The Best Granola Recipe

8 cups rolled oats

1 1/2 cups wheat germ

1 1/2 cups oat bran

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1 cup finely chopped almonds

1 cup finely chopped pecans

1 cup finely chopped walnuts

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup applesauce

1/2 cup vegetable oil or coconut oil

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups raisins or sweetened dried cranberries

Preheat oven to 320 degrees F and line two large baking sheets with baking parchment paper or aluminum foil.

In a large bowl, add the oats, wheat germ, oat bran, seeds and nuts. Mix thoroughly.

In a medium saucepan, add the the salt, maple syrup, honey, applesauce, oil, and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly then bring mixture to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat then mix in the vanilla. Being careful not to burn yourself, pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients, and stir to coat. Evenly spread the granola out onto the baking sheets.

Bake in preheated oven 20 - 25 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of toastiness. Stir every 5 - 7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it. NOTE: The granola will clump and harden while cooling not during baking. Allow to cool before stirring in the raisins or cranberries. Store in an airtight container.


To make a more kid-friendly granola, replace half of the raisins or cranberries with mini chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, etc. Stir these into the granola just after taking it from the oven for a mixed texture or after the granola completely cools to keep them separated.

Consider sprinkling the granola with 1 cup shredded coconut ten minutes before finished baking.

For added health benefits without compromising flavor, mix in 1/2 cup ground flaxseed when adding the raisins or cranberries.

Follow this recipe then experiment with other ingredients, using our tips to learn how to make your own best granola recipe. Be it crunchy or chewy, low fat and healthy, or decadently chocolatey!