My favorite go-to granola recipe that is EASY to make and only requires three simple ingredients! The perfect basic recipe you can customize to your taste.
This recipe is incredibly simple and reliable — so simple I almost hesitated to write a whole post about it. Still, many people have asked for my basic granola formula, so here it is. This easy 3-ingredient granola makes a crunchy, lightly sweet topping for smoothie bowls, overnight oats, yogurt, or ice cream. It also stores well in an airtight container, so you can keep a batch in the pantry for quick breakfasts and snacks.
The base of this granola is simply rolled oats, melted coconut oil, and pure maple syrup. I often add a pinch of cinnamon and a drop of vanilla extract to brighten the flavor, but those extras are optional. You can also fold in nuts, seeds, or dried fruit after baking to vary the texture and nutrition. This recipe is forgiving — follow the basic proportions below and adjust to your preference. Stir the granola about halfway through baking to ensure even color and crunch.
Why this basic granola works
Rolled oats create hearty, toasted clusters; coconut oil helps the oats brown and bind together while adding a subtle tropical note; and maple syrup sweetens and caramelizes as the granola bakes. The result is crunchy, lightly sweet granola that’s versatile and easy to personalize. Because the ingredients are pantry staples, you can throw this together in minutes and have fresh granola in under half an hour.
Tips for the best homemade granola
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats will overcook and become crumbly.
- Melt the coconut oil gently — it should be liquid but not hot. Mix thoroughly so the oats are evenly coated.
- For clusters, press the mixture down gently on the baking sheet before baking and avoid stirring too aggressively when you turn it.
- Watch the oven closely toward the end of baking; granola can go from perfectly golden to overly dark quickly.
- Fold in dried fruit, chocolate chips, or fragile seeds after baking to keep them from becoming chewy or burnt.
- To make it gluten-free, confirm your rolled oats are certified gluten-free.
Serving suggestions
Use this granola as a crunchy topping for smoothie bowls and overnight oats, mix it into yogurt with fresh fruit, sprinkle it over baked apples, or enjoy it straight from the jar as a snack. You can also add it to homemade trail mix along with roasted nuts and dried fruit.
Easy 3-Ingredient Granola
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 12 (approx.)
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- Optional: 1/2 tsp cinnamon (or a pinch of pumpkin pie spice in fall)
Optional add-ins (fold in after baking): chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or dried cranberries.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and cinnamon if using. Mix until the oats are evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through so the granola browns evenly. It should turn a light golden brown.
- Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet; it will crisp up as it cools. Once cool, stir in any dried fruit or fragile ingredients and transfer to an airtight container.
- Store at room temperature for up to two weeks, or longer in the refrigerator if you add ingredients that shorten shelf life.
Nutrition
Serving: 1/4 cup | Calories: 147 kcal | Carbohydrates: 22.5 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 6.1 g | Saturated Fat: 4.2 g | Fiber: 2.5 g | Sugar: 5.3 g
Nutrition information is an approximation and will vary depending on the brands and optional add-ins you use.
Variations and substitutions
Want a nuttier granola? Add 1 cup of chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the oats before baking. Prefer a seed-forward mix? Add a half cup combined of pumpkin and sunflower seeds. For a less sweet version, reduce the maple syrup by a tablespoon or two and increase the coconut oil slightly to keep the texture. To make clusters, press the mixture together on the baking sheet and once cooled, break into chunks by hand.
This easy 3-ingredient granola is a versatile staple for quick breakfasts and healthy snacks. Once you make it, try different spices and mix-ins until you find your favorite combination. Enjoy!