This homemade granola bakes into golden, crunchy clusters with maple syrup, coconut and dried cranberries. Enjoy it for breakfast all week long, sprinkle it over yogurt or package up a batch as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Would you like to save this?
We'll email a link to you, so you can come back to it later! Plus you'll get great new recipes each week!
About this homemade Granola recipe
When friends or family stay for the weekend, I like having a few breakfast staples ready to go. A jar of homemade granola on the counter makes breakfast feel a little more thoughtful. I like setting one out alongside yogurt, fresh fruit and milk so everyone can build their own breakfast.
I also love making a big batch around the holidays. It keeps well for weeks and is easy to divide between jars for neighbors, teachers or anyone who appreciates a homemade gift. And honestly, it’s great meal prep just for a regular week!
Made with rolled oats, almonds, maple syrup, coconut and dried cranberries, this granola bakes into crisp, golden clusters that are just as delicious on busy weekday mornings as they are at a leisurely weekend brunch.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Every bite has the perfect crunch. Big clusters make this granola especially satisfying.
- Pantry staples do the heavy lifting. Everything comes together with simple ingredients you may already have on hand.
- Breakfast is ready all week. A single batch keeps well, making busy mornings a little easier.
- Homemade gifts couldn’t be simpler. Fill a few jars, add a ribbon and you’ve got a thoughtful gift that’s easy to make ahead.
- One recipe, lots of ways to enjoy it. Sprinkle it over yogurt, serve it with milk or enjoy it by the handful.
Ingredients & essentials
Old-fashioned rolled oats are the foundation of this homemade granola. Whole almonds add crunch, while shredded coconut flakes and dried cranberries bring sweetness and texture to every bite.
Maple syrup naturally sweetens the granola and helps create those irresistible clusters. Melted coconut oil helps everything crisp up in the oven, while vanilla, cinnamon and salt round out the flavor.
If you’re interested in different flavor profiles, experiment with other mix-ins. Instead of almonds, you could try pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds or pecans. You can try adding dried apricots in addition to the cranberries, or use honey instead of maple syrup as a natural sweetener.
To make this recipe, you’ll need two mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk, a rubber spatula * and a large baking sheet * lined with parchment paper *.
baking essentials
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → *
Instructions
If you’ve never made your own granola before, you’ll discover it’s super simple: Throw all the ingredients into a bowl and coat everything evenly, then spread it out on a cookie sheet * and bake! You’re looking for the sugars to melt and caramelize, gluing the little pieces into bigger, crunchy clumps that you can break up later.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large baking sheet * with parchment paper *. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almonds, shredded coconut, salt and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil and vanilla extract *. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing down lightly to encourage clusters. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely without stirring so clusters form. Once fully cooled, break up any large clumps and stir in the dried cranberries.
Tips & tricks
Tips & tricks
- Press the granola down firmly before baking to encourage bigger, chunkier clusters.
- Let the granola cool completely without disturbing it. Stirring too early will break up the clusters before they have a chance to set.
- Chop the almonds before mixing them into the granola if you’d like a more even texture throughout.
- Store the granola in an airtight container once it’s completely cool to help keep it crisp.
Serving suggestions
Serve homemade granola with milk for an easy breakfast, or sprinkle it over yogurt for a crunchy topping. It’s also delicious on chia pudding, a green smoothie bowl or berry granola parfaits.
Set out a jar as part of an oatmeal bar so everyone can customize their own bowl with fruit, nuts and other toppings.
A batch of homemade granola also makes a thoughtful food gift. Package it in glass jars with ribbon or gift tags, or pair it with other treats from this homemade food gifts guide for an easy holiday present.
If you love the crunch of homemade granola, be sure to try these homemade granola bars too. They’re a different recipe and texture, but just as satisfying.
FAQ
Press the granola down firmly before baking, then let it cool completely before breaking it apart. This gives the clusters time to set.
Press the granola down firmly before baking, then let it cool completely before breaking it apart. This gives the clusters time to set.
Yes. Chopped almonds distribute more evenly throughout the granola if you prefer smaller pieces in every bite.
Absolutely. Raisins, chopped dates or dried cherries all work well in place of the dried cranberries.
Homemade Granola
ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup whole almonds
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut oil melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almonds, shredded coconut, salt and cinnamon.3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, ½ cup whole almonds, ¼ cup shredded coconut, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon *
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil and vanilla extract *.⅓ cup maple syrup, ¼ cup coconut oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing down lightly to encourage clusters.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely without stirring so clusters form.
- Once fully cooled, break up any large clumps. Stir in the dried cranberries.¾ cup dried cranberries
notes
Save this recipe for later
We’ll email a link to you, so you can come back to it later! Plus you’ll get great new recipes each week!
recommended products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Leave a Reply