This homemade Nut & Seed Granola is a nutritious, crunchy, and satisfying snack that’s perfect for breakfast or as a topping for yogurt and smoothie bowls. Packed with heart-healthy nuts, protein-rich seeds, and a touch of natural sweetness, it’s a great way to fuel your day with a boost of energy and fiber. The combination of oats, almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds offers a variety of textures, while a drizzle of honey and coconut oil ensures a lightly sweetened, golden, and crisp granola. Plus, it’s customizable—add your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to make it your own. Simple to make, this granola is a great make-ahead option to keep on hand for busy mornings or when you need a healthy snack on the go.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup raw almonds, chopped (or any nuts you prefer, such as walnuts, pecans, or cashews)
- 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup chia seeds (or flaxseeds)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut (optional)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted (or olive oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats, chopped almonds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and shredded coconut (if using). Stir to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Prepare the Wet Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the coconut oil is melted and the mixture is well combined. Remove from heat.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until the oats and seeds are evenly coated with the honey-oil mixture. Make sure everything is well mixed to ensure even baking and crispiness.
- Bake the Granola: Spread the granola mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Press it down slightly to help form clusters. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid burning, as the granola can quickly darken.
- Cool and Add Dried Fruit (if using): Once the granola is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. It will crisp up as it cools. If you’re adding dried fruit, stir it in once the granola has cooled to prevent it from becoming too hard in the oven.
- Store: Transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container or jar. It will keep for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it.
