Crunchy Granola Recipe

Name: Crunchy Granola Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats; 1 ⅓ cups roasted pumpkin seeds; 1 tsp coarse sea salt (or kosher salt); ½ cup light brown sugar; ⅓ cup pure maple syrup; ⅓ cup coconut oil (or extra virgin olive oil); ¾ cups dried cranberries (see notes)

By Amy Dong
Updated Sep. 25, 2024

5 from 1 vote
6 comments
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This Crunchy Granola Recipe is super easy, budget-friendly, and makes perfectly crispy granola that’s better than store-bought any day! Sprinkle it over yogurt or ice cream, pour milk over it, or eat it straight as it is.

A glass jar filled with homemade crunchy granola, placed on a burlap cloth. — This Crunchy Granola recipe is simply marvelous and so much healthier and cheaper than store-bought.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This Crunchy Granola Recipe is a total keeper. It’s simple to make and the perfect healthier breakfast or snack. Here’s why we’re obsessed:

Budget-Friendly: Making your own granola at home is way more cost-effective than buying it at the store. Also try our 5-Ingredient Protein Bars or these Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars.
Simple and Natural Ingredients: This granola is naturally sweetened with brown sugar and pure maple syrup. We used coconut oil, as it has a very neutral flavor that works well in this recipe.
Allergy-Friendly: By using pumpkin seeds instead of nuts, this granola becomes a nut-free treat for anyone with allergies, like our Pumpkin Energy Bites.
So Many Uses: This granola is the perfect topping for yogurt, smoothie bowls, or even ice cream. We love it for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert!
Healthy Snack: This granola is packed with fiber, healthy fats, and protein, making it the perfect snack to keep you full and satisfied.

Key Recipe Ingredients

Rolled Oats – Old-fashioned rolled oats are the base of our granola. They give the granola its hearty, chewy texture and are a great source of fiber.
Pumpkin Seeds – We’re using roasted pumpkin seeds for a delicious crunch. They also add a dose of healthy fats and protein. We recommend roasted, salted pumpkin seeds or pepitas.
Pure Maple Syrup – Pure maple syrup not only sweetens our granola, but it also helps to bind it together. Make sure you’re using real maple syrup, not pancake syrup.
Coconut Oil – We love using coconut oil in this recipe for its subtle fragrant flavor and its ability to make the granola extra crispy.
Dried Cranberries – We add these after baking the granola to give it a chewy, fruity sweetness. You can use various dried fruit as well.

Overhead shot of homemade crunchy granola fresh out of the oven on a baking sheet. — You’ll feel awesome munching on homemade granola because you’ll know exactly what went into them.

Substitutions And Variations

Here are some of our favorite substitution and variation ideas:

Different Seeds: Sunflower seeds could work as an alternative to roasted pumpkin seeds, as in our Gluten-Free Cereal Protein Bars.
Sweeteners: If you prefer your granola on the sweeter side, you can increase the amount of brown sugar and maple syrup. Honey can be used in place of maple syrup, or a sugar-free sweetener for a keto-friendly version.
Oil: We love the subtle coconut flavor that the coconut oil adds to this granola, but feel free to use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil. Extra virgin olive oil works too.
Add Ins: It’s super fun to vary the add-ins! Ideas include chocolate chips, dried blueberries, yogurt covered raisins, chocolate covered almonds, or your favorite roasted nuts.

Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

Toss together the oats, pumpkin seeds, and sea salt in a big bowl.
Warm the sugar, maple syrup, and oil in a small saucepan until the sugar is dissolved. Use low heat, stir constantly, and watch so sugar doesn’t burn.
Fold the oat mixture into the syrup until everything is coated with flavor.
Bake for 35-45 minutes, stirring a few times so the mixture doesn’t burn and bakes evenly.
Cool slightly and mix in the dried cranberries or any other add-ins you’d like. Let granola cool fully before storing it in an airtight container – enjoy!

For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.

How To Prep Ahead

Take a look at our best prep-ahead strategies for this recipe:

Make it in Advance: This granola keeps well for up to 2 weeks. You can make it in advance and store it in an airtight container. This makes it perfect for meal prep and grab-and-go breakfasts.
Prep the Ingredients: You can also measure out all of the dry ingredients and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to bake the granola. This can save you some time and make the baking process even easier.

Commonly Asked Questions

What type of oats should I use for this granola?

We recommend using old-fashioned rolled oats. They give the granola a nice, hearty texture and hold up well during the baking process.

What do I do if my granola is getting too brown while baking?

If you notice that your granola is getting too brown while baking, cover loosely with aluminum foil. Be sure to stir it several times throughout baking.

How do I know when the granola is done?

The granola is done when it is dry and lightly golden. This usually takes about 35-45 minutes. You’ll also notice a toasty, fragrant aroma coming from the oven.

How long does this granola keep?

Properly stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this granola will keep for up to 2 weeks. You can also store it in the freezer for up to a month.

Did you make this?

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