Homemade granola is a perfect staple to have in your house all year long. It is easy to make, fun to switch up the ingredients, and you have control over what is going in your body.

Store bought granola is stuffed with unnecessary ingredients and fillers. Most of these are designed to make it taste sweeter and last longer on the shelf.

When making your homemade granola, there are a few basic rules you should follow. The first is the oats you choose. Never choose instant oats, look for rolled oats instead. “Instant oats” mean tons of processing.

The second key ingredient is oil. Most granola recipes will call for vegetable oil, but I like to use coconut oil instead. It gives a beautiful aroma and a nice subtle coconut flavor.

Coconut oil helps control your blood sugar levels and contains MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides). MCT is easily digestible quickly giving you the energy you need.

Nuts and seeds are an awesome addition to any granola. Depending on if you want a nut higher in fat content, or higher in protein content, I have created a chart for you to find which nut(s) is the perfect addition to your batch of granola.

If you are taking this on a long backpacking trip I recommend adding the nuts higher in fat content to keep you sustained longer. However, if this is simply for a healthy snack to munch on and curb your hunger any nut will do.

Granola does call for some type of sugar. This gives the delicious clumped texture that classic granola has. I recommend trying the recipe first, then altering it with your future recreations.

Also, make sure when purchasing your sugar alternative to read the labels. Even when you think something is healthier, there could still be added surprises in the ingredients.

Try your making your homemade granola with honey, agave or maple syrup instead. See what works for you and what doesn’t.

Get creative! The world is your oyster when making granola. If you have favorite snacks you love, look for ways to incorporate them into your granola. Maybe add in some peanut butter, chocolate chips or coconut shavings!

Here is what you will need:

9X11 Rimmed Baking Sheet
3 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup dried fruit
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup nuts or seeds
1/4 tsp pink Himalayan salt

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 

• While waiting for the oven to preheat combine your wet ingredients (honey, vanilla, and oil) in a medium-sized bowl. 

• Set the nuts, seeds and dried fruit aside. In a separate large bowl mix together the dry ingredients (oats, cinnamon, and salt). Make sure they are tossed together evenly.

• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix together until completely and evenly coated.

• Pour the wet/dry mixture on the 9X11 pan, creating an even layer across the whole pan to ensure even cooking. 

• Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven for 15 minutes. 

• After 15 mins mix the mixture up on the baking sheet and return back to the oven to cook until it smells delicious and has turned a nice golden brown (usually 5-15 minutes)

• Remove from the oven and let the oats on the baking sheet cool. 

• Top with your choice of dried fruit, seeds, crushed nuts etc. Mix everything together and place in mason jars for an easy, on-to-go snack!

This easy to make snack is perfect for the health-nut. You do not have to worry about any sneaky additives or hidden sugar. You know exactly what you are getting!

Try out the basic recipe and then get adventurous. I love adding peanut butter to my mixture (and mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs) when I want a more dessert-like granola.

You can make your homemade granola as power-packed as you want by adding ingredients like goji berries or Incan berries. That's what makes granola so much fun to create, once you know the basics the alternatives are endless!