This homemade healthy granola recipe is simple to make and produces large chunks (clusters). You can add any of your favorite granola flavors to this basic recipe.
If you follow my blog at all, then you probably know I’m a huge fan of oats. I’ve got quite a few oat recipes on this site and I’m sure I’ll be adding many more. One of my favorite oat containing recipes is granola. At least 3 times a week I’ll have a bowl of yogurt topped with fresh berries, nuts, and granola. I love it for breakfast or a post work out snack. I used to just buy my granola. I’ve found that there can be a huge difference in the kind of granola you buy. Some granola contains large chunks that stick together even when you add them to milk or yogurt. Other kinds have very small granola chunks, if any at all. I don’t really care for that. Large chunks of granola for me, please!
When I came across an episode of America’s Test Kitchen a few months ago explaining how to make large chunk granola at home, I knew I had to try it. I tweaked the recipe to fit my taste. And, I’ve been hooked ever since.
So, what’s the benefit of making your own granola? Well, for one, it’s a HUGE cost savings. A teeny tiny bag of store bought granola is often around $5. This recipe produces about 10 cups of granola for around the same price. Also, you can customize it to make the exact flavors that you want. This is a basic large chunk granola recipe. It instructs you to add whatever flavors you want, like dried fruit, chopped nuts, chocolate chunks, shredded coconut, etc.
I actually made two different granola flavors today. I made one with dried cranberries and chopped pecans, and another with chocolate chunks and shredded coconut. If you would like to make two different granola flavors out of one recipe, split the sweetened oats into two bowls before adding the granola flavors. Add half the amount of flavorings called for in the recipe to each bowl (1 1/2 cups instead of 3). Then pour both bowls of oats out onto the same baking sheet, side by side, and press down as usual.
Basic Large Chunk Granola Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or your preferred cooking oil
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 5 cups Old Fashioned rolled oats
- 3 cups total of your favorite granola flavors (chopped nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, chocolate chunks, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a (11x17 inch) baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the oil, honey, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt to a large bowl. Whisk until sugar is dissolved and oil is well incorporated.
- Add the oats and your chosen granola flavors. Stir well.
- Pour the oat mixture onto the baking sheet and spread it out into an even layer. Firmly pack the oat mixture into the baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes, rotating the pan half way through cooking.
- Let the granola cool at room temperature for one hour.
- Use a small spoon to scoop up the granola off of the baking sheet. Use the spoon and your hands to break the granola into large chunks.
- Store at room temperature in a sealed container or zip top bag.
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from Almond Granola with Dried Fruit from America’s Test Kitchen.
Canadiancabin says
Comes out perfect every time!! My daughter is allergic to nuts so we use 1/2 c. unsweetened coconut, 1 1/2 c. Pumpkin seed/sunflower seed/craisin salad mix from Costco and/or sometimes dried blueberries. Then press 1 c. chocolate chips onto the top as soon as it comes out of the oven…yum!
Cheryl says
Turned out great! Walnuts, cranberries, sliced almonds, flax seed, pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate chips! Edges were thinner and got really crispy….love that! Definitely make it again!
Greg says
I saw a comment here that said the cranberries came out rock hard after baking for 30 minutes. Thry suggested adding them after baking. Did you find the cranberries came out hard? Did you add them in and then bake them like the recipe says?
Kathryn says
The dried cranberries turn to rocks, add them after baking.
Victoria says
Perfect Granola! Can be different every time! I make a gluten free version for friends and family and it is gone in a day! I make two batches now😃. It also freezes very well for later! Love, love, love this recipe!
Luci says
So delicious and crunchy! We do it without the sugar and it’s still sweet and delicious! topped with some ground cinnamon too
Thank you for this recipe!
Chris Moore says
Such an easy but delicious recipe! My neighbors – the “taste testers” loved each one: dried cherries, coconut & almonds were in the first batch; dried cranberries, coconut & almonds in the second. Just tried chocolate chips, almonds & coconut – what a treat instead of a cookie or two with coffee. THANK YOU AMANDA!
Clara says
Absolutely best granola I have EVER made!! One of my favorite things to add is Rice Crispy’s (of all things! lol) to this granola. They add such a delightful crunch, not to mention flavor to this delicious recipe! I usually do one cup of the Rice Crispy’s in place of one of the cups of oats, and it turns out perfectly. 🤩I highly recommend this recipe!