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This Simple Homemade Granola is incredibly quick and easy to make! Made with just 6 real-food ingredients and no honey, it's naturally vegan and nut-free.
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It may be basic, but I love having a batch of this Simple Homemade Granola on hand. It's a versatile pantry staple that makes a delicious ingredient for many recipes or quick breakfasts and snacks.
With its subtle sweetness and a touch of cinnamon, this crunchy granola makes a delicious topping for yogurt and smoothie bowls. It's also perfect for granola bars and makes a yummy addition to homemade trail mix. I can even be eaten as a cereal.
Is Homemade Granola Healthy?
This Simple Homemade Granola is made without refined sugars and just a handful of minimal whole-food ingredients, making it a much healthier and low-sugar option than many store-bought brands.
Plus, oats are a nutritious grain that's great for heart health and blood sugar regulation.
Health Benefits
Fibre-rich. Oats are an excellent source of both soluble and dietary fibre. Unlike many grains, the hulling process leaves both their germ and bran intact. This means the bulk of their fibre and nutrients also remain intact.
Mineral-rich. Oats are a great source of many minerals, including magnesium, selenium, potassium and calcium.
Heart-healthy. Oats are a rich source of nutrients that can support heart health, including potassium, the soluble fibre beta-glucan, and a group of antioxidants called avenanthramides.
Blood-sugar balancing. Cinnamon and the soluble fibre beta-glucan can have positive effects when it comes to blood sugar balance. This granola is also lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup, making it a low-sugar option.
Restorative properties. Oats have traditionally been used for their restorative properties to support digestive, reproductive and nervous system health.
Seasonal Benefits
Spring and summer are great times to enjoy this Granola with fresh seasonal berries and yogurt.
Autumn and winter are the perfect seasons to reap the warming benefits of cinnamon and the nourishing qualities of oats.
How to Make Homemade Granola Without Honey
As mentioned above, this Homemade Granola is incredibly simple to make. It only requires 6 ingredients and about 20 minutes. Follow the steps below or watch the video.
What You Will Need
Equipment
- Baking sheet to bake the Granola on. A 9" x 13" will hold a single batch of the recipe. A glass baking dish will also work.
- Unbleached parchment paper (optional) to prevent sticking. You can also grease a stainless steel baking sheet or a glass baking dish.
- Oven to bake the Granola.
- Mixing bowl to combine the ingredients and evenly coat the oats with coconut oil and maple syrup.
- Wooden spoon for stirring the ingredients together. A spatula will also work.
- Measuring utensils for accuracy.
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats are the main ingredient in this basic granola.
- Unsweetened shredded coconut adds a naturally sweet and toasty flavour.
- Pure maple syrup lightly sweetens this granola and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Unrefined coconut oil helps to bind the ingredients together while providing a delicious flavour and healthy fats.
- Ground cinnamon adds a touch of warmth and natural sweetness that complements the toasty, nutty flavour of oats.
- Natural mineral salt helps to bring the flavours together. Only a pinch is needed.
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
First, preheat your oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it with a bit of extra coconut oil.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, unsweetened shredded coconut, ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt.
Step 2: Stir In Remaining Ingredients
Next, stir in the melted coconut oil and pure maple syrup. Mix well, making sure the oats are evenly coated.
Step 3: Bake
Once all the ingredients are combined, spread evenly onto the parchment-lined or greased baking sheet.
Then, bake in the oven for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through (approximately at the 7-minute mark). Once the Granola has slightly browned to a golden colour, it is ready to be removed from the oven.
The coconut will begin to brown first, and the oats will take on a slight golden hue. Don't worry if they don't look toasty enough. They will continue to cook and crisp up as they cool. You don't want to overcook the granola (as I have done plenty of times) to avoid a burnt flavour.
After removing the Granola from the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes before handling. If you plan to store it for later use, allow it to cool fully before sealing to avoid a soggy texture from trapped moisture.
My Top Tips
- Use organic oats to avoid harmful pesticides and herbicides.
- Use certified gluten-free oats if you are sensitive to gluten or wheat or have celiac disease.
- Don't overbake to avoid a burnt flavour. The oats will only slightly change colour to a light golden brown when they are ready.
- Stir halfway through to ensure an even bake and avoid burnt bottoms.
- Don't overcrowd to ensure crispiness. Make sure the pan or dish you use is large enough to spread the Granola evenly in a single layer for even baking and the crispiest texture.
Subsitutions & Variations
Use raw honey in place of the maple syrup if you do not need your Granola to be vegan.
Omit the shredded coconut if you do not have any on hand. No adjustments need to be made.
Add chia seeds or hemp hearts for a source of protein and healthy fats.
How to Store Homemade Granola
To store Homemade Granola, allow it to fully cool before sealing to maintain its crispness. Keep it in an airtight container in a dry place at room temperature.
I prefer to store mine in glass to prevent any flavours or toxins that can leach from plastic. I also find that glass is the best way to keep a fresh flavour and a crisp crunch.
How Long Does Homemade Granola Last
This Homemade Granola can last up to 2 months if sealed in an airtight container and stored in a dry place at room temperature. However, I find that it is best consumed within 3 - 4 weeks for the freshest flavour.
You can also freeze this granola for up to 3 months! But, do be aware that freezing may slightly reduce the crunchiness after thawing. Make sure it is fully thawed after freezing before consuming.
Ways to Use Homemade Granola
There are plenty of ways to use Homemade Granola. One of my favourite ways to enjoy it is topped on yogurt with fresh fruit. It also makes a delicious topping for smoothie bowls, chia pudding and peaches and cream. This basic granola recipe is also perfect for making homemade granola bars.
FAQs
No, homemade granola does not need to be refrigerated. To maintain a crispy, crunchy texture, I find it best sealed in an airtight container and stored at room temperature in a dry cupboard or pantry.
Yes! You can omit the shredded coconut in this recipe. There's no need to change any ratios or make any adjustments. However, if you'd like, you can add chia seeds or hemp hearts instead.
There are a few reasons homemade granola may not be crunchy. If it is not crunchy right after cooling, it may need a few more minutes in the oven. It could have also been overcrowded while baking. Make sure the pan or baking dish is large enough to spread the granola out evenly in one single layer.
However, if it loses its crunch after storing, it may have been sealed while still warm, which can trap in moisture. It may also have been exposed to moisture due to not being sealed tightly enough. To prevent this from happening, make sure it is stored in an airtight container and allow it to fully cool before sealing.
If you have stored your granola in the fridge or freezer, it can lose its crunch after warming back up to room temperature. If this happens, you can pop it in the oven for a few minutes to crisp it back up. Be sure to keep a close eye on it, so it doesn't overcook or burn.
Recipe Highlights
Refined sugar free. Lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup, this Granola is a low-sugar option that's free of heavily refined sugars.
Heart-healthy. Oats are a great source of soluble fibre that can be beneficial to heart health.
Warming. With a dash of cinnamon, this Granola offers a touch of warmth for the cooler seasons.
Quick and easy to make. This Homemade Granola only takes a few minutes of hands-on time and 15 minutes in the oven.
More Oat Recipes
If you make this Simple Homemade Granola, let me know how it turns out by leaving a comment and rating below. Also, make sure you're following along on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and Flipboard for more wildly nutritious recipes!
Simple Homemade Granola (Nut-Free, No Honey)
Print RecipeEquipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Wooden Spoon / Spatula
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats (Organic & Certified Gluten-Free)
- ¼ cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
- 2 tablespoon Pure Maple Syrup
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 3 tablespoon Unrefined Coconut Oil (Melted)
- Pinch of Himayalan Salt (or Other Natural Mineral Salt)
Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it with a bit of extra coconut oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, unsweetened shredded coconut, ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt.
- Next, stir in the melted coconut oil and pure maple syrup. Mix well, making sure the oats are evenly coated.
- Once all the ingredients are combined, spread evenly onto the parchment-lined or greased baking sheet. Then, bake in the oven for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through (approximately at the 7-minute mark). Once the Granola has slightly browned to a golden colour, it is ready to be removed from the oven.The coconut will begin to brown first, and the oats will take on a slight golden hue. Don't worry if they don't look toasty enough. They will continue to cook and crisp up as they cool. You don't want to overcook the granola (as I have done plenty of times) to avoid a burnt flavour.After removing the Granola from the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes before handling. If you plan to store it for later use, allow it to cool fully before sealing to avoid a soggy texture from trapped moisture.
- After removing the Granola from the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes before handling. If you plan to store it for later use, allow it to cool fully before sealing to avoid a soggy texture from trapped moisture.
Sandy says
Awesome. Going to give it a try ❤
Michelle McCowan says
Yay! I hope you enjoy ♡
Jagoda says
Can you skip the coconut shreds? Or should you swap them for more oats? And if so, will the bake time change? 🙂
Michelle McCowan says
You can most definitely skip the shredded coconut and you can cook exactly as directed. No need to add extra oats or adjust the baking time 🙂
Jagoda says
Thank you for a thorough answer, will definitely try these soon!
Michelle McCowan says
No problem! I hope you enjoy the granola as much as I do 🙂