30-Minute Sweet & Simple Crunchy Granola

Name: 30-Minute Sweet & Simple Crunchy Granola
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup honey, (plus a little extra for love and stickiness); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup avocado oil (or coconut oil); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 cups old fashioned oats (not instant or quick cooking); 3/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut; 3/4 cup almonds, chopped

by Laney Schwartz on Oct 28, 2014 (updated May 6, 2025) 81 comments

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 27 reviews

Get ready to fill your kitchen with the sweet and satisfying aroma of Sweet and Simple Crunchy Granola! In just 30 minutes, you can make your own homemade granola packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, coconut, and almonds. This recipe is so easy to follow and customize you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before!

a spoon with granola, milk and berries in a bowl

So let me tell you a little bit about this Sweet & Simple Crunchy Granola recipe. I ~~stole~~ borrowed this recipe from my friend Kim, and tweaked it to my perfection. It’s quick and easy, and makes you look like a gourmet chef. It’s that good.

Although you can purchase granola from almost any grocery store, as an experienced home cook, I promise it’s easy to make from scratch right at home!

This sweet and simple crunchy granola recipe is perfect for those who want a quick and delicious breakfast option. It’s packed with ingredients like old-fashioned oats, shredded unsweetened coconut, and chopped almonds.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it only takes 30 minutes to make! Simply mix the ingredient together until combined. Spread the granola onto a baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes. The result? A perfectly crunchy granola that’s sure to become a staple in your breakfast routine!

Sprinkle it on top of a Cherry Smoothie Bowl for breakfast, or add it as the topping to a serving of simple Banana Ice Cream for dessert!

Watch how easy it is to make

Why this recipe is awesome

This homemade crunchy granola recipe is incredibly easy to make, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish.
It’s a perfect option for busy mornings when you want a quick breakfast.
It’s made with a combination of old-fashioned oats, shredded unsweetened coconut, and chopped almonds, giving it a deliciously nutty flavor that’s perfectly balanced with the sweetness of honey and brown sugar.
This recipe is also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to your liking. You can add your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to create a granola that’s tailored to your taste.

You Probably Have All the Ingredients

ingredients in bowls such as oats, brown sugar, honey, and shredded coconut

Brown Sugar & Honey – Yeah, use them both. Makes it extra crunchy.
Vanilla Extract – Just a splash to really warm it up.
Cooking Oil – Helps to make the granola crispy and crunchy when baked in the oven.
Salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the granola.
Old Fashioned Oats – Provide the base for the granola.
Unsweetened Coconut – I promise you don’t even taste it.
Chopped Almonds – Use whatever nut you like!

Best salt for baking?

I use the same salt for cooking and baking. Learn more about why Kosher salt is best!

The Home Cook’s Guide to Salt

Learn about the basics of salt, plus the best salt for cooking (hint: it’s Kosher salt!) with this easy-to-understand guide to salt for home cooks.

The best thing about this recipe is that you can make it your way (to an extent). I like my granola sweet, sticky, suuuuuper crunchy, and without any bells and whistles. But please, feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or whatever else tickles your granola fancy.

How to make Crunchy Granola?

Whisk together the brown sugar, honey, vanilla, oil & salt

uncooked granola spread on a sheet pan — Spread on parchment lined baking sheet

cooked granola on a sheet pan — Bake and let cool completely before breaking

Recipe Tips

Use old-fashioned oats, as quick-cooking or instant oats won’t hold up as well and could become mushy. If you don’t have old-fashioned oats, you can use rolled oats instead.
Stir the granola around every 7-10 minutes while it’s baking to ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn’t burn. You can also rotate the baking sheet in the oven halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Once the granola is finished baking, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This will help it to stay crispy and fresh for longer.

Varitations

For a fruity twist, try adding dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots to the granola mix. These add a sweet and tangy flavor and pair well with the nutty flavors of the oats and almonds.
If you’re a fan of chocolate, mix in some cocoa nibs for a decadent and delicious twist.
For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the granola mix. This will give it a kick of heat that pairs well with the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar for savory recipes.
To add some crunch and texture, try mixing in some pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or chia seeds to the granola mix. These will add a slightly nutty flavor and an even more satisfying crunch to each bite.

Storing and Freezing

Storing: To keep the granola fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Make sure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture from getting in, as this can cause the granola to become stale and chewy.

Freezing: If you want to store the granola for longer, you can freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. To freeze, transfer the cooled granola to a freezer-safe container, making sure that it’s tightly sealed. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw the granola at room temperature for a few hours or in the refrigerator overnight. You can also enjoy it straight from the freezer as a cold and crunchy snack.