Homemade Maple Nut Granola

Want to add crunch to breakfast? Homemade Maple Nut Granola is BEST homemade granola recipe and the perfect topping for yogurt or as a homemade cereal. This simple granola recipe calls for just seven ingredients and is naturally sweetened with maple syrup. It’s worlds away more delicious than any store-bought granola on the market! Makes 34 servings.

2023 Update: This recipe was originally shared in February 2012. I have added more details to the recipe card, as well as measurements by weight. The post has been updated to include new photos, as well as more tips and tricks. I hope you love them!

I’m a creature of habit and have been one for… a long time.

And for the longest time, I ate the same thing for breakfast every day: yogurt with homemade granola.

When we lived in Nashville, I decided to eat yogurt for breakfast because it was fast and easy. I quickly learned that while yogurt is fantastic, it wasn’t as filling as other breakfasts, and I would become incredibly hungry (and crabby) around 10 a.m.

After hearing this, a friend suggested I try granola.

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So when we went on our weekly grocery store runs, Winston and I would purchase different granola mixes and variations and taste test them.

We learned that while they were tasty, they didn’t hit the spot. And they weren’t nearly as good for me as I wanted them to be.

So one day, I decided to make my own. And since that fateful day, we haven’t looked back.

Why I love this recipe:

It’s hard NOT to love this easy granola recipe.

Here are some things to adore it:

• While it needs some time in the oven, the recipe is pretty hands-off and low maintenance.
• This recipe calls for simple ingredients… and you might already have them in your pantry!
• It’s naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup.
• You can customize it to your tastebuds.

More breakfast recipes to try: Homemade Waffles with Strawberries and Cream | Mashed Potato Chorizo Breakfast Tacos | Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake | Vegan Banana Muffins | Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes

Need more food inspiration to start your morning? Check out my Breakfast Recipe Index.

What you need to make this recipe:

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• Large mixing bowl
• Liquid measuring cup
• Sheet pan

Here’s what you need:

• Rolled oats — I like to use extra thick rolled oats * (affiliate link). If you use gluten free oats, this granola will be gluten free!
• Nuts — I like to use a combination of chopped walnuts and chopped pecans, but you could easily use another nut that’s your favorite. Hazelnuts would be excellent. As would almonds.
• Ground cinnamon — this is our spice of choice and adds a TON of flavor!
• Water — we combine this with the maple syrup to thin it out just slightly. It needs to be warm!
• Pure maple syrup — please don’t use a fake maple, as it’s not the same and does not provide the same flavor or texture.
• Dried cranberries — these add a lovely pop of sweetness and are added at the very end. You could easily use the same amount of another dried fruit if you prefer that.

Substitutions and variations:

• Swap out the nuts. Sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, peanuts would ALL be tasty.
• Use a different mix-in. Replace the cranberries with another dried fruit (like apricots or raisins). Coconut flakes and chocolate chips would also be tasty.

How to make Homemade Granola

Preheat the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. Set aside.

Combine the rolled oats, nuts and cinnamon in a bowl. Use a spoon or rubber spatula to mix them together so the cinnamon coats everything.

This is really important! If you don’t mix these ingredients well, you’ll have chunks of cinnamon in the granola, which can be overwhelming.

In a smaller bowl (or a liquid measuring cup), measure in the warm water and pure maple syrup. Use a whisk or a rubber spatula to stir the liquids together until combined.

Pour the wet ingredients on top of the mixed dry ingredients. Use a large spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients together.

The mix will be sticky and thick, and make sure to mix the entire bowl of ingredients together.

Scoop the mixture onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and spread it out evenly.

The mix will feel relatively soggy, so once you’ve put it on the baking sheet, immediately pop it into the oven.

Bake for 30 minutes, then turn off the oven and let sit in the oven for another 30 minutes. It might take a little longer if you’re using thicker oats.

Yes, I know that last half of the sentence is weird. Trust me. This is going to make the granola crunchy without burning it. Nobody likes burnt granola.

Once the granola is crunchy and golden brown, remove from the oven and sprinkle the dried cranberries on top of the granola.

Let cool, then serve on top of yogurt (or the food of your choosing!), and enjoy!

How to store:

Once the granola has completely cooled, store in an airtight food storage container at room temperature. I have a large mason jar that I keep mine in that works well.

It will keep for a few months, so long as you keep it in a cool, dark place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick tips and tricks to the best homemade granola:

• Swap out the nuts to customize this granola recipe to your tastebuds! Use the same amount total.
• Add different dried fruit like dried apricots or raisins if those make you happy.
• Double or triple the recipe to have a LOT! This is something my family is going to start doing because we go through this quickly.

More granola recipes to try:

• No Bake Grape Nut Granola Bars
• Dark Chocolate Cherry Granola
• Peanut Butter Granola with Jelly
• Fresh Apple Granola