Homemade granola is definitely a top breakfast recipe around here! Loaded with whole grain oats, almonds and your favorite dried fruit creates a healthy breakfast option that gives you enough energy to get through the day. My favorite way to eat this nutritional breakfast is with some fresh fruit and greek yogurt for some added protein. This recipe is very quick and easy so I promise you will never go back to buying that really expensive stuff from the store again!

Often, when you make homemade granola, you don’t end up with those yummy big chunks of cereal that everyone loves to pick out and eat with their hands. How do I get a chunky granola? It is all in the way I bake it! First, you need a rimmed baking sheet so the granola doesn’t slip off your pan. My favorite size is a half sheet pan and I use it all the time. Before you bake the granola in the oven, you’ve got to compress it really firmly into the baking sheet so it will bake into one big crunchy granola bar! Then, once it has cooled, you simply use your hands to break it into the size you want it to be.

Now, if almonds and raisins aren’t your cup of tea, feel free to eliminate them or substitute in your favorite nuts and dried fruit. There is room for individuality in this recipe so find the version that fits your taste buds best! I do add some ground flaxseed into mine as well as some flaked coconut. While neither is essential, I love both the flavor and texture they add to the cereal.

Homemade Granola with Almonds and Raisins

Scale

Ingredients

1/3 C pure maple syrup
1/3 C brown sugar
4 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 C canola oil
5 C old fashioned rolled oats
1/4 C ground flax seed
3/4 C coconut flakes
2 C almonds, chopped coarsely
2 C raisins or other dried fruit

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together the maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, cinnamon and oil. Add the oats, flax seed, coconut, and almonds then mix until the grains are evenly covered. Pour onto the baking sheet and spread it out evenly over the pan. Compress the mixture very firmly into the pan to compact it together.
Bake 40-50 minutes until the granola is golden brown. Allow it to cool completely before breaking the granola into the desired sized pieces. Stir in the raisins or other dried fruit. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks

**My friend, this post contains Amazon affiliate links which means I receive a small compensation if you make a purchase using my link, at no additional cost to you. And no worries….I only link to products that I both use and love! ~Carole