This is one of our base recipes. Homemade granola is not only easy, but it’s delicious too! When you make your own, you get to control the ingredients, including the amount of sugar added (store bought granola usually has way too much!). Stovetop granola is a great option for when you don’t want to turn your oven on. Use this easy homemade granola base recipe as a guide, and then change up the ingredients to make it your own!
Must-Know Cooking Skills
For recipe success, learn how to:
Culinary Tips for this Simple Granola Recipe
This recipe calls for brown sugar, oil, and a natural liquid sweetener. Measure the ingredients in that order to make clean-up easier! Measure the brown sugar first; it needs to be measured in a clean spoon, otherwise it will stick to the bottom. Then, by measuring the oil before the liquid sweetener, the liquid sweetener will just slide right out!
Cook the granola until golden, but don’t expect it to be hard when you remove it from the stove. It will harden as it cools.
Add the dried fruit once the granola cools to prevent it from hardening.
If you have kids, let them help you with this recipe! It’s very kid-friendly.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Brown Sugar: substitute cane sugar, although the flavor will be slightly different.
- Canola Oil: substitute avocado oil.
- Liquid Sweetener: use honey, agave, or maple syrup.
- Vanilla: substitute or add ¼ teaspoon almond or coconut extract.
- Spices: use cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, pumpkin spice, apple spice, or a combination.
- Old Fashioned Oats: substitute quick oats. We don’t recommend using steel cut oats, as these have to be cooked. Learn more about the different types of oats here.
- Nuts/Seeds: use any variety. If using toasted nuts or seeds, add them near the end of cooking so they do not burn.
- Dried Fruit: use any variety. If using larger fruits such as dried apricots, figs, or prunes, chop into smaller pieces before adding.
We love buying our spices from The Spice House. Click on the picture below to view & try out hundreds of flavorful spices and herbs!
Base Recipe Variations
Remember that this is a base recipe, so the goal is for you to customize it to your taste! The recipe is very forgiving. Think outside the (granola) box!
Want to make your stovetop granola vegan? Use agave or maple syrup.
Prefer a higher protein granola? Add more nuts in place of oats.
Looking for a granola recipe without nuts? Replace the nuts with more oats.
Need some granola flavor inspiration?
This recipe was adapted from our traditional homemade granola base recipe. Check out our other healthy granola recipe variations!
Equipment Recommendations for Quick Stovetop Granola
You just need a few simple pieces of kitchen equipment for this recipe!
Is this a Healthy Granola Recipe?
Granola can definitely be part of a healthy diet. The star ingredients in this crunchy granola recipe are oats, nuts, and dried fruit.
Oats
Oats are whole grains, making them rich in disease-fighting phytochemicals and antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Any variety of oats provide a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates. Fiber is important for digestion, satiety, stable blood sugar, good cholesterol, and healthy gut bacteria. Complex carbohydrates are important for steady energy and focus. (1, 2)
Nuts
Nuts are a great source of plant-based protein and healthy fat. Almonds and pecans are high in monounsaturated fats which are good for heart health. Walnuts contain healthy omega-3 fats.
Dried Fruit & Less Sugar
Dried fruit contains carbohydrates, vitamins, and antioxidants. The sugar in most dried fruit is naturally occurring and is paired with fiber and other plant compounds, making it a healthier option than refined sugars and sweets. (3) For optimal nutrition, choose unsulphured and unsweetened varieties, such as raisins, dates, or figs.
While this recipe does call for natural sweeteners, the amount used only adds up to 1 teaspoon (4 grams) per 1/4 cup serving of granola.
Healthy Stovetop Granola Serving Suggestions
This simple granola recipe is great for an easy breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even a healthy dessert!
- Top a yogurt parfait made with plain yogurt and fresh fruit
- Garnish a smoothie bowl
- Sprinkle on top of peanut butter coated apples or bananas
- Eat by itself for a tasty, balanced snack!
How to Store Healthy Homemade Granola
Allow granola to cool completely. Homemade granola will keep for at least a month in an airtight container at room temperature.
Want more healthy oat recipes?
Do you love oats as much as we do? Check out our other favorite base recipes made with oats!
Baked Oatmeal Cups Base Recipe
Stovetop Granola Base Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon canola oil
- 1 Tablespoon liquid sweetener (honey, agave, or maple syrup)
- ¼-½ teaspoon flavor extract and/or
- ¼-½ teaspoon spices (cinnamon, pumpkin spice, apple pie spice, etc.)
- Dash salt
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- ½ cup raw nuts, seeds, or coconut
- ¼ cup dried fruit (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add brown sugar, oil, liquid sweetener, flavor extract and/or spices, and salt. Stir with a spatula until melted and mostly combined.
- Add oats and nuts to the pan, stirring to coat with the oil mixture. Stir frequently for 7-10 minutes, or until oats and nuts are toasted and golden brown.
- Remove from heat, and spread in a single layer on a baking sheet or sheet of parchment paper to cool. Granola will crisp as it cools.
- Add optional dried fruit. Once cool, store in an airtight container. Enjoy!
