The other day I was looking for granola at the store and was so frustrated by the ridiculous amount of added sugar and processed fillers. And that is when this recipe was born, I had to figure out how to make crunch granola at home!

And this recipe is just that AND it will fill your kitchen with the warm smell of cinnamon and give you a crunchy, slightly sweet snack that’s perfect for breakfast bowls or straight from the jar. This version is super simple, flexible, and comes together with pantry staples!

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 ½ cups mixed nuts and seeds (your choice- I like cashews, almonds, pumpkin seeds!)
• ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (and any other seasonings of your liking)
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ cup 100% Canadian maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons of your local raw honey
• 3 tablespoons nut butter (I love almond butter!)
• Optional: chopped dark chocolate

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, honey, and nut butter until smooth.
3. Add the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts/seeds, coconut flakes, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
4. Spread & pack: Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing it down firmly with a spatula to help it form clusters as it bakes.
5. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden and fragrant. Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.
6. Cool completely: Let the granola sit undisturbed on the pan until it cools fully—this step is key for crunchy clusters!
7. Optional mix-in: Once cooled, sprinkle in chopped dark chocolate.
8. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

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Serving Ideas

• Sprinkle over yogurt with fresh fruit.
• Add a crunchy topping to smoothie bowls.
• Pour into a bowl with your favorite milk for a quick breakfast.
• Pack in little jars for on-the-go snacks or homemade gifts.

Make It Into Granola Bars!

To turn this recipe into bars, simply add an extra ¼ cup of wet ingredient of your choice (maple syrup, honey, or nut butter) to help the mixture stick together. After baking:

1. Let it cool completely.
2. Cut into your desired bar shapes.
3. Drizzle with melted dark chocolate.
4. Store in the fridge for the perfect grab-and-go snack!

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Let me know if you try this recipe for yourself or if you put your own spin on it!

with love,

Cosette