Wednesdays are the only day of the week that I have all my boys in school. After I drop them off and before I need to go back and pick them up, I have about 2 hours and 15 minutes where I am HOME ALONE. For an introverted girl like me who is rarely alone, this is GLORIOUS.
Now I feel like I need to do a little disclaimer here: Of course I love my boys to death and they are the cutest things ever, even sweeter than my Triple Layer Brownies. And yes, I know someday I will miss the noise, dirt, stinky socks, and Lego booby traps.
Okay, now can I go on with my rant?
I love my alone time, and I actually find myself in a complete state of panic when I walk into my house after returning from preschool drop-off.
The silence is so shocking.
Now what do I do?
In an effort to make the most of this precious time, I’m almost paralyzed with indecision.
- Should I clean up the house?
- Put the laundry away?
- Get some exercise?
- Organize my junk drawer?
- Test out a new recipe?
- Take a shower?
- Go grocery shopping?
- Iron that pile of shirts on the ironing board?
- Take a nap?
- Dust my ceiling fans?
- Pin some recipes?
- Read a book?
- Meet up with a friend?
- Go get a pedicure?
- Water my flowers?
- Get lost at Target?
- Listen to a podcast?
- Write my grandma a letter?
- Go to the MVD to update my driver’s license picture?
SEE WHAT I MEAN?
My time always goes by really fast, but I’m amazed at how much I can accomplish when someone else is attending to the constant needs of my children. They aren’t extra needy or anything, but kids just need a lot of attention.
So last week, I used a tiny portion of my Wednesday alone time to make this granola. Granola is very easy to make. After making this off and on for the last few years and tweaking it a little each time, this recipe is now perfection to me.
My favorite thing about it is the finely ground almonds that coat each little oat. But I also like to leave some almonds chopped up more coarsely for extra crunch. It’s wonderfully sticky and clumpy.
A bowl full of this Homemade Coconut Oil Honey Almond Granola topped with juicy, sweet strawberries and a splash of ice cold whole milk is the way to go my friends. You can feel free to add your favorite granola type mix-ins, but I like mine a little on the plain side.
I hope you get a day this week to do whatever it is that makes your heart happy, whether it’s gathering with friends, watching a favorite show, or going to a nice long walk. Or maybe making granola?
PrintHomemade Coconut Oil Honey Almond Granola
Wonderfully sticky and clumpy, this Homemade Coconut Oil Honey Almond Granola will make your day!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Makes 4 cups 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole almonds, divided
- 3 cups old fashioned oats
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a food processor or blender, pulse half of the almonds until they are very finely chopped. Pour them into a large bowl. Then chop the other half of the almonds coarsely, and pour them into the same bowl.
- Pour the oats, salt, and brown sugar into the bowl with the almonds and stir to combine.
- In a small microwaveable bowl, combine honey and coconut oil, and heat for 40 seconds. Stir to dissolve the coconut oil, and add the vanilla and almond extract.
- Pour the honey mixture over the oats, and stir so that they are evenly coated.
- Pour the oat mixture evenly onto a Silpat or parchment lined baking sheet (helpful if it has sides).
- Bake for 5 minutes, and then stir and spread back to an even layer. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
- Pour the granola and onto a piece of wax paper to cool. Spread it out into a thin layer – about 1/2 inch thick.
- After it cools completely, break the granola into clusters and store in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 672
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 445mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 86g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Mmm this looks good. I love homemade granola
Thanks Chloe, it’s my favorite!
What’s the calories for this home made version?
May, I don’t list nutritional information for my recipes here, but if you Google calorie calculator you can plug in the ingredients to see how many calories there are in a serving.
I just did the calories, it’s about 157 per 1/4 cup
Ps- I only had (whole grain) quick oats so not sure idols fashion oats changes the calorie count
Do you have the carb content
My children eat this like candy! Am so glad we found it! We are beekeepers in Ohio specializing in raw, organically raised honey. We use honey in basically everything we eat! Thanks again.
http://www.brightonwoolandhoney.com
Hi Maggie! I’m so glad you are enjoying this granola recipe. Your honey looks beautiful. Thank you for your sweet comment.
The flavor is wonderful. Quick question…is this supposed to be a chewy granola? Mine never got crunchy, delicious and chewy but not what I expected.
Sorry just getting to your question now, Ann. This should be fairly crunchy. You may need to bake it bit longer, still stirring in intervals. I have also noticed that this granola will not stay crunchy in more humid climates. I brought some to my family who live near the ocean and it became very chewy! Still delicious, but different. Thanks so much for your question.
Oh wow, I’m in love with the idea of adding ground almonds apart from whole ones! Now, that’s brilliant – I’m so trying it soon ;–) This granola looks delicious and your pictures are incredible! xx
Thank you for your kind words Consuelo!
I love homemade granola! This coconut almond version sounds fabulous! Pinned!
Anna, thank you for the compliment, and for pinning too!
Where do I start? First, I am trying this ASAP. I make 3 to 4 batches if granola every two weeks. That with Greek is all my husband eats for breakfast. Religiously. I am ALWAYS looking for awesome bariations that he would like. I have a feeling about this one 🙂
Second, if you happened to make a post about how you managed to get so much done in the two very short hours of free time you have, I’d read it every day. Ha! I feel the same way when I have a few hours kid free. My brain gets all jumbled up and all those 101 things I want to get done so badly but can’t because of the attention my darling littles ones need, are no where to be found in my brain. Where do you start?
Love your blog, by the way!
I totally hear you Jess! I usually look at the list of things I’d like to get done, and pick out the ones that are the most difficult to do when my kids are underfoot. We can only do the best we can, right? Hope you do get to try this granola, and that you and your husband enjoy!
This looks divine-I love making homemade granola!
Thanks Jessica!
This recipe looks delicious and simple. I like that it only needs to cook for 10 minutes as opposed to the 30-60 minutes that many other recipes call for. I look forward to trying it!
Thanks Jessica! I love how quick and easy it is too.
I microwaved it for 5 minutes, stirring 3 times in-between, and it turned out chewy and delicious!
I had no idea you could microwave granola! Thanks for sharing Melinda.
I love making homemade granola! So simple, yet so delicious and satisfying. I haven’t made it in a few months, but I’ll definitely be trying your recipe soon! I love the idea of using both ground almonds and chopped almonds for extra texture. I’m sure that provides a great crunch.
It’s great that this is how you spent your alone time. Certainly beats going to the MVC to update your driver’s license picture!!!
Thanks Jamie! Happy to see you’ve had a little extra time to post some recipes again over at Milk N Cookies. You’ve been missed!
Just made this during my daughters nap, after pinning it the other day. Love how delicious and simple it was to make. Thanks, I’ll be checking out some of your other recipes now too!
Hallie, so glad you liked it! Always nice to get some baking done when the little ones are asleep!
We are making our second batch now. So So SO YUMMY.
Oh wow Melissa! So glad 🙂
This looks delicious!! How long would you say it stays fresh in the container?
Marci, I’m not sure because we eat it up so fast! I think as long as it’s completely cool before you put the lid on the container (so moisture won’t build up), it should be good for a week or so? That’s my best guess 🙂
I make granola about every month for my son and I (mostly me), and it lasts all month with no problem (if it’s sealed up, of course). If you add dried fruit (always after baking it), the fruit can get hard if it’s sitting around too long, so if you make it ahead, add the dried fruit before eating it. You can also put it in the freezer to last longer. My parents don’t eat it as quickly as I do, and I know they’ve had batches sitting around for 2 months without much diminishment in quality.
Lasts we’ll over two months in a mason jar or plastic container . I add mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries per serving. I’ve used almond milk and let it set for about 5 minutes. Still has a nice crunch even with the milk. I also made a batch using half molasses half honey and turned out really tasty. Love this recipe! Best one yet! Grateful I found it and you! Thanks!
Hi, love your granola recipe.
Thanks Hellie, so glad you like it.
My house smells delicious right now because of this granola fresh out of the oven! I couldn’t wait for it to cool completely and it is DELISH! I usually by Cascadian Farms granola to eat with my yogurt, but no more! Thank you! Never thought it would be so easy and yummy.
So glad you like it!
In the oven now! It smells so good. My three year loved helping me make it. Thanks for the recipe!
Love that you bake with your little one Shawna. Hope you two enjoy the granola!
I made this today. OMGosh! It’s delicious , easy to make AND so much cheaper then store bought! Never over paying for store bought again! Thank you for the recipe!
Krissy, so happy to hear that! Enjoy :0)
Do you use liquid or solid coconut oil?
Hi Jane, I had solid coconut oil so I melted it with the honey to make it easier to mix with the oats, etc.
I loved this granola and my boys (husband and father-in-law) finished it right off! The addition of the ground nuts added lot of flavor and natural oils to the mix. I used a combo of almonds and Texas pecans as well as a few handfuls of coconut shreds, delicious.
Thank you Kimberlee! Your version sounds amazing!
This stuff has become like crack to my famliy. Soooo good. Thanks for sharing the recipe! And the photography is gorgeous!
Thank you Cortney! So glad!
I just made this and it is so tasty. Unfortunately, mine didn’t clump up like your picture. Any suggestions?
Hi Ruth! I’m glad you liked the granola, but I’m curious why it wouldn’t be sticky like mine was… I really can’t think of why. Wish I was more helpful!
I found this recipe on Pinterest and it is one of the best granola recipes I’ve ever made.
Thank you so much! I shared it with my friends on Facebook.
You are so welcome Rachel!
My kids love this granola so much I’m shipping some across th country for breakfast every morning. I’m choosing to look anti it as one less thing I’ll have to find in an unfamiliar grocery store.
I’m so glad you all love it!
Love this! Found it on Pinterest and added it to my clean eating album. Had everything on hand and just made it. So yummy!
Don’t you love it when you already have everything you need? Glad you like it! Thanks for saying hi!
Love granola and if it’s homemade even better! I have a question though, do you use raw or roasted almonds for this recipe?
Thanks!
Hi! Thanks for your question. I used raw almonds. Hope you enjoy!
Heyyy! I’m currently waiting for this granola to be ready from the oven. It’s the first time I’m making it and I chose your recipe as it looked easiest and healthiest! Smells fab and I can’t wait to try it! One thing I’ve noticed is that it’s not sticking together as clusters – should that happen or is yours all quite loose? Maybe it will happen when it cools… Anyways thanks for this lovely post on granola!
Yes, that happens as it cools. Spread it out to cool in a layer about 1/4 inch thick. Hope you enjoy!
This recipe BURNED every ounce of the granola, wasting the ingredients and ruining the pans…Use a granola recipe that sets the oven at a low temperature for a long period of time!
Sorry yours burned… I’ve had so many other people make this recipe and love it (plus I’ve made it multiple times myself) so I’m afraid your oven might run hot. You might want to check it with an oven thermometer. Hope this is helpful for you!
For those of you that said your granola wasn’t sticking well: I had the same problem (perhaps because I used quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats). After allowing the granola to cool, and realizing it didnt stick at all well together, I refused to throw it all away. So what I did was, put all of the granola back into the bowl, added much more honey, and kept stirring until I the mixture began sticking to each other well. Once it did, I placed it back into the oven for 5 mins, stirred it, 5 mins again, and allowed it cool in a thin layer. I made sure the layer was smooth and there was no empty holes in some spots. And it worked like a charm for me!
I made this today with the addition of shredded coconut and it’s wonderful. I questioned whether or not it would be crispy after only 10 minutes but it was great once it cooled. I ended up putting some in a bowl and tossing that in the freezer because I was so impatient about starting to eat it. Very good, very easy, thanks for figuring it out!
I was surprised that 10 minutes was enough as well when I first tested this recipe. It sure makes it easy to bake up when the craving strikes! So glad you like it, and the coconut sounds wonderful!
I saw someone posted a comment about using quick oats. I have A TON of quick oats on hand – do you think this will change the outcome of the recipe dramatically? I can’t wait to try it! Other recipes call for cooking for 45 minutes… I’m psyched to try this!
I’ve never used quick oats in this recipe so I’m not sure, but it might be worth a try. It will definitely have a different texture (quick oats have a much finer texture), but might still be tasty. I love using up what I already have too, so let me know how it goes if you do try it.
I just made the granola, and used quick oats by accident. Cooked it a bit longer because it was a bit mushy at first- about 30 mins total. Perfect consistency when cooled and super yummy! 🙂
I’m so glad! Good to know you can use quick oats with a good result.
Julie, I am not one to comment often but this is the best homemade granola and so easy! I made it fresh and used it to top a kale and fruit salad with a citrus vinaigrette dressing. The granola topping/crunchy in the salad was the rave!
Thank you – trying the pretzel version next.
Dee
I’m so glad! That salad sounds amazing! Thanks for taking the time to tell me about it. Hope you enjoy the pretzel version as well!
Hi Julie – i pin so many recipes that I havent gotten around to trying yet – but with this one, I pinned yesterday and am going to make tonight. Looks delicious. BTW, I live in Canberra, Australia, so isnt Pinterest great to connect people worldwide?
Hi Jane! Thanks for saying hi, and I really hope you enjoy this granola. I just made another batch last night! And I pin way more recipes than I can make too 🙂
In love with your granola! I should have made 2 batches. It’s almost gone! How do you make it into a bar?
Sarah, I’m so glad you like it! Hmmm… how to make it into a bar? I’m wondering what would happen if you baked the oats in a 9 by 13 baking dish lined with parchment paper, and then let it fully cool in the pan before cutting into bars. I think the cooking time need to be adjusted as well. I might try this and see what happens. Let me know if you give it a go too!