Homemade Granola That Warms the Heart and Home
- Barbara Berube
- Mar 13
- 4 min read
There’s something truly special about the smell of homemade granola baking in the oven—the way it fills the house with a sweet, nutty aroma that feels like a warm hug.
This granola recipe is one of my favorites and the aroma in my house is so comforting
! I'm a huge Ina Garten fan and this is one of her recipes that I have adapted with a few personal twists that make it even more delicious. It's a simple yet satisfying way to start your day or enjoy a snack that feels like a treat.
The crunchy oats, toasted almonds, and dried fruit create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. And the best part? It’s versatile! Whether you enjoy it with Greek yogurt and fresh berries, as a crunchy cereal with cold milk, or even sprinkled over vanilla ice cream, this granola never disappoints. You can also pack it into small mason jars for a thoughtful, homemade gift!
My Personal Twists on This Granola
I’ve made a few changes to the original recipe that I think you’ll love, but feel free to substitute your own favorite fruits, nuts, or flavors. Instead of dried cherries and figs, I use craisins and dried pineapple for a pop of tart and tropical flavors. I also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the honey mixture, giving the granola an extra layer of warmth and sweetness.
To keep the granola from turning into bars, I bake it at 325°F instead of 350°F and give it a stir every 15 minutes until it’s a beautiful golden brown. Once it’s out of the oven, I continue to stir every 10 minutes while it cools—this little trick keeps it crumbly and perfect for sprinkling.
🌟 Homemade Granola Recipe 🌟
Level: Easy Total Time: 1 hr Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients:
4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 cups sweetened Shaved coconut
2 cups sliced almonds
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup good honey
1 tsp vanilla extract (my addition)
1 1/2 cups small diced dried apricots
1 cup small diced craisins (in place of figs)
1 cup small diced dried pineapple (in place of cherries)
1 cup roasted, unsalted cashews
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 325°F.
Toss the oats, coconut, and almonds together in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, honey, and vanilla. Pour the liquid mixture over the oat mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Spread the mixture onto a 13x18x1-inch sheet pan.
Bake, stirring every 15 minutes, until golden brown—about 45 minutes.
Remove from the oven and stir every 10 minutes while it cools to keep it crumbly.
Once completely cool, add the craisins, pineapple, cranberries, apricots, and cashews.
Store in an airtight container or mason jars.
More Ways to Enjoy This Granola
This homemade granola is so versatile! Try it:
✅ With Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a protein-packed breakfast
✅ As a cereal with cold milk for a crunchy start to the day
✅ Sprinkled over vanilla ice cream for a sweet, crunchy topping
✅ Mixed into smoothie bowls for an extra boost of texture
✅ As a trail mix base—just add chocolate chips and more nuts
My Favorite Tools for Homemade Granola 🥣✨
Making homemade granola is simple, but having the right tools makes all the difference! Here are my go-to kitchen essentials for the perfect batch every time:
✔️ Large Mixing Bowls – A spacious bowl makes it easy to toss oats, nuts, and mix-ins without making a mess.
✔️ Half-Sheet Baking Pan – A sturdy, rimmed baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents spills.
✔️ Silicone Spatula – Perfect for stirring and spreading the granola without sticking.
✔️ Wooden Spoon – I love using a wooden spoon to evenly mix the honey and oil into the dry ingredients.
✔️ Parchment Paper – For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, I always line my baking sheet with parchment paper.
✔️ Glass Storage Jars – Once cooled, I store my granola in airtight glass jars to keep it fresh and crunchy!
With these tools, you’ll have perfectly golden, crispy granola every time! What’s your favorite way to enjoy granola? Tell me in the comments! ⬇️💛
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This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. Thank you for supporting Pickles and Peonies!
This granola makes mornings easier and way more delicious! Make a big batch to have on hand for busy days. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll never go back to store-bought. 💖
Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later! 📌
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