This is one of our base recipes. Homemade granola easy, delicious, and made with pantry staple ingredients! When you make your own, you get to control the ingredients, including the amount of sugar added (store bought granola usually has way too much!). Stovetop granola is a great option for when you don’t want to turn your oven on. Use this easy homemade granola base recipe as a guide, then change up the ingredients to make it your own!
Must-Know Cooking Skills
For recipe success, learn how to:
Culinary Tips for this Simple Granola Recipe
This recipe calls for brown sugar, oil, and a natural liquid sweetener. Measure the ingredients in that order to make clean-up easier! Measure the brown sugar first; it needs to be measured in a clean spoon, otherwise it will stick to the bottom. Then, by measuring the oil before the liquid sweetener, the liquid sweetener will just slide right out!
Cook the granola until golden, but don’t expect it to be hard when you remove it from the stove. It will harden as it cools.
Add the dried fruit once the granola cools to prevent it from hardening.
If you have kids, let them help you with this recipe! It’s very kid-friendly.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Brown Sugar: substitute coconut sugar or cane sugar, although the flavor will be slightly different.
- Canola Oil: substitute avocado oil.
- Liquid Sweetener: use honey, agave, or maple syrup. Use the latter two to make your stovetop granola vegan.
- Old Fashioned Oats: substitute quick oats. Don’t use steel cut oats, as these have to be cooked in water for digestibility.
- Nuts/Seeds: use any variety. If using toasted nuts or seeds, add them near the end of cooking so they do not burn.
Base Recipe Variations
Remember that this is a base recipe, so the goal is for you to customize it to your taste! Keep it simple or spice it up!
Use these additional ingredients for even more flavorful granola.
- Flavor Extract: use vanilla, almond, or coconut. Use smaller portions of almond and coconut, as these have stronger flavors.
- Spices: use cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, pumpkin spice, apple spice, or a combination.
- Dried Fruit: use any dried fruit – raisins, chopped figs, cranberries, cherries, and dried blueberries all work well. If using larger fruits such as dried apricots, figs, or prunes, dice into smaller pieces before adding.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: substitute mini or semi-sweet chocolate chips for best flavor. We don’t recommend using milk or white chocolate, as these are not generally healthy options.
Prefer a higher protein granola? Add more nuts in place of oats.
Looking for a granola recipe without nuts? Replace the nuts with more oats.
Want some granola flavor inspiration?
Use this recipe variation for inspiration, then have fun exploring other flavors, ingredients, and textures!
This recipe was adapted from our traditional homemade granola base recipe. Check out our other granola recipe variations for more flavor inspiration!
Equipment Recommendations for Quick Stovetop Granola
Use these kitchen tools for recipe success!
Is this a Healthy Granola Recipe?
Granola can definitely be part of a healthy diet. The star ingredients in this crunchy granola recipe are oats, nuts, and dried fruit. Learn more about the benefits of whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in our book, To Your Taste!
Oats
Oats are whole grains, making them rich in disease-fighting phytonutrients and antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Any variety of oats provide a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates. Fiber is important for digestion, satiety, stable blood sugar, good cholesterol, and healthy gut bacteria. Complex carbohydrates are important for steady energy and focus.
Learn more about the different types of oats in this article!
Nuts
Nuts are a great source of plant-based protein and healthy fat. Almonds and pecans are high in monounsaturated fats which are good for heart health. Walnuts contain healthy omega-3 fats.
Dried Fruit & Less Sugar
Dried fruit contains carbohydrates, vitamins, and antioxidants. The sugar in most dried fruit is naturally occurring and is paired with fiber and other plant compounds, making it a healthier option than refined sugars and sweets. For optimal nutrition, choose unsulphured and unsweetened varieties, such as raisins, dates, or figs.
While this recipe does call for natural sweeteners, the amount used only adds up to 1 teaspoon (4 grams) per 1/4 cup serving of granola.
Healthy Stovetop Granola Serving Suggestions
This simple granola recipe is great for an easy breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even a healthy dessert!
- Top a yogurt parfait made with plain yogurt and fresh fruit
- Garnish a smoothie bowl
- Sprinkle on top of peanut butter coated apples or bananas
- Eat by itself for a tasty, balanced snack!
How to Store Healthy Homemade Granola
Allow granola to cool completely. Homemade granola will keep for at least a month in an airtight container at room temperature.
Want more healthy oat recipes?
Check out our other favorite base recipes made with oats!
Baked Oatmeal Cups Base Recipe
Stovetop Granola Base Recipe
Ingredients
Base Recipe
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon canola oil
- 1 Tablespoon natural liquid sweetener
- Dash salt
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- ½ cup raw nuts, seeds, or coconut
Additions to YOUR taste
- ¼-½ teaspoon flavor extract
- ¼-½ teaspoon spice(s)
- ¼ cup dried fruit
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add brown sugar, oil, liquid sweetener, salt, and optional flavor extract and/or spices. Stir with a spatula until melted and mostly combined.
- Add oats and nuts to the pan, stirring to coat with the oil mixture. Stir frequently 7-10 minutes, or until oats and nuts are toasted and golden brown.
- Remove from heat, and spread in a single layer on a baking sheet or sheet of parchment paper to cool. Granola will crisp as it cools.
- Add optional dried fruit and/or chocolate chips. Once cool, store in an airtight container. Enjoy!
