My First Batch of Granola
I tried my first easy homemade granola years ago. I was so nervous. I thought it would be hard. But it wasn’t! This homemade granola recipe is just mixing and baking.
You stir oats and almonds with honey and oil. The oven does the rest. Your kitchen will smell like warm cookies. Doesn’t that smell amazing? That’s the magic of a simple granola recipe.
Why This Simple Recipe Works
This is a truly healthy granola recipe. You control what goes in. No extra sugar or strange stuff. Just good things like oats and almonds.
That matters more than you think. Food made with your own hands feeds more than your belly. It feeds your heart. Knowing how to make granola means you can always make something good.
A Little Tip for You
Let me share a mini-anecdote. My grandson used to stir it too much. He wanted it perfect. But granola needs to sit in a single layer to get crunchy.
So spread it out and walk away. Just stir it once or twice while baking. Patience makes the best clusters. Do you like big crunchy clusters or smaller pieces in your honey almond granola?
The Fun Part: Making it Yours
This easy granola recipe is like a blank page. You can add dried fruit after it bakes. Try raisins or chopped apricots. A little shredded coconut is nice too.
*Fun fact: The word “granola” was a brand name over 100 years ago!* Now it’s for everyone. What would you add to your almond honey granola? Tell me your idea.
Your Turn in the Kitchen
So, that’s how to make granola. It’s one of the first things I teach new cooks. It builds confidence. You see simple ingredients become something special.
That’s the second big reason this matters. Cooking this builds kitchen courage. Have you ever made granola with oats and almonds before? I would love to hear about your baking day.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Old fashioned rolled oats | 2 cups (226g) | |
| Sliced almonds | 3/4 cup (75g) | |
| Extra-virgin olive oil, melted coconut oil, or melted butter | 3 tablespoons | |
| Honey | 3 tablespoons | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon | |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | |
| Sea salt | 1 pinch |
Instructions
Step 1: First, warm up your oven. Set it to 350°F. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step makes cleanup so easy. I always do this first, just like my mom taught me.
Step 2: Grab two bowls. In the medium one, mix your rolled oats and sliced almonds. In the small bowl, stir the oil, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Pour the wet mix over your dry ingredients. Toss it all until everything is shiny and coated.
Step 3: Now, spread your mixture on the baking sheet. Please keep it in one layer. Bake it, but remember to stir every 10 minutes. (Set a timer so you don’t forget!) This easy homemade granola turns a perfect golden brown. What kitchen smell makes you happiest? Share below!
Step 4: Take your honey almond granola out of the oven. Let it cool completely on the sheet. I know it’s hard to wait! This makes it get nice and crunchy. Then, store your healthy granola recipe in a jar. It stays fresh for weeks.
Creative Twists
This granola recipe is your canvas. Try adding a handful of dried cranberries after baking. Swap the almonds for chopped pecans for a buttery flavor. Add a spoonful of orange zest to the honey mix for a sunny twist. Mix in some mini dark chocolate chips once the granola is totally cool. Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
Your homemade granola is so versatile. I love it over thick Greek yogurt with fresh berries. It’s also perfect with cold milk for a classic cereal. For a fun snack, sprinkle it on top of apple slices with a little peanut butter. This almond honey granola makes everything special. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Granola Fresh and Tasty
Let’s talk about storing your homemade granola. An airtight container is your best friend. Keep it in a cool, dark cupboard. It will stay crunchy for about two weeks.
You can freeze granola too. Just pour the cooled granola into a freezer bag. It will keep for up to three months. I remember my first batch. I left it in a bowl overnight. It was soft by morning. I learned my lesson quickly.
Batch cooking this easy granola recipe saves you time. Make a double batch on the weekend. You will have breakfast ready for days. This matters because a good morning starts easily. You deserve that.
Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Granola Troubles
Sometimes granola can burn. The edges cook faster than the middle. Stir it well every ten minutes. I once got distracted by the phone. My granola got too dark. Now I set a timer.
Your granola might not get clumpy. Do not stir it as it cools. Let it sit in one layer. Press it down gently before cooling. This helps the clusters form nicely.
Granola can taste bland. Do not skip the salt and vanilla. They make the flavors pop. This matters because good food should be joyful. Fixing small problems builds your cooking confidence.
Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
How to make honey almond granola?
This honey almond granola is simple. Mix oats and almonds. Whisk honey, oil, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Toss everything together. Bake at 350°F until golden. Stir it a few times while baking. Let it cool completely. This easy homemade granola is perfect for breakfast or a snack. The key is watching it closely in the oven.
What are the ingredients for homemade granola?
You need old-fashioned rolled oats and sliced almonds. The wet mix is oil, honey, and vanilla. Flavor comes from cinnamon and a pinch of salt. That is it. This granola with oats and almonds uses simple pantry items. You probably have most of them already. It is a very easy granola recipe to start with.
Is homemade granola healthier than store-bought?
Yes, often it is. You control the sugar and oil. Many store brands add extra sweeteners. This healthy granola recipe uses just honey. You also skip any preservatives. Making a homemade granola recipe means you know every ingredient. It is a cleaner, more wholesome choice for your family.
How do you get granola to clump together?
Do not stir the granola as it cools. Press it down lightly on the pan right after baking. The honey acts like glue as it cools. Let it sit until it is completely cool at room temperature. Then, break it into lovely clusters. This is the secret to perfect clumps in your almond honey granola.
Can you use maple syrup instead of honey in granola?
Absolutely. Maple syrup works wonderfully. Use the same amount. Your granola will have a different, delicious flavor. It will still get nice and crispy. This swap makes the granola vegan too. Feel free to experiment. Learning how to make granola your own is part of the fun.
How long does homemade granola last?
Stored in a sealed container, it lasts two weeks. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months. *Fun fact: The oats help it stay fresh!* Always let your homemade granola cool fully before storing. Any warmth will create steam. That steam will make your crunchy granola soft.
Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this easy granola recipe. It always makes my kitchen smell wonderful. That smell is the smell of home. I think you will find it very simple and satisfying.
Please tell me all about your baking adventure. I love hearing your stories. Your comments make my day brighter. Cooking is about sharing, after all.
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know how it went for you below.
Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.
Honey Almond Homemade Granola
Description
Make your own wholesome and crunchy Honey Almond Homemade Granola with simple ingredients. Perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Combine the oats and sliced almonds in a medium bowl. In a small bowl, stir olive oil, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, then toss with the oats and nuts until well coated.
- Spread into one layer on the baking sheet, then bake, stirring every 8 to 10 minutes, until golden brown (20 to 30 minutes total). Towards the end of the baking time, check your granola every few minutes to prevent it from over-browning (especially around the edges).
- Transfer to a cooling rack and let the granola cool completely. Store cooled granola in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Notes
- For a variation, try adding dried fruits, chocolate chips, or other nuts after baking. Ensure granola is completely cool before storing to maintain crispness.