Heather’s Homemade Granola Recipe: Healthy, Simple and Endlessly Customizable

It’s hard to beat the smell of freshly baked granola filling your kitchen, right? Unlike most store-bought versions (which are often loaded with added sugar and preservatives), this recipe is made with simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry! Rolled oats provide long-lasting energy, nuts and seeds add protein and healthy fats, and a drizzle of natural sweetener brings it all together. This recipe is full of wholesome ingredients, and endlessly customizable. Enjoy with yogurt, milk, smoothie bowls, or just by the handful (or, like me fistful)!

Ingredients
(Makes about 5 cups)
3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned, not quick oats) *my oats came from Mom’s Grocery in Natick, if you haven’t been…OMG, go!!!
1 cup raw nuts and/or seeds (my go to is a combo of walnuts, and sunflower seeds)
2 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp sea salt
⅓ cup maple syrup or honey (honey is my choice) *my honey came from Bill’s Bees Honey @ the Framingham market
⅓ cup coconut oil
½ cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, chopped apricots, or dates - added after baking)

Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (don’t make of the mistake of wax paper…that was an unfortunate experience).
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts/seeds, chia/flax, cinnamon, and salt.
Combine wet ingredients: In a small saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl), warm the maple syrup/honey and coconut oil just until melted.
Toss together: Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Bake: Spread the mixture in an even layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown (if not browned, yet…give 3-5 more minutes).
Cool completely: Let granola cool fully (it crisps up as it cools), then stir in dried fruit.
Store: Keep in an airtight jar or container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks (if it doesn’t disappear sooner).

Tips & Variations
Extra crunchy: Press granola down into the pan before baking and don’t stir; break into clusters once cooled.
Lower sugar: Reduce sweetener to ¼ cup and add a sprinkle of stevia or monk fruit.
Flavor twist: Try adding cocoa powder, pumpkin spice, or orange zest before baking (go ahead and let your creativity flow…what’s the worst that can happen…toss, and try again).
Protein boost: Mix in 2-3 tbsp hemp seeds after baking.

Protein snacks . Homemade granola . Healthy snacks . Fall snacks . Nutritious snacks . Healthy breakfast . High protein . Homemade healthy treats . Mom’s Grocery . Dr. Bill’s Bees Honey . Framingham local . Framingham Farmer’s Market