husband and daughter are huge fans of granola. I’ll have to try out your recipe for sure – to keep our granola healthy and save some money too!
Jolina says
Hi Ave! You can make it a family activity too. Or make a specific granola for each person of the family! You’ll have lots of fun 🙂
Adriana Lopez-Martin says
Nothing better than making your own granola =) really like yoru recipe a lot. Sometimes we think is difficult to make but granola is so simple.
Jolina says
Thanks Adriana! Lots of recipes are like that I find. Unless I try it I wouldn’t know how simple it really is.
Nina says
I love eating granola and mixing it with things! Such a good and healthy breakfast! Thanks for sharing your tips!
Jolina says
You are most welcome Nina! Have you tried making your own? You’ll enjoy it I think 🙂
Rose says
Thanks a lot for these tips! I love how you encourage your reader to go crazy and creative. Finding our own styleof cooking and our own taste is the best way to explore food.
Jolina says
You are most welcome Rose! I think we should all be crazy and creative haha! And I absolutely agree: that is the best way to explore food and different cuisines 🙂
Tammilee Tips says
I love granola!!! I try to keep some on hand for yogurt, love making it at home too!
Megan Ogden says
I have never thought to make my own granola bar! Awesome!
Jolina says
Hi Megan! This recipe is for loose granola actually, I haven’t quite perfected making them into bars haha. Soon on the blog, perhaps. It’s still pretty awesome!
Elizabeth O. says
I love learning new recipes especially the ones that we enjoy as a family. It’s more affordable when you choose to do things at home. I love making my own granola as well! This is a pretty awesome recipe!
Jolina says
Thanks Elizabeth! Happy to hear you guys make homemade granola too 🙂 Do you guys work with your very own magic ratio?
Heather says
I haven’t made granola in years. It’s also important to keep it in an airtight container (learned that the hard way). I bet my kids would like some.
Jolina says
Hi Heather! Thanks for tip (and sounds like you have a very interesting story to tell lol!)
Julie says
Love homemade granola. Will try this recipe!
lex says
Sounds like something I will like to try out by myself, delicious by looks and am hoping its same by taste. Hahaha, greatnfun read.
Ana says
This looks healthy and perfect for breakfast! Thanks for the recipe! Can’t wait to try it!
Daisy says
Great recipes! The pictures are delightful too. Granola bars in France suck so hard. I will have to try your recipe ASAP.
Jolina says
Sorry to hear that! Do make your own, they are sure to be better 🙂
Nicolas says
Looks good and super easy I will try it this weekend, thanks for sharing 🙂
Subhadrika says
this makes the perfect breakfast for me. i love eating granola. Till date i have eaten it only from outside but i would love to make my own by adding my own little touch to it.
Jolina says
Once you’ve made your first batch you’ll want to try more! That’s what happened to me…I can’t wait to try different versions haha. Thank Subhadrika!
Sarah says
Looks so delicious!!
Nicole Escat says
Wow, I love granola bars! This sounds like a delicious recipe, I am so excited to make some.
Jolina says
Hi Nicole! These are actually loose granola…I haven’t figured out how to make them stick together as bars yet lol. If you do let me know 🙂
Terri says
I can’t wait to make your basic recipe and see what all I can use it in. I’ve become such a huge fan of granola this past year.
Jolina says
Granola is pretty awesome! I’m excited for you and your granola experiments. Have fun!
Carrie says
Yummy! This is such a simple recipe! I am definitely going to save this! 🙂
Robin says
Definitely will give this a try.. Better than store bought
Chelley says
This sounds like a great granola recipe! We actually have BAGS of rolled oats right now, so I think I’ll put one to good use.
Jolina says
It’s a sign! There’s granola in your future 🙂 Thanks Chelley! Hope you like it!
Maria says
I bet this is so much cheaper than the stuff I buy at the store. I really love it in yogurt in the am.
Jolina says
Hi Maria! My favourite way to eat it is just straight from the jar haha. It’s replaced my potato chips i fact!
Neely Moldovan says
I love making granola! This sounds amazing! Must try!
Jolina says
Oh me too! I love thinking of what good stuff I’m mixing together next 🙂 Thanks Neely!
Liz Mays says
Oh I didn’t know about the difference in oats. That’s a good tip because we usually buy quick oats. This is a great recipe.
Jolina says
Thanks Liz! Rolled oats are bigger too so you get a “meatier” granola. I’m excited for all the different kinds of granola in your future! 🙂
Liz says
Knowing the magic ratio makes it all so much simpler. I can’t wait to play around!
Susan says
This looks scrumptious. One question–can you use coconut oil rather than olive oil? Or will it get clumpy once it gets back to room temperature?
Jolina says
Hi Susan! I haven’t tried it but I think you absolutely can. I use olive oil mostly because it’s what we have but I think any oil would do and coconut is definitely healthy. If your coconut oil is the creamy kind you’d need to warm it up first to make it spreadable. Would love to hear how your granola experiment goes.
Val says
I don’t care for most granola because it has nuts. I’ve never tried making my own but this seems straightforward enough.
Jolina says
That’s the beauty of homemade! You can make a totally nut-free version 🙂 and yes this it can’t get more straightforward than this.
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
Oh, I love this! I totally agree that homemade is better than store bought. So true and I love how you can control the quantities and know exactly every single ingredient that goes into what you are making. Great ratio tip. Definitely keep that in mind!
I’m totally with ya with chocolate in granola and I do think that Nutella would be a delicious ingredient in there. Nutella makes everything better, lol 😀 Pinning this one and would love to try this weekend!
Jolina says
Thanks for the pin Dawn! And yes on the Nutella! The only thing that’s stopping me is I’m not sure if Nutella is classified as healthy so that might defeat my healthy granola lol but what the heck I’ll do it anyway one of these days! Hope you have much success with the magic ratio!