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This healthy granola recipe uses four wholesome ingredients to make the perfect nutty, crunchy granola. No oil or butter is needed; it’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or a dessert topping.
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★★★★★ REVIEW
“Tired of checking the store packages of granola and seeing all of the extra sugar. Made my own today with your recipe. It is delicious. I did use sun butter instead of peanut butter. Halfway through the baking time, I added unsweetened coconut flakes. At the end, I added chocolate chips. Will definitely make it again.” – Lauren
Granola has an unfair wrap for being calorie-laden and full of sugar, but my healthy granola recipe is the exception.
I tested this recipe countless times to ensure it had all the best parts of granola- sweet, crispy clusters with perfectly toasted oats and the right balance of sweetness. I completely skipped the oil, butter, and sugar and replaced them with heart-healthy nut butter and maple syrup.
This granola is also easy to customize and much cheaper than store-bought brands. It’s also super speedy, with the total baking time under twenty minutes. My family loves them in yogurt bowls (as pictured), but they are great with some milk or enjoyed by the handful. Bonus? It’s naturally vegan, dairy-free, and can be made gluten-free.
If you love all things granola, try my protein granola, keto granola, and healthy granola bars next.
Key Ingredients
- Rolled oats. I prefer using rolled oats (or “old-fashioned oats”) over instant or steel-cut because they have the best texture. Use certified gluten-free oats to make gluten-free granola.
- Mixed nuts. Use your favorite raw, unsalted nuts. I’m using pistachios, pecans, and hazelnuts for this particular batch. If you need a nut-free sub, seeds like pepitas are great.
- Peanut butter. Smooth with no added sugar. Feel free to use any nut butter, like almond butter or cashew butter, if you prefer. Like the note above, try sunflower seed butter or tahini if you need to be nut-free.
- Maple syrup. My favorite natural sweetener, although agave and honey also work just fine.
- Mix-ins. Use your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, coconut flakes, dried fruit, or seeds. Just make sure they don’t exceed 1 cup of the total recipe.
How to make healthy granola
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1- Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, add the oats and nuts.
Step 2- Combine. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture and mix until incorporated.
Step 3- Bake. Transfer the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 25 minutes, stopping halfway through to stir it up.
Step 4- Add mix-ins. Remove the granola from the oven and mix to break up the large pieces. Allow it to cool completely, then fold in your mix-ins of choice.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Check periodically. I’ve noticed the exact baking time varies depending on the oven, so keep an eye on the granola and check it after 15 minutes. Also, don’t skip the stirring midway through since the edges are prone to browning.
- Wait to add your mix-ins. If you add the mix-ins before the granola has cooled, you may be left with burnt dried fruit and melted chocolate. Ask me how I know!
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. It’s important to get the granola in a thin, even layer so all the pieces have a chance to brown. Otherwise, that’s how you end up with soggy granola.
- Make granola clusters. I like my granola with some clusters, so I wait before breaking it up. If you want ALL clusters, add one egg white to the mixture.
Storage instructions
To store: Granola should be stored in an airtight container and kept at room temperature for up to one month.
To freeze: To keep granola fresher for longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Let it thaw overnight at room temperature before enjoying.
More healthy breakfasts with oats
If you tried this Healthy Granola Recipe or any other recipe on The Big Man’s World, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe.
Healthy Granola (4 Ingredients!)
Video
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups rolled oats gluten free, if needed
- 1 cup nuts I use a mix of pecans, pistachios, and hazelnuts
- 2/3 cup peanut butter
- 2/3 cup maple syrup can use agave nectar or honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the oats and nuts, and set aside. In a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan, combine the peanut butter and maple syrup and heat until warm. Whisk together until combined.
- Pour the peanut butter/syrup mixture over the oat mixture. Mix very well until fully incorporated.
- Transfer the granola mixture onto the lined sheet and spread out in an even layer. Bake for 25 minutes, removing halfway through to give it a mix.
- Remove the granola from the oven and mix once more before allowing it to cool completely. Once cool, add your mix-ins of choice and transfer to a sealable container.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published September 2020, updated and republished April 2025
Great granola but be sure to put chocolate and fruity bits in mixture after it is out of the oven or it will go hard. Enjoy!!
Tired of checking the store packages of granola and seeing all of the extra sugar. Made my own today with your recipe. It is delicious. I did use sun butter instead of peanut butter. Halfway through the baking time I added unsweetened coconut flakes. At the end I added Hu chocolate chips. Will definitely make it again.
I was wondering why you never list the serving size. I would like to know grams or ounces
We do, we don’t list weighted measurements as it differs. Feel free to make this and divide it by 8, then weigh those portions 🙂