This Healthy Granola Recipe is a delightful blend of crunchy oats, chewy dried fruits, and nutty seeds, all without a hint of refined sugar. Every bite offers a satisfying mix of textures and natural sweetness from honey or maple syrup, making it a guilt-free treat.
In just 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a batch of golden, aromatic granola ready to elevate your mornings. Perfect for yogurt parfaits or as a snack on the go, it’s a wholesome way to start your day with energy and flavor.
Packed with wholesome ingredients like almonds, coconut flakes, and cinnamon, this granola brings warmth and depth to every spoonful. The toasty aroma filling your kitchen is just a bonus to the irresistible crunch and subtle sweetness.
Whether you’re sprinkling it over smoothie bowls or enjoying it straight from the jar, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Quick to make and even quicker to disappear, it’s a pantry staple you’ll want to keep on hand for those busy, health-conscious days.
What You’ll Need for Healthy Granola
- 4 cups (12 oz/340 g) old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups (7½ oz/213 g) raw pecans, chopped (or substitute with walnuts or almonds)
- ½ cup (1 ½ oz/43 g) unsweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup (4 fl oz/120 ml) melted coconut oil (or use olive oil for a different flavor)
- ½ cup (5 oz/142 g) maple syrup (or honey as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup (5 oz/142 g) golden raisins (or dried cranberries for a tart twist)
How to Make Healthy Granola
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) with the fan assist on. Prepare 2 rimmed baking sheets and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon.
- Pour the wet mixture over the oat mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Divide the granola between the two baking sheets and spread it into a thin, even layer.
- Bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is toasty brown and fragrant.
- Let the granola cool completely in the pans. Once cooled, combine the contents of both pans with the golden raisins.
- Serve with milk, yogurt, or your favorite fruit! Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 weeks.
Creative Serving Suggestions
This healthy granola is incredibly versatile! Enjoy it as a classic breakfast with milk or yogurt and fresh fruit like bananas, berries, or sliced apples. For a fun twist, sprinkle it over smoothie bowls or use it as a topping for oatmeal. It also makes a great snack on its own or paired with dark chocolate chips for a sweet treat.
Storage Tips for Long-Lasting Freshness
Once cooled, store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 weeks. For maximum freshness, keep it in a cool, dry place. If you’d like to extend its shelf life, you can freeze it in a resealable bag for up to 3 months—just let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
Easy Recipe Variations to Try
Customize this granola to suit your taste! Swap pecans for almonds or walnuts, or add pumpkin seeds for extra crunch. If you’re not a fan of raisins, try dried cranberries, apricots, or dates. For a chocolatey version, mix in cocoa powder with the wet ingredients or stir in mini chocolate chips after baking.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Mornings
Prepare a double batch of this granola and store it for quick breakfasts throughout the week. You can also pre-measure the dry ingredients the night before to save time in the morning. If you’re in a rush, skip the stirring halfway through baking—just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Equipment Guidance for Perfect Granola
Use rimmed baking sheets to prevent spills and ensure even baking. A large mixing bowl is essential for combining the ingredients thoroughly, and a whisk works perfectly for blending the wet ingredients. For easy spreading, consider using a silicone spatula to press the granola into an even layer on the pans.
Healthy Granola Recipe (No Refined Sugar)
Ingredients
- 4 cups old fashioned rolled oats 12 oz/340 g
- 1 ½ cups raw pecans, chopped 7½ oz/213 g
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut 1 ½ oz/43 g
- ½ cup melted coconut oil 4 fl oz/120 ml
- ½ cup maple syrup 5 oz/142 g
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup golden raisins 5 oz/142 g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) fan assist. Set 2 rimmed baking sheets aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, pecans and coconut.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt and cinnamon, then pour over the oat mixture.
- Mix the oats until they are thoroughly and evenly coated in the oil mixture.
- Divide the granola between the two prepared baking sheets and spread out into a thin layer across the entire pan.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, stirring the mixture halfway through, until the granola is evenly toasty brown.
- Let cool completely in the pans, then combine the contents of both pans with the raisins.
- Serve with milk or yogurt and fruit! Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 weeks.
