Honey Nut Granola
This simple honey granola bakes up crunchy and golden using whatever nuts, seeds or add-ins you have on hand. It's easy to make, endlessly adaptable and delicious as a cereal, over yogurt or as a tasty snack eaten right out of your hand!
Years ago when I owned a smoothie bowl shop, we were known for our homemade granola. This isn't quite the same recipe, but it's very similar!
My granola recipe is purposefully pared back and simple. It contains no flavorings other than a hefty pinch of salt because I love the balance it brings.
You can add other spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, and sometimes I do, but it's really delicious when the simple flavors of honey and toasted nuts shine through. With spices, they get kinda lost.
Making your own granola at home is surprisingly simple and super adaptable. You can use whatever nuts or seeds you like, any fat you have and whatever sweetener you prefer. You can use melted butter or coconut oil, olive oil or any neutral oil all work, as well as honey, maple syrup, agave nectar and brown rice syrup.
I usually go with honey and a neutral oil, but I mix up the nuts and seeds almost every time depending on what I have at home. I always add big coconut flakes plus sunflower seeds and cashews or sliced almonds.
Sometimes I add chopped pecans or pistachios, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), hemp seeds, ground flax seeds, puffed millet, buckwheat groats or quinoa.
You can add more honey or sweetener to your granola if you want, but I don't recommend using any less. The granola needs the sugar to crisp up in the oven and it doesn't work when there's not enough sweetener.
Want more great oat recipes? Try this easy Oatmeal Dutch Baby Pancake, these light Blueberry Oatmeal Pancakes, or my nostalgic PBJ Granola Bars.
Why This Recipe Works
- Easy to adapt with whatever nuts, seeds, fat or sweetener you have.
- Adjust the salt, sweetness or spices to suit your taste.
- Quicker than a trip to the store and much better than anything pre-made!
Ingredient Notes
Oats - This works with whole rolled oats, which is what I typically use, but quick oats work too.
Honey - You can swap out the honey for maple syrup, agave or brown rice syrup if you prefer. You can use some brown sugar as well, however you need at least some liquid sugar. I recommend replacing up to half of the honey with brown sugar for best results.
Fat - This works with any fat like melted butter, coconut oil, olive oil or any neutral oil, which is what I typically use.
Salt - Provides balance to the otherwise flat, sweet flavor. I use Diamond Crystal kosher salt, which is less salty than other brands. You may need to adjust to taste.
Nuts and seeds - Use any combination of nuts, seeds or grains you prefer. My favorites are cashews, almonds, sunflower seeds, pepitas, pecans and pistachios. I occasionally add hemp seeds, ground flax seeds, buckwheat groats, quinoa or millet. A few tablespoons add nice crunch and nutrition.
Coconut - Never skip the coconut, it makes the granola! Any unsweetened shredded coconut works, but I prefer the big flakes.
*Find the full ingredient list in the recipe card below!
Helpful Equipment
- Large bowl
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
How to Make Granola
- Preheat the oven to 275°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, cashews, almonds, pecans and coconut flakes. Stir to combine.
- Melt the butter, then mix in the honey and salt. Pour over the oat mixture and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated.
Pro Tip: Make sure all the dry ingredients are coated evenly so you get larger pieces once the granola cools.
- Spread out onto the sheet pan, then bake until golden brown and toasted, about 1 hour.
- Allow the granola to cool completely, then crumble into pieces. Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
Granola Making Tips
- You can add more honey if you want, but I don't recommend using any less or it won't crisp.
- Use butter or coconut oil if you want the fat to flavor the granola more.
- Spread the granola into an uniform layer so it toasts evenly.
- Let it cool fully before breaking into larger pieces, since that's when it firms up.
Granola Variations
- Add dried fruit like golden raisins or tart cherries after the granola cools.
- Stir in chocolate chips once cooled for a sweeter mix.
- Mix in chia seeds or flax seeds for more healthy fats.
- Add a little cinnamon or citrus zest for extra flavor.
- Swap some nuts for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
What to Serve with Granola
Serve with fresh fruit, a cup of Cold Brew Coffee and bowl of Greek Yogurt for an easy, quick breakfast.
It's also great as a crunchy topping for Tropical Smoothie Bowls or Acai bowls, or spooned over my rustic Berry Clafoutis with extra fresh berries!
How to Store Granola
Keep the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month or longer.
Make sure it's fully cooled before sealing so it stays crisp. It doesn't need reheating, but you can refresh it briefly in a low oven if it ever softens.
FAQs
Yes, use any combination you like. Just keep the total amount similar so the granola bakes evenly. Try all your favorite mix-ins!
Yes! Add any fried fruits you want, just mix them in after baking. The dried fruits will melt and caramelize in the oven, so they're better off added after cooking.
Yes, a splash works well, but add it to the wet ingredients so it distributes evenly, but I personally prefer it without vanilla.
It may need more sweetener or more time in the oven. If the nuts and oats look toasted, it's done and will crisp up as it cools.
You can, but it adds great texture and toasty flavor, so I recommend keeping it in.
Press the granola into the pan before baking and avoid stirring so it forms clusters. Adding more brown sugar and oil also helps to form big clumps that stick together.
It starts with old-fashioned rolled oats and a simple base recipe with the perfect ratio of oil and sweetener to nuts and and oats. The best part is how flexible the granola mixture is, so you can use different ingredients like pure maple syrup instead of honey, butter or coconut oil, add more nuts or use less sugar if you prefer. It really is the perfect granola because it's well balanced, stays crisp and lasts a really long time. This is the kind of easy granola recipe that always gives you room to play.
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Easy Honey Granola
Ingredients
- 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 3 cups assorted nuts and seeds, roughly chopped such as almonds, cashews, pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or pistachios
- 1 cup unsweetened large coconut flakes
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ cup honey
- ⅓ cup neutral oil, olive oil, melted butter or coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325℉ and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts and/or seeds, coconut flakes, brown sugar and salt. Mix really well, being sure to break up any clumps of brown sugar.
- Add the oil and honey, then toss really well until every piece is thoroughly coated.
- Spread out onto the sheet pan, then bake for 10-15 minutes. Remove from the oven and give it a good toss, then place it back in the oven and cook for another 10-15 minutes. Give it another mix, then cook for an additional 10-20 minutes, stirring one more time, until the granola is golden brown and toasted all over.
- Allow the granola to cool completely, then crumble into pieces. Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
- You can add more honey if you want, but I don't recommend using any less or it won't crisp.
- Use butter or coconut oil if you want the fat to flavor the granola more.
- If you use butter, lower the temperature to 300 degrees and check on it often to prevent burning.
- Spread the granola into a uniform layer so it toasts evenly.
- Let it cool fully before breaking into larger pieces, since that's when it firms up.
Nutrition
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This used be the best recipe for granola out there. Just wholesome goodness. Then she updated it to include sugar.... Seriously? Some corporate sugar company is probably paying somebody.
I'm so sorry to hear you're disappointed that I added 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to the recipe. No, there is no corporate sugar company paying me, I simply retested the recipe and updated it to reflect the version I prefer. The brown sugar adds a nice caramel note and more complexity. However, you can replace it with more honey or omit it altogether. This recipe is very flexible and can easily be adapted to suit your preferences.
i made this recipe using butter and even though I reduced the cooking time each time between stirring, it burned. Then I read elsewhere, if using butter, you should stay below 325 degrees F.
Thanks for letting me know. I've adjust the recipe to reflect your notes.
My young adult sons love this granola. They mix it with yogurt or just eat it plain. Thank you for sharing g this recipe!
So awesome!! Thanks for leaving a review!
Can I leave out the brown sugar?
Yes but you will need to replace it with another type of sweetener, such as honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, etc. or else the granola will not crisp up as well, and will not be sweet enough.
Thank you for this beautiful recipe, this is exactly what I have been looking for! Delicious!
I'm so glad you like the recipe! Thanks for leaving a review!
Tried this recipe now and my granola is in the oven, cant wait for it to come out and cool so we can have some for our breakfast. I was looking for a recipe that uses butter and I came across yours. Love the adaptability and all the variation options you have given...made it so easy to swop things out for personal preference and to work with what we have on hand at home. Thank you!
Hey Kieren, thanks for leaving such a nice comment! I hope you love the granola!
This recipe comes together so beautifully and quickly. It is very customizable as well. It literally comes together in five minutes. It is a hit with the family and they are constantly asking for it. Thank you so much for sharing!
I'm so glad you all love this recipe! It's a favorite ours too. Thanks for leaving such a sweet comment! 🙂
This granola comes together so quickly and has a nice mouthfeel to it. My husband and I were just talking about how store bought granola tastes too airy now. This granola takes me back to how it is suppose to taste. Thank you!
So glad you love the recipe! Thanks for leaving a review!
Just made this today and it is delicious! My husband and 4 year old loved it as well so it will be a new house staple.
Thanks girl! <3
Is there a way to convert Tablespoons of Butter to a weight value?
1 tablespoon of butter is equal to 1/2 ounce or 14 grams
I have to admit, this is the Best granola ever. It is an easy recipe to switch up with nuts and seeds you have in your pantry. Cannot eat my morning yogurt without some. Sooo much better than any store bought!
Thank you!