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The Only Basic Granola Recipe You Need

by Jolina 72 Comments [This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See Terms of Use for more information.]

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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!)

The Only Basic Granola Recipe You Need

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!

    • Quick and Easy Homemade Lemon Curd
    • Homemade Whipped Cream
    • Homemade Mexican Chocolate Pudding

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 Only Basic Granola Recipe You Need

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

The Only Basic Granola Recipe You Need

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.

Various granola flavours

The Only Basic Granola Recipe You Need

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
Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Raspberry White Chocolate Overnight Oats
Raspberry White Chocolate Overnight Oats

Related: How to Take Delicious Food Photos

Basic Granola Recipe

Basic Granola Recipe

Author: Jolina
One basic granola recipe, countless delicious granola possibilities! This is the only granola recipe you will ever need.
5 from 19 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Course Breakfast
Cuisine North American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 341 kcal

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 341kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 6mgPotassium: 315mgFiber: 6gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 105IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 88mgIron: 2.3mg

Nutritional information are estimates only.

Keyword 1-Bowl Recipe, Easy, Healthy, No-Fail Recipe
Tried this recipe?Tag @iamtheunlikelybaker I'd love to see your creations!

(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?

And let’s get social! Find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and Flipboard.

Or subscribe so you don’t miss a recipe. I promise I don’t spam (I hate spam too).

Do you want to improve your food photography, monetize your blog or start your very own food blog? Check out my Blogging Resources.


(This post was updated on 30 November 2018.)

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Filed Under: Breakfast & Brunch, Recipes

Previous Post: « 13 Mouthwatering No-Bake Desserts
Next Post: Lemon Ricotta Muffins Recipe »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lauren says

    January 19, 2019 at 10:37 pm

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
  2. Marisa Franca says

    January 18, 2019 at 12:19 pm

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
  3. Lois Christensen says

    January 18, 2019 at 7:13 am

    5 stars
    I love granola for breakfast and it makes a great snack. Your basic recipe looks very easy to follow! Thanks!

    Reply
  4. Veena Azmanov says

    January 17, 2019 at 3:28 pm

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
  5. Arlene Mobley says

    January 17, 2019 at 12:07 pm

    5 stars
    The possibilities are endless when you start with a basic recipe like this!

    Reply
  6. Denise says

    January 16, 2019 at 8:05 am

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 16, 2019 at 3:31 pm

      Thanks Denise!

      Reply
  7. Gloria says

    January 15, 2019 at 4:58 pm

    5 stars
    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!!

    Reply
  8. [email protected] says

    September 21, 2016 at 1:57 pm

    Looks great! Going to have to add this to the list. I’ve been meaning to find a favorite granola recipe.

    Reply
  9. Juliana says

    September 20, 2016 at 5:15 am

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
  10. Dunja says

    September 12, 2016 at 2:57 pm

    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 😀

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 12, 2016 at 10:13 pm

      Hi Dunja! I encourage you to give it a try once; you might just stop buying ready made too! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Jennifer says

    September 12, 2016 at 1:57 am

    5 stars
    Sounds delicious! Thanks for the tips too especially about adding the fruit after its baked.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 12, 2016 at 10:14 pm

      You are most welcome Jennifer! Hope you get to make your own granola soon!

      Reply
  12. Cat says

    September 11, 2016 at 6:33 pm

    5 stars
    Such an informative post !! Nothing beats homemade stuff! Your photos are so stunning !! Love, Cat

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 11, 2016 at 8:05 pm

      Thanks Cat! Homemade is pretty great 🙂

      Reply
  13. Allie says

    September 10, 2016 at 4:31 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 11, 2016 at 3:34 am

      It really does, doesn’t it? 🙂 Thanks Allie!

      Reply
  14. Anne says

    September 10, 2016 at 3:52 pm

    Wow what a great idea! I spend a fortune on granola so i’ll definitely be trying out your recipe thanks 🙂

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 11, 2016 at 3:36 am

      Nice! Making homemade granola might just change your life lol! Hope you have great success the recipe, would love to hear how it goes.

      Reply
  15. Borka says

    September 10, 2016 at 3:43 pm

    5 stars
    I mostly eat oatmeal for breakfast, and I love to add everything, nuts, strawberries, and raisins!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 11, 2016 at 3:37 am

      Sounds like a pretty awesome start to the day! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Tina says

    September 10, 2016 at 2:39 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks for this granola recipe! I didn’t know that it would be good to add egg white!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 11, 2016 at 3:38 am

      Thanks Tiina! Yes, egg white makes a subtle yet big difference (does that make sense? haha)

      Reply
  17. Maureen says

    September 10, 2016 at 11:16 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 11, 2016 at 3:38 am

      Thanks Maureen! Hope you like it!

      Reply
  18. Ave says

    September 10, 2016 at 5:32 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 11, 2016 at 3:39 am

      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 🙂

      Reply
  19. Adriana Lopez-Martin says

    September 9, 2016 at 11:21 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 11, 2016 at 3:40 am

      Thanks Adriana! Lots of recipes are like that I find. Unless I try it I wouldn’t know how simple it really is.

      Reply
  20. Nina says

    September 9, 2016 at 6:58 pm

    5 stars
    I love eating granola and mixing it with things! Such a good and healthy breakfast! Thanks for sharing your tips!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 11, 2016 at 3:42 am

      You are most welcome Nina! Have you tried making your own? You’ll enjoy it I think 🙂

      Reply
  21. Rose says

    September 9, 2016 at 6:15 pm

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 11, 2016 at 3:43 am

      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 🙂

      Reply
  22. Tammilee Tips says

    September 9, 2016 at 2:44 pm

    I love granola!!! I try to keep some on hand for yogurt, love making it at home too!

    Reply
  23. Megan Ogden says

    September 9, 2016 at 12:20 pm

    I have never thought to make my own granola bar! Awesome!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 11, 2016 at 3:44 am

      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!

      Reply
  24. Elizabeth O. says

    September 9, 2016 at 11:52 am

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 11, 2016 at 3:45 am

      Thanks Elizabeth! Happy to hear you guys make homemade granola too 🙂 Do you guys work with your very own magic ratio?

      Reply
  25. Heather says

    September 9, 2016 at 10:37 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 11, 2016 at 3:47 am

      Hi Heather! Thanks for tip (and sounds like you have a very interesting story to tell lol!)

      Reply
  26. Julie says

    September 9, 2016 at 10:36 am

    Love homemade granola. Will try this recipe!

    Reply
  27. lex says

    September 9, 2016 at 6:47 am

    Sounds like something I will like to try out by myself, delicious by looks and am hoping its same by taste. Hahaha, greatnfun read.

    Reply
  28. Ana says

    September 9, 2016 at 12:05 am

    This looks healthy and perfect for breakfast! Thanks for the recipe! Can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
  29. Daisy says

    September 8, 2016 at 6:54 pm

    Great recipes! The pictures are delightful too. Granola bars in France suck so hard. I will have to try your recipe ASAP.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 11, 2016 at 3:28 am

      Sorry to hear that! Do make your own, they are sure to be better 🙂

      Reply
  30. Nicolas says

    September 8, 2016 at 6:54 pm

    Looks good and super easy I will try it this weekend, thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  31. Subhadrika says

    September 8, 2016 at 6:01 pm

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 11, 2016 at 3:27 am

      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!

      Reply
  32. Sarah says

    September 8, 2016 at 12:18 pm

    5 stars
    Looks so delicious!!

    Reply
  33. Nicole Escat says

    September 8, 2016 at 11:27 am

    Wow, I love granola bars! This sounds like a delicious recipe, I am so excited to make some.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 11, 2016 at 3:26 am

      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 🙂

      Reply
  34. Terri says

    September 8, 2016 at 10:26 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 11, 2016 at 3:25 am

      Granola is pretty awesome! I’m excited for you and your granola experiments. Have fun!

      Reply
  35. Carrie says

    September 8, 2016 at 2:32 am

    Yummy! This is such a simple recipe! I am definitely going to save this! 🙂

    Reply
  36. Robin says

    September 8, 2016 at 1:11 am

    Definitely will give this a try.. Better than store bought

    Reply
  37. Chelley says

    September 7, 2016 at 7:53 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 11, 2016 at 3:24 am

      It’s a sign! There’s granola in your future 🙂 Thanks Chelley! Hope you like it!

      Reply
  38. Maria says

    September 7, 2016 at 4:37 pm

    5 stars
    I bet this is so much cheaper than the stuff I buy at the store. I really love it in yogurt in the am.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 11, 2016 at 3:22 am

      Hi Maria! My favourite way to eat it is just straight from the jar haha. It’s replaced my potato chips i fact!

      Reply
  39. Neely Moldovan says

    September 7, 2016 at 4:33 pm

    I love making granola! This sounds amazing! Must try!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 11, 2016 at 3:21 am

      Oh me too! I love thinking of what good stuff I’m mixing together next 🙂 Thanks Neely!

      Reply
  40. Liz Mays says

    September 7, 2016 at 3:32 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 11, 2016 at 3:20 am

      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! 🙂

      Reply
  41. Liz says

    September 7, 2016 at 1:45 pm

    5 stars
    Knowing the magic ratio makes it all so much simpler. I can’t wait to play around!

    Reply
  42. Susan says

    September 7, 2016 at 11:23 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 11, 2016 at 3:19 am

      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.

      Reply
  43. Val says

    September 7, 2016 at 11:07 am

    I don’t care for most granola because it has nuts. I’ve never tried making my own but this seems straightforward enough.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 11, 2016 at 3:15 am

      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.

      Reply
  44. Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says

    September 7, 2016 at 9:34 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 11, 2016 at 3:14 am

      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!

      Reply

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