Why You’ll Love this Homemade Granola
If you’re tired of store-bought granola with its mysterious ingredients and hefty price tag, this homemade version is about to become your new kitchen staple. I’m telling you, there’s something magical about the aroma of oats, coconut, and peanuts toasting in your oven that no factory-made product can replicate.
What makes this granola truly special? For starters, you control exactly what goes in it. No preservatives, no artificial flavors, just wholesome ingredients like old-fashioned oats, wheat germ, and all-bran cereal. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for folding into cookie dough or enjoying with milk.
The brown sugar adds just the right sweetness without being overwhelming, while the vanilla brings warmth to every bite. Can store-bought granola give you that perfect balance? I think not.
What Ingredients are in Homemade Granola?
Making homemade granola is so much easier than most people realize, and the best part is you can control exactly what goes into it. This recipe creates a deliciously crunchy, slightly sweet base that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or using in other recipes like cookies. The combination of grains, nuts, and natural sweeteners creates that perfect balance of nutrition and flavor that store-bought varieties often miss.
The beauty of homemade granola is its versatility, too. Not a fan of peanuts? Swap them for almonds or walnuts. Want it a little sweeter? A drizzle of honey works wonders. And while the recipe doesn’t call for dried fruits, adding some after baking can take this granola to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- 5 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 1/2 cups wheat germ
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup peanuts
- 1/2 cup all-bran cereal
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cooking oil
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
When shopping for these ingredients, quality really does matter. Try to find organic oats if your budget allows, and make sure your nuts and coconut are fresh—not those ones that have been sitting in your pantry for who knows how long.
How to Make this Homemade Granola
Making this granola couldn’t be simpler, and your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly during the process. Start by grabbing a large bowl where you’ll combine 5 cups of old-fashioned oats, 1½ cups of wheat germ, 1 cup of shredded coconut, 1 cup of peanuts (chopped), ½ cup of all-bran cereal (not the flake variety), and ½ cup of brown sugar. Give everything a good mix to distribute the ingredients evenly.
In a separate container, whisk together ½ cup of cooking oil, ⅓ cup of water, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until well combined. Now comes the fun part – pour this liquid mixture over your dry ingredients and mix thoroughly with a spoon until every bit is coated.
The magic happens in the oven. Spread your mixture evenly into a jelly roll pan or shallow roasting pan – something with edges to prevent any escapees during stirring. For even better results, consider using a premium cast iron cookware piece that distributes heat evenly and prevents hotspots. Pop it into a 350-degree oven for a total of one hour, but don’t just set it and forget it. The key to perfect granola is stirring the mixture every 15 minutes, which guarantees even toasting and prevents burning. Those golden edges are what we’re after, not charcoal bits that would make us question our life choices.
Once the hour is up, let the granola cool completely before transferring to covered containers for storage. This recipe yields about 10 cups of homemade goodness, ready for your breakfast bowl, yogurt topping, or straight-to-mouth snacking moments.
Homemade Granola Substitutions and Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basic granola recipe, let’s explore how to make it truly yours with some creative substitutions and variations. I’m all about flexibility in the kitchen, and this granola recipe welcomes customization.
Not a fan of peanuts? Swap them for almonds, walnuts, or pecans. The shredded coconut can be omitted if that’s not your thing, or try unsweetened coconut for less sugar. Don’t have wheat germ? Ground flaxseed makes a nutritious alternative. You can also play with flavor profiles by adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom.
For a fruitier version, mix in dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or raisins after baking. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the smell of your own personalized granola wafting through the kitchen.
What to Serve with Homemade Granola
While your homemade granola is delicious on its own, it truly shines when paired with complementary foods that enhance its crunchy texture and sweet flavor. I love seeing it transform from a simple snack into the star of a balanced meal.
Try sprinkling it over creamy Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey, or use it to top your morning smoothie bowl for an irresistible crunch factor.
Want something more substantial? Layer it with fresh berries and vanilla pudding in a parfait glass. So pretty, so tasty.
For an indulgent treat that’ll make your taste buds dance, fold this granola into softened vanilla ice cream. The contrast between cold, creamy ice cream and crunchy granola bits? Absolutely divine.
Final Thoughts
Homemade granola rarely disappoints, especially when you’ve crafted it with your own hands using simple, wholesome ingredients. There’s something deeply satisfying about that sweet, nutty aroma filling your kitchen as the oats, coconut, and peanuts toast to golden perfection.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility—perfect on its own with milk, sprinkled over yogurt, or transformed into those irresistible chocolate chip cookies.
The hour of baking might seem long, but those 15-minute stirring intervals are worth every second. Trust me, your patience will be rewarded with 10 cups of crunchy, clustery goodness that store-bought varieties simply can’t match. Ready to store in your pantry, this granola becomes the foundation for countless breakfast options and sweet treats that’ll make you wonder why you ever bought the boxed stuff.
