Easy & Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe (Clumpy!)

I’ve always been a bit disappointed with store-bought granola. It’s often too sweet, not clumpy enough, or filled with questionable ingredients. That’s why I started making my own, and this Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe solves all those problems! If you’ve ever wanted to know how to make delicious granola from scratch, you’ve come to the right place. Get ready to learn my secrets for creating perfectly clumpy, crispy, and, most importantly, healthy granola right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe

This isn’t just another Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe. It’s the best Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe. This recipe takes a unique approach to achieving perfect texture and flavor.

The secret ingredient. The secret to this granola’s amazing clumps and texture is…aquafaba! (chickpea brine). Don’t worry, you won’t taste it at all!

Naturally binds and aerates. Whisked aquafaba acts as a natural binder and creates air pockets, leading to larger clumps and a lighter, crispier texture.

Healthier than store-bought. This recipe uses naturally sweetened ingredients and allows you to customize it exactly to your liking.

Easy to customize. Feel free to use your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruit to create your perfect blend.

Perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch of this granola and enjoy it all week long on yogurt, with milk, or as a snack.

Ingredients Needed

• 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free granola)
• 1 ½ cup raw nuts and/or seeds (I used 1 cup pecans and ½ cup pepitas)
• 1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt (if you’re using standard table salt, scale back to ¾ teaspoon)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
• ½ cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅔ cup dried fruit, chopped if large (I used dried cranberries)
• Totally optional additional mix-ins: ½ cup chocolate chips or coconut flakes*

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Let’s dive a little deeper into the ingredients that make this Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe so special and how you can adapt them to your preferences.

Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best choice for granola. They provide the perfect texture – chewy and substantial. Quick-cooking oats will become mushy, and steel-cut oats are too tough for this recipe. The different types of rolled oats drastically change the outcome of your granola. For more information, you can check out the Whole Grains Council’s page on oats.

Nuts & Seeds: I love using pecans and pepitas, but almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds are also great options. Make sure to use raw nuts, as they will toast perfectly in the oven, developing a rich flavor.

Oil: Both coconut oil and olive oil work well in this recipe. Coconut oil will impart a subtle coconut flavor and a bit more crispness, while olive oil offers a more neutral taste and adds a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats. Avocado oil is another neutral option. The oil helps bind the granola and creates a lovely, toasted crunch.

Sweetener: Maple syrup and honey are my favorite natural sweeteners for granola. Maple syrup has a delicate, almost caramel-like flavor, while honey brings a floral sweetness. Agave or coconut nectar can also be used. If you are trying to make this sugar-free, consider using a sugar substitute, but be aware that it may affect the texture.

Gluten-Free: To ensure your granola is gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats. Regular oats can sometimes be processed in facilities that also handle wheat.

Nut-Free: If you have a nut allergy, simply substitute all the nuts with your favorite seeds, like sunflower, pumpkin, or sesame seeds.

How to Make Healthy Granola

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect batch of homemade Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe.

Step 1: Prepare

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment paper prevents sticking and helps with even browning.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts and/or seeds, salt and cinnamon. Stir to blend. The cinnamon adds a warm, inviting aroma.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the aquafaba to soft peaks before adding to the oil, maple syrup and/or honey and vanilla. Mix well, until every oat and nut is lightly coated. Ensure every oat is glistening.

Step 4: Spread on Pan

Pour the granola onto your prepared pan and use a large spoon to spread it in an even layer. Press down for clumps.

Step 5: Bake

Bake until lightly golden, about 21 to 24 minutes, stirring halfway (for extra-clumpy granola, press the stirred granola down with your spatula to create a more even layer). The granola will further crisp up as it cools. The granola is done when it’s lightly golden on top. Be careful not to over-bake, or it will become too hard. This is where the Maillard reaction works its magic, creating those delicious toasty flavors.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Let the granola cool completely, undisturbed (at least 45 minutes). This is crucial for clump formation!

Step 7: Add Mix-Ins

Top with the dried fruit (and optional chocolate chips, if using). Add these after cooling to prevent burning.

Step 8: Break Apart and Store

Break the granola into pieces with your hands if you want to retain big chunks, or stir it around with a spoon if you don’t want extra-clumpy granola. Store properly in an airtight container.

Achieving Even Browning

Getting that perfectly even, golden-brown color on your Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe is key to both its flavor and appearance. Here’s how to make sure every bite is perfectly toasted.

Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is properly calibrated. An oven thermometer can be a lifesaver.

Pan Size: Use a large, rimmed baking sheet to allow the granola to spread in a thin, even layer.

Oat Layer: Ensure the granola is spread in an even layer on the baking sheet for perfect browning.

Stirring: Gently stir the granola halfway through baking to ensure even toasting.

Preventing Burning: Granola can go from golden to burnt quickly, so keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes of baking. If you notice it browning too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly or use a lighter-colored baking sheet.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Pro Tips

• Use high-quality maple syrup for the best flavor.
• Don’t skip the salt! It enhances the sweetness and other flavors.
• For extra-large clumps, press the granola down firmly after stirring halfway through baking.
• Add delicate mix-ins like chocolate chips and coconut flakes after baking to prevent burning.
• Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
• Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom.
• Make sure to whisk the aquafaba to soft peaks before incorporating it into the other wet ingredients. This ensures proper aeration and binding. You can read more about how to cook with aquafaba from Allrecipes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-baking: Granola will continue to crisp up as it cools, so don’t bake it until it’s completely hard in the oven.
• Using quick-cooking oats: They will become mushy.
• Not using enough oil: The granola will be dry and crumbly.
• Adding dried fruit before baking: It will burn and become hard.
• Not cooling completely before storing: This will trap moisture and make the granola soft.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Causes sticking and uneven browning.

Serving & Storage

Serving Ideas

• Enjoy with milk or yogurt and fresh fruit.
• Sprinkle on top of smoothie bowls. If you are looking for a great smoothie to pair it with, why not try a pineapple green smoothie?
• Use as a topping for baked apples or crisps.
• Mix into trail mix.
• Add to salads for a crunchy, savory element (granola croutons!).

Storage and Make-Ahead

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 weeks.
• For longer storage, freeze in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen granola at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving.
• Granola can be made ahead of time and stored for later use.

Conclusion

This Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe is a game-changer! It’s not only delicious and customizable, but it’s also packed with wholesome ingredients. The unique twist of using aquafaba guarantees those coveted large clumps and a satisfying crispy texture. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations to create your signature granola blend. Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow. Print the recipe and share it with your friends!

Once you’ve mastered this Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe, consider trying your hand at another delightful treat like the best snickerdoodle cookie recipe!

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about making homemade granola:

What are the best nuts and seeds to use in Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe?
Pecans, almonds, walnuts, pepitas, and sunflower seeds are all great options. Each offers a unique flavor and texture.

How do I make chunky Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe?
Press the granola down firmly after stirring halfway through baking. Cool completely undisturbed.

What can I use instead of maple syrup?
Honey, agave, or coconut nectar are all good substitutes. Keep in mind that each will impart a slightly different flavor and texture.

What is the best way to store granola to keep it fresh?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

How can I make this granola gluten-free, nut-free, or vegan?
Use certified gluten-free oats, substitute seeds for nuts, and ensure you’re using maple syrup (not honey) for a vegan version.

How long does homemade granola last?
1-2 weeks at room temperature, or up to 3 months in the freezer.