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Once you make your first batch you’ll be hooked by the taste, the simplicity, and the price. We were!This is a very easy and rewarding baking project, so little effort for such a yummy result.
Homemade granola ended our quest for the perfect breakfast
For the majority of 2009 mornings the Jabs household has been eating a yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit breakfast. We started with store bought yogurt but quickly moved to homemade kefir instead (kefir is the healthier sibling to yogurt). We also moved quickly from store bought blueberries to picking our own local, organic blueberries.
For awhile now the last store-bought holdout has been our granola. Then I received this email from reader Teresa W:
“I found your site while searching for homemade detergent (which is great), and I notice you and your wife eat the same breakfast my husband & I eat every morning, (we are addicted). I thought you might want my recipe for homemade granola (healthy w/ no oil) Yummy, and cheaper than store-bought. We make our yogurt as well – it’s also much cheaper than store purchased. Let me know, God Bless your Ministry.” ~ Teresa
I was like… “Uhhhh yeah! Bring it on Teresa.” She did… and the results have been awesome!
Homemade Granola Recipe
(Adapted from Teresa’s recipe)
Cost = approximately $1.50/batch (at time of writing)
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole rolled oats (buy rolled oats here)
- pinch of sea salt (buy sea salt here)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (buy cinnamon here)
- ½cup pure maple syrup (buy maple syrup here)
- ¼-½cup shaved coconut (buy organic shaved coconut here)
- ¼ cupnuts & seeds – Use whatever you have on hand. We use almonds and flax seeds, but pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, or pecans would also be great.
Butter a large cookie sheet or bar pan with sides that allow you to stir the mixture. Preheat oven to 300°. In a large mixing bowl combine all ingredients and stir thoroughly(will be slightly wet). Spread into single layer on buttered pan and bake for 15 minutes. Stir contents, arrange in single layer again, and continue baking for another 10-12 minutes, or until slightly golden. Allow to cool. Granola will be crunchy when cooled.
I you like, after cooling you can stir in dried fruit like cherries, raisins, cranberries etc.
Store in glass jar for optimal freshness.
If you double the recipe make sure you use a very large baking pan so the layer will still be thin enough to get toasty. Also… bake at 300° and not higher. This allows the granola to bake slowly and get toasty and crunchy.
– print this recipe –
Once you prepare, bake, and taste this heavenly snack… you’ll be kicking yourself that you have not been making your own granola all along. We did!
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About Matt Jabs
Matt loves to inspire others to save money and live more sustainably. He is passionate about eating local, living simply, and doing more things himself. Connect with him on Facebook and Twitter.
PAID ENDORsem*nT DISCLOSURE: In order for us to support our website activities, we may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for our endorsem*nt, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this website.
DISCLAIMER: Information on DIY Natural™ is not reviewed or endorsed by the FDA and is NOT intended to be substituted for the advice of your health care professional. If you rely solely upon this advice you do so at your own risk. Read full Disclaimer & Disclosure statements here. Make this dutch baby pancake recipe (or pannekoeken) and use it to feed your family for breakfast, brunch, or even as a yummy dessert treat! Ranch dressing is a little slice of heaven! This homemade ranch dressing is delicious and the ingredients are healthy so the dressing is too! Let’s consider the Chaga mushroom! What it is, the benefits of Chaga mushrooms, how to forage it, 3 good ways to use it, and its side effects.More Posts You'll Love
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Comments
Kristin says How many calories are in a serving ?
- Traci says
This recipe is exactly what I was looking for! Ever make it with stevia? I might tinker around with that, and possibly adding some cocoa powder to give it a different flavor, too.
- Shannon says
My husband has an allergy to raw coconut. Do you have any suggestions for leaving this out? I don’t think an epi-pen goes well with breakfast!
- Matt Jabs says
Sure you can just leave the coconut out or replace it with something similar that you love. Blessings.
- Ashley says
My husband likes the taste of Coconut but doesn’t like the texture.. is there something that i can use to get the flavor with out actually using the shavings??
- Cheryl says
I tried it! It is so easy! Even I could do it! Thanks so much!!
- Matt Jabs says
Great to hear Cheryl, glad you like the recipe.
- Lori Jablon says
Hi Matt~~~~This sounds simple and delicious….Do you know how many cups it makes approximately? About 4????
Thanks!
- Tonya says
Can I substitute the syrup for honey.. Has anyone tried it in this recipe.
- Matt Jabs says
Haven’t tried that Tonya, give it a shot and let us know how it turns out.
- Matt Jabs says
Yeah Lori, about 4 cups.
- Jess says
Is premade granola bad for you? I was told that it just turns into sugar once your body starts to break it down. However, our local health food store sells it…. I am confused.
- Matt Jabs says
Hi Jess, depends on what’s in it. Making your own is so easy and less expensive, it’s well worth it. God bless.
- emma says
We love the recipe but the maple syrup is really bumping up the cost anyone know were to get it cheaper? cheapest I have found is $16 for 32oz
- aravis says
I’ve made granola with honey or cane sugar (dissolved with the oil over low heat before mixing in). They both work great.
- Matt Jabs says
We buy maple syrup by the gallon, much cheaper that way. We can get it in Michigan for about $50/gallon and down here in North Carolina for closer to $65/gallon.
- jodi says
Would Agave work in place of the maple syrup?
- Matt Jabs says
Haven’t tried it but give it a shot and let us know your results.
- Stacy says
Teresa – Best part about this post was the part about how you are paying off debts! My husband and I want to have kids and me be able to stay home with the kids. If we look at it with our eyes it’s impossible but everywhere I look God is saying TRUST ME I will provide everything you need! So thank you for another sign!!! God used you tonight to speak to me!!!
- Matt Jabs says
Isn’t it amazing how GREAT God is and how loving, powerful, patient, and faithful. Trust God Stacy and obey His commandments, He promised to provide for those who love Him. God bless.
- Eve says
Do you have to use pure maple syrup – as in the kind that is expensive – or just regular pancake syrup? I have made 2 batches of the granola and my family loves it. I bought 100% pure maple syrup for $6+ and it is enough to make 2 batches. Was wondering if I really need to spend $3 just in syrup for each batch. It’s worth it but if I don’t need to spend that much, I’d rather not.
I am also looking at making my own syrup, would that work for the granola?- Matt Jabs says
Hi Eve, buying maple syrup one gallon at a time is MUCH cheaper, that’s what we do. I wouldn’t use the commercial pancake syrup if they paid me, that stuff is straight HFCS.
- Melissa says
just made it, but my granola ended up being chewy instead of crunchy…gonna give it another shot 🙂
- Matt Jabs says
Hi Melissa, did you spread it out on a cookie sheet, cook it for 15 minutes, turn it, then cook for another 12-15 minutes? Keep trying… it turns out wonderful for us every time! God bless.
- Melissa says
the second batch turned out…I substituted applesause for half of the maple syrup the first time and assume that is the reason it didn’t turn out..I still like it chewy…but the second batch was sooooooo good…I also sprinkled on more cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and pumpkin pie spice…:)
- Matt Jabs says
Betsy said that you have to let the granola completely cool and dry on the cookie sheet before stirring and putting away… so that could have been the problem too.
- Shannon says
This looks great. I’m making granola for my wedding favors so I needed to find one that was healthy, delicious, easy and affordable! One question: how many servings does this recipe make?
Thanks! - Susanne Moore says
Love your website! I have now switched from store brand laundry detergent to homemade AND love this granola recipe! Thanks for sharing!
- Matt Jabs says
Thanks for the encouragement Susanne, and for letting us know you’re making the switches… I LOVE hearing that!
- Caitlin says
Love all your information on homemade stuff! Just started making our own yogurt and granola (oh yes, drool, yum). Instead of honey, we use about a half a cup of applesauce (sometimes more, sometimes less, depending on the texture). It’s delicious and lower calorie while still giving you that granola-y crunch. 🙂 We love walnuts and cinnamon, a touch of vanilla and nutmeg in ours.. And I can’t convince the hubby of coconut. Shame! 😛
- Elly says
I haven’t had granola in so long because it’s just too expensive (or it’s afforable and gross). I live on a military base in the middle of the Mojave desert, though. We have only the commissary on base or a Walmart 45 minutes away. I really hope i can find all these ingredients I would LOVE to try this.
- vemmans says
Very Interesting Blog! Thank You For Thi Information!
- Traci says
Thank you so much for this recipe- it couldn’t be more simple or delicious. We have lots of allergies, so to customize this without preservatives is a great benefit for us! Thanks!
- Kiersten says
I am so happy I found your site! I read all of your recipes 2 nights ago and became very ambitious! I have already made, tryed and loved the laundry detergent, toothpaste, deodorant and granola! I am anxiously waiting for my citric acid to arrive so I can try the dishwasher detergent! I made the granola today, but instead of using honey and syrup, I used 3/4 cup Agave nectar. Delicious and I believe less calories! Just wanted to share and say thank you!
- Cassandra says
I like the recipes on this site and would love to see more… what about the yogurt recipe you said would be coming?
- Jeannie says
I love this recipe. I too had been looking for a good-for-you-easy breakfast and this is it!! The amazing thing that I discovered was that I didn’t get hungry as early as I did when I’d eat bagels w/ light cream cheese, or flax seed waffles (no syrup). My 2 adult kids live with me and they both can’t get enough. Thanks for posting this. YUMMMM!!!
- Erica says
Hey Matt! I love homemade granola too. I just made my second batch of it last week. However, since the oats and nuts have phytic acid in them, they should be soaked so that they are easier to digest. Check out Kara’s recipe for granola at: http://goodlookingcook.blogspot.com/2009/09/feel-good-granola.html
It takes a little longer but the extra nutrients you’ll get are worth it.
Enjoy! - jess says
I’m excited to try this recipe. When you say “shaved coconut” is that the sweetened stuff in the baking aisle? Or should I be looking for something else?
Thanks!
Thanks for the fantastic recipe, Matt! I also love your blog. It’s inspired me to set some budget goals for the first time.
I’ve made the granola twice already and it’s a big hit. I stocked up on Quaker Old Fashioned oats, which luckily I found out are the small thing as rolled oats, and a jug o’ maple syrup at Sam’s Club yesterday, so I should be able to keep my granola-addicted husband supplied 🙂
.-= Elizabeth May/DIY Mom´s last blog ..DIY Mom Does Christmas Applique =-.- Matt Jabs says
Awesome Elizabeth. It’s delicious isn’t it! And so easy and cheap too – we love it, glad you do too.
- Tina says
Yummy! Granola is one of my favorites! I usually purchase Canola Farms version and it so expensive. I’m looking forward to making my own and saving money. Super combination. Thanks!
- Laura says
Thanks for sharing the recipe. I’ve been making homemade granola for some time but have never made a version without oil/butter like this, I’m due to make more and look forward to trying it. I have to make a couple varieties to please my family, some don’t like dried fruit or coconut, etc. But the great thing is it is very versatile that way. I also add ground flax and wheat germ to my mix before baking. They’ll never know!
- Matt Jabs says
Hey Laura: FYI, my wife tried this without buttering the pan (accidentally) and found that as long as she stirred the granola up right after it came out of the oven the 2nd time (before it cools), she didn’t even need that butter!
- Cameron says
Matt – it’s good to know that you don’t HAVE to use butter because I am extremely lactose-intolerant! Thanks for sharing your outtake! 🙂
- Matt Jabs says
You’re welcome Cameron! God bless.
- Michelle Traudt says
I just saw this post after the breakfast post. I love making granola too, but I wasn’t sure how much cheaper it was. But if you say it is, then I’m going with that! Thanks
.-= Michelle Traudt´s last blog ..10 Item Challenge =-.- Matt Jabs says
If you find your stuff is too expensive, experiment with a few different (cheaper) ingredients until you find the recipe that fits perfectly to your taste buds and your pocketbook! 🙂
- Michelle says
I usually buy the steel cut oats (if not using the quick oats), would they work as well in this? Or should I stick with the rolled oats?
The recipe itself sounds so yummy! I can’t wait to try it tomorrow!
- Matt Jabs says
I would assume STO will work as long as they’re not much thicker than rolled oats – if they are you may just have to bump up the cooking time. Let us know how it goes.
- Michelle says
I finally tried it with SCO, and not so great. The oats didn’t “cook” through all the way. I’ll try with regular oats soon!
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Some recent pages =-.
- ChristianPF says
Matt, I love granola – I can’t wait to try this out!! Thanks!!
- Matt Jabs says
Go for it Bob… it is so simple and crazy good!
- Mr. Not the Jet Set says
Ha! How funny – the Mrs. just posted her recipe too. Since she started making her own, she’s never gone back.
The coconut sounds great – If only I could get her to put it in ours (she’s not a fan)
.-= Mr. Not the Jet Set´s last blog ..Homemade Granola Recipe =-.- Matt Jabs says
Oh man… the coconut and the almonds make ALL the difference. Have her make you a special batch.
I moseyed over to your site to check out her recipe – looks really good. How crazy that we both posted ours on the same day. Ha!
- Mr. Not the Jet Set says
The planets must be in alignment…. ha!
I’ll have to twist her arm on the coconut – haven’t had it in ages. And having it toasted…. drewwwlll
Thanks for the kind words. I’ll let you in on a little secret on her recipe: Use fresh ground nutmeg. Takes it to a whole other level.
cheers!
.-= Mr. Not the Jet Set ´s last blog ..The Big Birthday Lesson: A new tradition =-.- Matt Jabs says
OH YEAH… the wife & I always try to use the fresh stuff. Be it ginger, garlic, nutmeg, basil, parsley, cilantro, etc… fresh is always best. I think I’ll try adding a little fresh nutmeg to our next batch.
- Kyle says
Mmm, sounds tasty.. I will have to give it a go. Sounds easy enough even I can do it.
.-= Kyle´s last blog ..My Identity may have Been Compromised =-. - Craig says
I always need new recipes so thanks. Got any simple quick and easy dinner ones?
- Matt Jabs says
Ha ha, not on DFA but I have a ton at home – I love to cook. Email me and I’ll be glad to hook it up.
- Craig @ Money Help For Christians says
My wife was excited when she saw this post. We live overseas and cannot find many things in the store, but everything on the list is available at our rural third world store. We even get to use fresh coconuts. I’ll let you know how I like it when the chef has finished her work.
.-= Craig @ Money Help For Christians´s last blog ..What Credit Card Features are Important to You? =-.- Matt Jabs says
Your family will love this Craig… so simply yet soooo delicious! Enjoy man.
