Mom’s Homemade Granola
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
Growing up, my mom’s homemade granola recipe was a cherished treat in our household, something we always looked forward to. It wasn’t just an everyday snack but a special recipe she usually reserved for memorable occasions, like my dad’s birthday.
My dad absolutely adores this granola—it’s one of his favorite things my mom makes, and he eagerly anticipates it every year as his birthday approaches. The rich, toasted oats combined with a medley of nuts, seeds, and just the right amount of sweetness made this granola irresistible, and it became synonymous with celebrations.
As his birthday week rolled around this year, I knew I had to whip up a batch of this beloved granola. While I’ve kept the essence of my mom’s original recipe, I’ve made a few tweaks to suit my own taste and experiment with new flavors and textures.
Whether enjoyed on its own as a crunchy snack or paired with fresh berries and yogurt for a yogurt parfait, this granola remains a nostalgic and delicious treat that always brings back fond memories. It’s a recipe that’s close to my heart, and I’m thrilled to keep it alive and to share it with others who might enjoy it just as much as we do.
Ingredients to Make Mom’s Granola
- ROLLED OATS
- WHEAT GERM
- SHREDDED COCONUT
- RAW SUNFLOWER SEEDS
- PECANS
- ALMONDS
- BROWN SUGAR
- WATER
- VEGETABLE OIL (I USED CANOLA)
- HONEY
- MOLASSES
- SALT
- CINNAMON
- VANILLA
How to Make Mom’s Healthy Granola Recipe
Begin by combining the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add rolled oats, wheat germ, shredded coconut, sunflower seeds, chopped pecans, and sliced almonds. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly distributed. These ingredients form the base of your granola, providing a variety of textures and flavors that will toast beautifully in the oven.
In a medium saucepan, combine the ingredients for the sweet syrup that will coat the granola. Add brown sugar, water, vegetable oil, honey, molasses, salt, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture together over medium heat until the brown sugar has dissolved and the ingredients are well blended. Continue stirring as you bring the mixture to a boil, which helps to combine the flavors and ensures the syrup is smooth and evenly mixed.
Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Once the syrup reaches a boil, carefully pour the wet ingredients over the oat mixture in the large mixing bowl. Use a large spoon or spatula to mix the syrup into the dry ingredients thoroughly. Ensure all the oats, nuts, and seeds are evenly coated with the syrup. This step is crucial for ensuring that every bite of granola is flavorful and that the ingredients stick together to form delicious clusters.
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Divide the granola mixture between two large, rimmed baking sheets, spreading it out into an even layer on each sheet. Spreading the mixture thinly helps it to bake more evenly, allowing the granola to become perfectly crisp without burning.
Bake the Granola
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the granola, stirring occasionally to ensure even toasting. The original recipe suggests baking for 20-30 minutes, but if you prefer your granola crunchy, extend the baking time to a total of 45-60 minutes. Be sure to stir the granola every 15 minutes or so to prevent any sections from burning and to promote even browning.
After the granola has finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheets. As it cools, the granola will continue to harden, giving it that satisfying crunch. Once cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container for storage. Properly stored, the granola will keep fresh for up to 6 months, retaining its crisp texture and delicious flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add dried fruit to the granola before baking?
It’s best to add dried fruit after the granola has finished baking and cooling, like raisins or other dried fruit such as cherries, apricots, and cranberries. Baking dried fruit can cause it to become too hard or burn. Stir it in once the granola is cool for the best texture.
Can I customize my granola recipe?
Absolutely! Granola is highly customizable. You can change up the nuts, seeds, sweeteners, and flavorings based on your preferences. Try different combinations of ingredients like chocolate chips, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, cashews, pumpkin seeds, or chia seeds, and experiment with different spices and extracts.
Is homemade granola healthier than store-bought?|
Homemade granola is often healthier than store-bought because you control the ingredients and can adjust the amount of sugar, oil, and additives. You can make it as healthy or indulgent as possible, using whole, natural ingredients and avoiding preservatives or excessive sweeteners.
How can I make my granola extra crunchy?
For extra crunchy granola, bake it for a longer period of time. Stir it occasionally to ensure even baking. After baking, let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking it into pieces. The granola will continue to harden as it cools.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Mom’s Homemade Granola
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 10 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup wheat germ
- ½ pound shredded coconut
- 1 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 1 cup pecans
- 1 ½ cup almonds
- 1 ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 ½ cup water
- 1 ½ cup vegetable oil I used canola
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a large pot combine the first 6 ingredients. In a sauce pan combine the remain ingredients and cook until dissolved (do not boil). Combine both mixtures.
- Put mixture onto two sheet cake pans. Bake for 20-30 minutes stirring occasionally. If you want it crunchy cook for 15 minutes longer (this is what I do). Cool. Store in a sealed container. With keep for 6 months. Makes 36 seervings.
Nutrition
