When it comes to healthy snacks, granola is one of the most versatile and satisfying options you can make. It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a topping for yogurt or smoothie bowls. What’s even better? Making your own granola at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize it to suit your tastes and dietary needs. If you’re looking for a warm, flavorful granola recipe, this Homemade Maple Cinnamon Granola is the answer. With a simple mix of oats, nuts, seeds, and the comforting flavors of maple syrup and cinnamon, this granola is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.This easy-to-make granola is not only gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan but also packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber to keep you satisfied throughout the day. Whether you’re snacking on it straight from the jar or using it as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, this granola adds a touch of warmth and sweetness that is simply irresistible.
Why Homemade Granola?
There are so many reasons to make your own granola, but let’s start with the most important one: you can control exactly what goes into it. Many store-bought granolas are loaded with refined sugars, preservatives, and unhealthy fats. When you make your own at home, you know exactly what’s in each batch.
This Homemade Maple Cinnamon Granola is made with simple, wholesome ingredients like gluten-free oats, nuts, seeds, and pure maple syrup. By using coconut oil as a fat source and maple syrup for natural sweetness, you’re getting a healthier alternative to granolas that rely on refined sugars or unhealthy oils.
Not only is it healthier, but it’s also highly customizable. You can swap out nuts, seeds, or even the spices used to suit your preferences. You can even add in a few extras like dried fruit or chocolate chips after baking to give your granola a personal touch.
What You Need for Maple Cinnamon Granola:
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to whip up a batch of this maple cinnamon granola:
-
3 cups gluten-free oats (be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if needed)
-
¾ cup mixed nuts and/or seeds (walnuts, pecans, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.)
-
½ cup pure maple syrup (the real deal, not the imitation stuff)
-
⅓ cup coconut oil, melted
-
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (this is the star of the show!)
-
2 tablespoons chia seeds or flax seeds (optional, but they add extra fiber and omega-3 fatty acids)
Optional Add-Ins After Baking:
-
Dried cranberries or cherries
-
Dark chocolate chips
Making the Granola: Step-by-Step
-
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (about 150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will make cleanup a breeze and help prevent the granola from sticking. -
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the gluten-free oats, your choice of nuts and seeds, and the cinnamon. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the dry ingredients. -
Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the coconut oil in the microwave (about 1 minute). Once melted, pour in the maple syrup and stir to combine. Add the vanilla extract and salt and whisk everything together until smooth. -
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients, ensuring everything is coated. Use a spatula or spoon to mix thoroughly, ensuring all the oats and nuts are evenly coated with the maple syrup and coconut oil. -
Spread the Granola
Pour the granola mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Spread it into an even layer, pressing it down lightly so that it sticks together as it bakes. -
Bake
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the edges of the granola turn golden brown. Be sure to stir the granola halfway through baking to help it cook evenly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, as the granola can crisp up quickly toward the end of baking. -
Cool and Add Optional Ingredients
Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, the granola will become nice and crunchy. Once cooled, feel free to stir in any dried fruit, like cranberries or cherries, or dark chocolate chips for a sweet treat. -
Store and Enjoy
Once fully cooled, store your homemade granola in an airtight container or mason jar. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks at room temperature, or you can store it in the fridge for an even longer shelf life. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months if you want to make a big batch ahead of time.
Why This Granola is a Great Snack
This Homemade Maple Cinnamon Granola is the ultimate snack for anyone looking for something nutritious and satisfying. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, it helps keep you full longer. The maple syrup provides just the right amount of sweetness, while the cinnamon adds a comforting warmth that’s perfect for any time of day. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable, so you can easily adjust the flavor profile based on your preferences.
Whether you’re enjoying it on its own as a crunchy snack, topping your morning yogurt with it, or adding it to smoothie bowls, this granola makes a tasty and healthy addition to your diet. It’s the perfect option for those looking for a gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan treat that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Customization Ideas
This granola recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust it to your personal taste. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:
-
Nuts and Seeds: Swap out the nuts and seeds for your favorite varieties. Cashews, hazelnuts, or pistachios would work wonderfully in this recipe.
-
Sweeteners: If you prefer a different natural sweetener, you can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave nectar, but the flavor will differ slightly.
-
Spices: While cinnamon is the highlight of this recipe, you can experiment with other spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
-
Add-ins: After baking, you can add a handful of dried fruit (raisins, apricots, or cherries) or dark chocolate chips for a more indulgent treat.
Final Thoughts: A Nutritious Snack That’s Easy to Make
This Homemade Maple Cinnamon Granola is a great way to enjoy a wholesome snack that’s both delicious and good for you. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a snack that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re snacking on it by itself, topping your yogurt or smoothie bowls, or using it as a baked good topper, this granola offers endless possibilities.
Making your own granola ensures you get all the benefits of protein, fiber, and healthy fats without the added sugars and preservatives found in many store-bought versions. So why not skip the store and make a batch of your own? Your taste buds—and your body—will thank you!
Print
Homemade Maple Cinnamon Granola
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Homemade Maple Cinnamon Granola is a healthy, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan snack packed with oats, nuts, seeds, and the sweet, warm flavors of maple syrup and cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or as a topping for yogurt or smoothie bowls. Simple to make and full of flavor!
Ingredients
3 cups gluten-free oats (be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if needed)
¾ cup mixed nuts and/or seeds (walnuts, pecans, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.)
½ cup pure maple syrup (the real deal, not the imitation stuff)
⅓ cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons chia seeds or flax seeds (optional)
Optional Add-Ins After Baking:
Dried cranberries or cherries
Dark chocolate chips
Instructions
-
Preheat Your Oven & Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup. -
Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, nuts, seeds, and cinnamon. Stir everything together. -
Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the coconut oil for about 1 minute. Add maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt to the melted oil and stir to combine. -
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated. -
Spread the Granola:
Pour the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out into an even layer and lightly press it down. -
Bake the Granola:
Bake for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola turns golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. -
Cool & Add Optional Ingredients:
Once baked, let the granola cool on the baking sheet. Once cool, add any optional ingredients like dried fruit or chocolate chips. -
Store & Enjoy:
Store the granola in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Sweetener Options:
If you prefer a different sweetener, you can swap the maple syrup with honey (if not vegan) or agave nectar for a similar result. Keep in mind that different sweeteners may slightly alter the flavor and texture. - Oil Substitution:
Coconut oil is used here for its mild flavor and health benefits, but you can substitute it with olive oil or avocado oil for a different taste, or if you prefer a less coconut-forward flavor. - Texture Adjustments:
If you like a chunkier granola, press the granola mixture down more firmly before baking. This will help form larger clusters as it bakes. For a looser texture, simply spread it more thinly on the baking sheet. - Add-ins After Baking:
Feel free to get creative with your add-ins after baking. Dried fruit like raisins, apricots, or figs can add more natural sweetness, while dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs provide a touch of indulgence. - Storage Tips:
Store granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge, and it will stay fresh for up to a month. You can also freeze granola for up to 3 months—simply let it thaw before using. - Making in Batches:
This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to make larger batches for meal prepping. Just ensure you have a baking sheet large enough to accommodate the extra granola. Keep in mind that longer baking times might be needed for bigger batches. - Diet Variations:
If you need the granola to be nut-free, simply skip the nuts and use extra seeds. You can also substitute the oat flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use rolled oats to keep it entirely gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
