Fun fact: I actually inhale granola. Because of my questionably high consumption of these toasted oats, I’ve come to learn a few things about the product.

There are a lot of different types of granola on the market, but which ones are actually good for you? Although the granola that Berkeley Bowl has in its bulk section literally makes me swoon, I’ve come to realize that refined sugars are the second or third thing on the ingredients list — which is no bueno. For those of you who may not know, the order in which items are listed in ingredients indicates how big their presence is in the overall product. So if sugar is listed as the second or third thing on the ingredients list, the product probably contains a lot of it. Because I try to minimize my consumption of refined sugars and processed foods, I decided to start making my own granola.

Sweetened with just a touch of honey, this granola recipe is super tasty and healthy for you! The great thing about making your own granola (or anything on your own) is that you know exactly what goes in it and that you can customize it to your liking. With whole ingredients, no artificial flavors or preservatives and a super delicious taste, this granola recipe gives other granolas a run for their money.

Warning: Your house will smell amazing during this process. You’re welcome. 

Ingredients

3 cups rolled oats

1 cup steel cut oats

1 cup walnuts (or substitute for another nut of your choice)

1 cup raw pumpkin seeds

1/4 cup chia seeds

1/4 cup golden flax seeds

3 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup coconut oil

1/3 cup honey

1/2 cup dried fruit (I used cranberries!)

Optional:

1/2 cup shredded coconut

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside for later. Note: You might need more than one pan for this!

In a large bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients except for the dried fruit. Stir until mixed thoroughly.

In a measuring cup, mix together the coconut oil and honey. Slowly pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir to combine.

Transfer granola mixture onto baking sheets, making sure that it is not too crowded! Spread this mixture evenly to ensure optimal results. Bake for 20 minutes, giving it a quick stir halfway through.

Note: If you’re adding optional ingredients such as shredded coconut, be sure to add the coconut after 20 minutes and bake for an additional five minutes or until the coconut is lightly toasted.

Remove your pans from the oven and allow granola to cool completely. Once cooled, stir in dried fruit or any additional goodies such as chocolate chips. Store granola in an air-tight container.

Throw this yummy granola on top of yogurt, overnight oats or just eat it by the handful as I do! (I wasn’t kidding when I said literally inhaled granola, folks.) No matter how you decide to eat it, give yourself a pat on the back for making something from scratch and for putting healthy ingredients into your body!