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I’ve always strived to be as self-sufficient as possible. To me, health isn’t just about eating right—it’s about taking control of the food sources that nourish me and my family. That’s why I grow much of my own food, that way I know exactly what’s going into every meal. When it comes to eating, I aim for minimally processed, wholesome ingredients, and one of my favorite ways to do that is by making my own homemade granola.
I love knowing that every batch I bake is made with simple, natural ingredients, especially when compared to the sugar-laden options you’ll find at the store. This recipe in particular has become a go-to for me, not only because it’s easy, but also because it uses honey instead of refined sugar, which makes it so much healthier without sacrificing taste. Plus, it’s much lower in sugar than anything you’d buy commercially. With just a few basic ingredients like oats, coconut flakes, walnuts, and applesauce, this granola is the perfect blend of yummy goodness that I can feel good about eating every day.

Ingredients for Homemade Granola
One of the things I love about this homemade granola recipe is how simple it is. Most of the ingredients are things I already have in my pantry, and if I’m missing something, it’s easy to find a substitute. It’s full of healthy ingredients that are good for you and easy to work with. By making my own granola, I know everything going into it is good quality, and I can adjust the recipe based on what I like or what I have at home. Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients:
- Traditional Oats (3 cups): Old-fashioned oats serve as the base for this granola, providing a good source of fiber and whole grains. They’re naturally gluten-free (although check for certification if you’re sensitive) and help keep you feeling full for longer. Oats also give the granola its hearty texture and crunchy bite.
- Unsweetened Coconut Flakes (½ cup): Coconut flakes add a hint of natural sweetness and texture without the added sugar. They toast up beautifully in the oven, bringing a light, nutty flavor to the mix.
- Coarsely Chopped Walnuts (½ cup, optional): I love adding walnuts for extra crunch and healthy fats, but you can skip these if you’re nut-free or substitute them with almonds, pecans, pumpkin or sunflower seeds. The healthy fats and protein from the nuts make the granola even more satisfying.
- Unsweetened Apple Sauce (½ cup): This is my secret ingredient for keeping the granola moist while cutting back on added sugars. Applesauce adds natural sweetness without the need for extra sugar, and it helps everything bind together.
- Honey (¼ cup): A much better alternative to refined sugar, honey gives this granola the perfect amount of sweetness. Plus, honey has its own health benefits, including antioxidants and antibacterial properties.
- Melted Coconut Oil (¼ cup): Coconut oil adds richness and helps achieve the perfect crunchy texture. It also contributes a subtle coconut flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Ground Cinnamon (2 tsp.): Cinnamon is a powerhouse spice that not only enhances flavor but also offers health benefits like balancing blood sugar levels and providing antioxidants. Its warmth and depth make this granola feel comforting.
- Raisins or Other Dried Fruit (½ cup, optional): I typically add raisins after the granola has baked to keep them from burning. You can also mix in other dried fruits like apples, cranberries, apricots, or mango, depending on your taste. This is where you can get creative with your flavor preferences.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Granola
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to get baking. One of the best things about this homemade granola recipe is how simple it is to make, and it only requires a few easy steps. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe approachable and foolproof (even my husband can make it, lol). Let’s walk through the process.

Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 300°F (150°C). Baking at a lower temperature ensures the granola bakes evenly and becomes perfectly crunchy without burning.Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of oats, ½ cup of unsweetened coconut flakes, and ½ cup of walnuts. Add ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce, ¼ cup of melted coconut oil, ¼ cup of honey, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Stir everything together until the dry ingredients are fully coated in the wet mixture.

3. Spread and Bake
Spread the granola mixture evenly over a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes to ensure even browning and to prevent burning. The melted coconut oil helps the granola become golden and crisp as it bakes.

4. Cool and Add Dried Fruit
Once the granola is golden brown, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will harden and develop a crunchy texture. Once cooled, you can stir in ½ cup of dried fruit if desired.

5. Store and Enjoy
Transfer your granola to an airtight container and store it in the fridge to maintain freshness. It will last up to two weeks—though it’s so tasty, it might disappear much faster!

Customizing Your Granola Recipe
Another thing to love about this recipe for homemade granola is its versatility. You can easily tailor the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs by adding different ingredients or adjusting the quantities of what you already have on hand. Here are a few ways you can make this granola your own:
Change Up the Nuts and Seeds
While walnuts add a rich flavor and crunchy texture, you can substitute them with any other nut you prefer. Almonds, pecans, cashews, or even hazelnuts would work beautifully in this recipe. You can also add seeds like pumpkin, sunflower, or chia seeds to boost the granola’s protein and omega-3 content.Experiment with Spices
Cinnamon is a classic choice for granola, but don’t be afraid to mix things up. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor. For a bit of indulgence, a dash of cocoa powder can turn your granola into a lightly sweet, chocolatey treat.Add Natural Sweeteners
Honey gives this granola the perfect touch of sweetness, but you can substitute it with other natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar even more, try using a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or stevia.Incorporate Different Fruits
Dried fruit is a great way to add bursts of sweetness and texture to your granola. Aside from raisins, you can try dried cranberries, apricots, cherries, or figs. For a tropical twist, dried pineapple or mango would also be fantastic. Just remember to add dried fruits after baking to prevent them from hardening.Add a Crunch with Grains or Puffed Rice
If you want an even lighter texture in your granola, try adding puffed rice, quinoa flakes, or even buckwheat groats. These ingredients not only enhance the crunch factor but also add variety to the texture, making each bite more interesting.
By experimenting with these ingredients, you can make this healthy homemade granola recipe suit your exact preferences. Whether you prefer a nutty crunch, chewy fruit bits, or extra spices, you can have fun creating a granola that is perfect for you.

Storage and Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve made your homemade granola, proper storage is key to maintaining its freshness and crunch. The good news is that it is very easy to store and can last for weeks if kept correctly. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way on how to store and enjoy:
Storage Tips
- Keep It Airtight: Transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container, like a mason jar or a reusable storage container.
- Store in the Fridge: For extra freshness, store your granola in the fridge. The coconut oil helps it stay crisp, and it will last for up to two weeks.
- Freeze for Long-Term Storage: If you make a large batch, granola freezes well. Just store it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Creative Ways to Serve Your Granola
- With Yogurt: Top plain or Greek yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a quick and healthy breakfast. This is my go-to breakfast.
- On Smoothie Bowls: Add a crunchy topping to your favorite smoothie bowl with a handful of granola.
- With Milk or Plant-Based Milk: Enjoy it as cereal with your choice of milk or plant-based alternatives.
- As a Snack: Granola is a great on-the-go snack. Pack a small bag for a midday treat.

Homemade Healthy Granola Recipe
Barbi GardinerIngredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- ½ cup chopped walnuts optional
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup raisins or dried fruit optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a large bowl, mix oats, coconut flakes, walnuts, applesauce, honey, coconut oil, and cinnamon.
- Spread mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes.
- Let cool completely, then stir in dried fruit (if using).
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
More to explore
Looking for more homemade recipes? Be sure to check out some of our other popular recipes that feature simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re looking for easy snacks, breakfast ideas, or tasty dinners, we have a variety of homemade recipes that will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen!
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