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I absolutely adore granola! Its delightful sweetness and irresistible crunch. So, I decided to whip up my own version, filled with all the wholesome goodness you expect from granola and less of the fillers and unnecessary ingredients.

This recipe strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and offers that satisfying crunch you crave in granola. Plus, it’s even got the thumbs up from my most discerning taste tester!

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ABOUT THE INGREDIENTS

Please Note: The health benefits mentioned are based on certain studies or Traditional Chinese Medicine beliefs. It is imperative to consult your doctor for personalized healthcare advice to ensure what is beneficial for your individual health.

coconut oil provides a light coconut flavor to the granola. It’s also suggested that coconut oil can provide energy, antimicrobial effects, and may encourage fat burning.

maple syrup offers sweetness, and depending on the maple syrup, it can also offer some vitamins that plain granulated sugar can not provide.

sea salt rounds out the flavor and balances everything

cinnamon adds warmth to the granola. I highly recommend looking for Ceylon (or Mexican) cinnamon vs Cassia (or in the US is labeled as cinnamon). The Ceylon cinnamon also offers several potential health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as potential benefits for blood sugar control, heart health, and brain function

Chinese five spice blend adds warmth and a slight licorice taste. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chinese Five Spice, is believed to offer health benefits like warming the body, aiding digestion, and supporting the immune system.

old fashioned rolled oats are the “star” of this show and make up the bulk of the granola. Oats offer numerous health benefits, including lowering cholesterol, improving blood sugar control, promoting heart health, and aiding in weight management due to their high fiber content and beta-glucan

sliced almonds add crunch and nuttiness. Almonds are a good source of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and various vitamins and minerals.

unsweetened coconut flakes add a subtle natural sweetness and more coconut flavor. Unsweetened coconut flakes are a good source of fiber, manganese, copper, and iron, and can support digestive health, heart health, and immune function

chia seeds have a mild, nutty flavor. Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber, which can improve heart health, reduce cholesterol levels and promote intestinal health

Flaxseed meal has a mild, nutty flavor and offers many nutrients. It’s high in fiber, promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. Lignans support a healthy gut microbiome, while antioxidants and anti-inflammatories benefit the cardiovascular system. Omega-3 fatty acids lower blood pressure and reduce heart disease risk. Calcium and vitamin K help maintain strong bones.

MAKING THE GRANOLA

Creating granola might appear daunting, but it’s actually quite simple! I whip it up and bake it just before heading out to pick up my kids from school or activities. Once it’s done, I let it cool while we’re on the go. By the time we get back, it’s perfectly set to crumble, and my girls eagerly start enjoying it before I even get a chance to put it in a food-safe jar.

Arrange two oven racks, one positioned at the top and the other closer to the bottom. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mats
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, Chinese Five-Spice powder, and salt using a whisk until well blended.
Incorporate the old fashioned rolled oats, sliced almonds, unsweetened coconut flakes, chia seeds, and flaxseed meal into the oil-spice mixture. Then, using a spatula. Gently combine until the ingredients form a clumpy consistency.

COOKING WITH KIDS

DISCLOSURE: Please keep in mind that the following tips are general and are meant to be suggestive. I personally use these strategies with my own kids, who are all unique even within my own family of five. Therefore, please regard these as suggestions or ideas. If you feel that your child requires more or less assistance, then go with what you and your child are comfortable with. Ultimately, you know your child best.

Ingredient measuring
Mixing the granola
Pushing down the granola down before putting it in the oven.
breaking up the granola after it has cooled
adding the granola to the jar
Older ones can push down the granola after removing it from the oven.

JENN’S TIP

Go ahead and measure everything right into the oil mixture—don’t worry if you add a little more—this granola recipe is very forgiving.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer. If the granola is clumpy, use a lightly oiled offset spatula to press it into the pan.
Bake the mixture at the top of the oven for 10 minutes. Move the pan to the lower rack for another 10 minutes. The granola is ready when it is golden brown and the almonds have toasted. Don’t wait for it to be hard or it will be burnt.
Place the baking sheet on a wire rack. It will still feel “wet” coming out of the oven. If you want those signature granola clusters, carefully press and tamp down the granola before it cools, which will help it stick together. Allow the granola to cool completely before storing.
Transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container for long-term storage at room temperature

Homemade Granola being spread with a spatula

finished Homemade Granola after being baked

Homemade Granola beforfe being baked on a pan

Homemade Granola finished granola cooling

Homemade Granola pressing freshly baked pans

Homemade Granola granola chunk going into jar

STORAGE DETAILS

This homemade granola can stay at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks (if it lasts that long).

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DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

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Homemade Granola

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Create your very own delicious homemade granola that offers an irresistible blend of flavors and delightful crunch. This nourishing snack is sure to become your new favorite!

Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling)
Yield: 14 oz 1x

Instructions

Arrange two racks in the oven: one at the top and one closer to the bottom. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
In a large bowl, mix together the oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, Chinese Five-Spice, and salt until combined.
Add the oats, almonds, shredded coconut, chia seeds, and flaxseed meal, stirring to coat. Measure everything directly into the oil mixture; don’t worry about adding a bit extra—this granola recipe is very forgiving. Mix until you achieve a clumpy consistency.
Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming an even layer. If the granola is clumpy, lightly press it into the pan with an oiled offset spatula.
Bake for a total of 20 minutes: first at the top of the oven for 10 minutes, then move the pan to the lower rack for an additional 10 minutes. It’s ready when golden brown and the almonds are toasted. Don’t wait for it to harden, or it will burn.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and cool it on a wire rack. The granola will still feel “wet” when it comes out. For signature clustered granola, carefully press and tamp it down before it cools to help it stick together. Allow the granola to cool completely before storing.
Once cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container for long-term storage at room temperature.