Brown Sugar and Maple Granola Recipe

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This brown sugar and maple homemade granola recipe is the perfect way to start your day! It's healthy, delicious, and easy to make. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a nutritious breakfast that will keep you energized all morning long. It's time to ditch the sugary cereals and enjoy this homemade granola instead!

stack of granola on white table by small white bowl

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Homemade Granola Recipe
Ingredient Variations for Granola
Ingredients
Handy Kitchen Tools
How to Make Homemade Granola
Frequently Asked Questions
More Easy Breakfast Recipes
📖 Recipe

Homemade Granola Recipe

We have the best homemade granola recipe for you. It’s easy to make, and it tastes delicious. You can even add your favorite ingredients to make it unique. This is a great snack for kids or adults because it’s healthy and filling. Plus, there are so many different flavors that everyone will be happy with this choice!

Anyone can make their own homemade granola in just minutes. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought again. It's absolutely one of my favorite recipes to make and serve my family because I can say that I know everything that goes into it. Plus, it is a great addition to this easy-to-make Instant Pot yogurt. Such a great homemade way to start the day!

two white bowls of granola spilling onto tiled table

Ingredient Variations for Granola

While I personally love the mixture below, you can definitely change things up a bit when making your own granola. I like to stick with similar measurements so it turns out good and crispy but not burnt. Below are some other variations to consider.

Replace the vegetable oil with coconut oil for a healthier option that also adds a hint of coconut flavor to the mixture.
Use chia seeds to replace the flax seed or wheat germ for more protein and a more affordable option.
Add ¼ cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to the mixture.
Skip the cereal and instead use additional oats.
Add spices such as pumpkin pie space, apple pie spice, or just cinnamon to the mixture for a bit more flavor. Go unique with a bit of cardamom and ginger alongside the cinnamon for a new flavor profile.

close up picture of granola on white table by white ramekins

Ingredients

5 cups oats
1 ½ cups crisp rice cereal
3 tablespoon ground flax seed or wheat germ
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup maple syrup
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla

Oatmeal in glass bowl next to small glass bowls of honey brown sugar and spices

Handy Kitchen Tools

two round white ramekins of granola with more granola on table

How to Make Homemade Granola

Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper then set it aside.

In a large bowl, combine the oats, cereal, flaxseed, and salt and stir to combine then set them aside.

Place a small saucepan over medium heat, and add in the brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, and vegetable oil. Stir to combine and heat until completely melted.

Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and use a spoon to stir until incorporated and everything has been lightly coated.

Pour onto the lined baking sheet.

Bake for 10 minutes, then stir and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes.

Remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely. Stir the mixture every 5 minutes while cooling to prevent clumps.

Serve or store in an airtight container.

white ramekins of granola with one spilling onto table

Frequently Asked Questions

What Sweetener Can I Use to Replace Maple Syrup?

Maple syrup has a unique flavor that many people love and it can be difficult to replicate. Sometimes you want something different, don't like the taste of maple syrup, or don't like the current cost of real maple syrup. There are other choices for sweetening the granola. Additional honey or molasses can be used, but agave syrup is another option that adds sweetness but not a lot of additional flavors. Simply use the same volume of whichever sweetener you choose.

How Long is Homemade Granola Good For?

Homemade granola is good for up to 6 weeks in an airtight container. If you want the granola to last longer, you can store it in the refrigerator.
You can also freeze homemade granola if you want to make it in larger batches. Just let it cool completely before storing it in a freezer storage bag that has been labeled. It is good for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Why is My Homemade Granola Not Crunchy?

One of the reasons that homemade granola is not crunchy is because of the way it is stored. You want to make sure it is cooled completely before putting the granola away.

Make sure to store it in an airtight container. Containers like cereal storage containers are a good way to store or a storage bowl with a tight-fitting lid. Then make sure to keep it in a cool dark place.

Another reason that the homemade granola is not crunchy is that it was not done baking. You want to make sure the granola is in a flat layer, not on top of itself while baking. Bake the granola longer but make sure that the granola does not burn.

Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats for Granola?

There seems to be an argument if quick oats and rolled oats can be changed. The problem comes in with the quick oats and why they are different.

Quick oats are already precooked and are thinner than rolled oats. If you want to use quick oats instead of rolled oats, you can, however, you need to watch your cooking time. They will cook sooner than rolled oats.

If you want the best results that you are sure will work and taste amazing, I would stick with the old-fashioned rolled oats. These are tried and true and will give you amazing homemade granola every time.

More Easy Breakfast Recipes

Breakfast is one of my favorite meals, and that is why there are so many great recipes to share with you. Below are a few of my favorite recipes are below for you to make and add to your menu. Make sure you bookmark them, print out the recipes, or pin them to Pinterest to make soon!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 12

Brown Sugar and Maple Granola Recipe

Whip up a batch of this brown sugar maple homemade granola as a perfect breakfast or snack that is delicious!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

5 cups oats
1 ½ cups crisp rice cereal
3 tablespoon ground flax seed
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup maple syrup
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoon vegetable oil
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper then set it aside.
In a large bowl, combine the oats, cereal, flaxseed, and salt and stir to combine then set them aside.
Place a small saucepan over medium heat, and add in the brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, and vegetable oil. Stir to combine and heat until completely melted.
Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and use a spoon to stir until incorporated and everything has been lightly coated.
Pour onto the lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes, then stir and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely. Stir the mixture every 5 minutes while cooling to prevent clumps.
Serve or store in an airtight container.