Honey Almond Granola
A simple recipe for granola made with honey, almonds, coconut oil and spices. This granola is great for breakfast or a snack.
Updated by Kathryne Taylor on April 6, 2025
I’ve been sharing recipes for three years now, and I only have two granola recipes to show for it. I resisted making my own granola for a long time because I’m powerless in the face of ready-made snacks like chips and granola. They call my name from the cabinet and insist I eat a handful whenever I see the bag. That is why there are only two granola recipes on this blog so far.
I’ve found that if I make my own granola, though, I want it to last for a while. I also keep the bag in the freezer, which seems to dampen the granola’s power over me. Granola makes plain yogurt much more interesting, especially when topped off with fresh fruit.
This granola recipe is a simple one: honey-sweetened oats with a hint of spice and warm coconut flavor. I adapted it from my gingerbread granola. It’s a good base recipe to play around with—I’ve added substitution suggestions in the recipe below. The granola browns more quickly when I make it with honey rather than maple syrup, which is typical of honey-sweetened baked treats, so keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking.
Watch How to Make Honey Almond Granola
Honey Almond Granola
A simple recipe for granola made with honey, almonds, coconut oil and spices. This granola is great for breakfast or a snack. Recipe yields 8 to 9 cups of granola.
Ingredients
- 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free granola)
- 1 ½ cups raw slivered almonds (or other nuts*)
- 1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt (if you’re using standard table salt, scale back to ¾ teaspoon)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
- ½ cup + 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup chopped dried apricots (preferably the Blenheim variety)
- ¼ cup chopped dried cherries, cranberries, raisins or currants
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a half-sheet pan with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts, salt, cinnamon and ground ginger. Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Stir in the oil, honey and vanilla. Turn the granola out onto your prepared pan and use a large spoon to spread it in an even layer. Bake for 22 to 26 minutes, stirring halfway. The granola should be turning lightly golden (keep an eye on it as honey tends to brown). The granola will crisp up as it cools.
- Let the granola cool before stirring in the chopped fruit. Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks, or keep it in the freezer for longer shelf life.
Notes
Recipe adapted from my gingerbread granola.
*Preparation tips: If you are using large, whole nuts (pecans, walnuts, etc.) follow instructions as directed. If you are using small nuts or seeds (sunflower seeds, pepitas, etc.), wait to stir them into the granola until you remove it from the oven halfway through cooking.
Make it vegan: Instead of honey, use maple syrup as your sweetener.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
Hahah. I started wearing natural deodorant a year ago, but I agree with you…it’s generally speaking, pretty useful (which is why I am slowly inching back to Dove). This granola sounds perfect, Kathryne! xx
Try Schmidt’s! It’s the only natural deoderant that has ever worked for me. There are a few other new brands out with the same types of formulas that I’m tempted to try sometimes… but I definitely love Schmidt’s fragrance free and lavendar-sage versions.
Also, this is my favorite granola recipe! It’s SOOOO good and so adaptable.
Why have I never added spices to my granola? I am clearly missing a trick here. Gorgeous pictures by the way x
Ha, totally with you re deodorant. If it stops me sweating, I don’t care what’s in it! I can always do with more granola recipes and this looks simply perfect : )
Ha! Natural deodorant is so useless :)
I rarely make granola for the same reason (although ours usually gets fully consumed on the same day). I’ll have to try your freezer tip next time, I never thought of that.
Beautiful recipe and photos! Thanks for sharing this.
I’ve been contemplating Chaco’s for some time now, worth it?? p.s. I’ll just eat alll of this!!
Yes, worth it! It took me a few days to figure out how to make them fit right (the trick is not to tighten the straps too much). Maybe I should have gotten the single strap kind instead of the double strap. Regardless, they are great.
I love dried apricots in granola! My blog has yet to have one granola recipe, but not for long! I’ve got one coming up next week :)
I’m pretty sure I have 8 natural deodorants scattered throughout my apartment because I can’t find one that actually works, try as they might. I try to rationalize it by having the ability to re-apply every time I pass one around the house, totally not rational. I am though, a big fan of homemade granola. I’m especially a fan of dried apricots this year! Looks so great!
YES!!! And it’s so darn expensive. I think I tried 4 different kinds and finally gave up and went back to Dove. I don’t know if I’m just stinky or if it’s crap.
I didn’t think I was stinky until I tried natural deodorant! I give up.
Haha! That’s hilarious. I’m about to chuck the last tube of natural deodorant I bought, it’s worthless. I am pretty obsessed with TJ’s dried apricots. They are sour and delicious!
Aww, I like my natural deoderant… but I don’t sweat a bunch to begin with, so maybe I have it easier than most.
I’ll definitely be trying this one out since we have a ton of honey and almonds in the house, and I want to make up some batches of breakfast cereal to cart off to my dorm next month.
It’s funny how seemingly “simple” recipes somehow take a long time to get around to. I’m also quite helpless with granola. I made my own for the first time a few months ago and I also had to do the freezer trick. Otherwise, I’d end up having yogurt and granola for every meal. Interesting to add apricots, I bet those pair quite nicely with the cinnamon.
I’m not kidding, I ate granola and yogurt for a week straight a few months back. The freezer trick is a good one!
Yum!!! I love granola, and homemade is always the best! Love the spices you used.
xx gee @ andgeesaid.blogspot.com.au
Hehe this made me laugh because I too, am 3 years deep into blogging and have exactly 1 granola recipe posted on my blog! Like you, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with granola, and actually really enjoy the stuff as long as it’s not pumped up with loads of sugar and silly ingredients that don’t really need to be there. It’s also kinda pricey in stores, so my favourite is the homemade kind! Yours sounds like it’s got just the right amount of sweetness… and the photos are gorgeous!
I love your gorgeous granola photos! It sounds so tasty, too. Oh, I’m in the throes of natural deodorant frustration. It’s finally working for me, but it is a long adjustment period. I definitely understand why people jump ship.
I love granola and I’ve wanted to make my own for quite a while – you may have just given me the push I needed :).
That’s a great idea to store it in the freezer! I have a similar snacking problem, so this is a great idea :) This recipe sounds so lovely, I love the addition of dried fruit. The photos are beautiful as well.
Loooove simple granola’s like this! Looks awesome!
The recipe looks great–I’m always up for a new granola recipe–especially in the summer because it’s so good with yogurt and fresh fruit. And speaking of natural deod0rant–have you tried Aloe and Almonds roll-on? I live in hot south TX, and it keeps me dry and inoffensive smell-wise. NAAY. and it’s fairly reasonable in price
I know what you mean about using the term “granola” to describe yourself! I eat organic as much as possible and own/operate a green graphic design business. But calling myself granola feels odd still!
And ditto on the natural deodorant (I think it’s more of an oderant than anything else). Great recipe–I’ll be making it soon!
I love granola, and this looks absolutely delicious. I like the idea of using coconut oil very much.
This looks great and made me laugh. I swear all natural deodorants make me smell worse. BUT, my husband and I SWEAR by baking soda. Just plain baking soda, applied with an old make-up brush, on slightly damp under arms. I promise it will NEVER let you down:) Can’t wait to try this recipe.
Well if it makes you feel any better, I have ZERO granola recipes on the blog. Literally. None. I’ve got to get my act together!
Mmm! Such and awesome flavor. I love making homemade granola!
Haha I never thought of granola as being a certain kind of person… I think things like chia pudding and overnight oats are more defining of hippie tendencies (I eat both…). This granola looks gorgeous – sometimes the best recipes are simple for a reason and all the more delicious for it.
Granola is so versatile – I love that you are pretty much guaranteed to make a slightly different batch everytime. Gorgeous photos in this post too!
Hooray for balance – a little granola and a little bacon – I support all of the above.
Haha, I didn’t know you use granola in English to describe this certain kind of people! It reminded me of the German equivalent “Muesli”, which, as I believe, unfortunatly (or luckily?!) hardly anyone has been using since the 80’s :). Anyway, I’m going to prepare this granola out of organic anf fair-traded products for my nature-orientated holiday in scandinavia…
It’s ok to be a little granola. It’s good for you right? I love granola. I don’t make it that often because I go through it so quickly. I think I need to change that. PS I am totally digging your sandals. They look so comfortable!
I love homemade granola – I know exactly what goes in it – nothing fake or artificial. Good tip on the honey – didn’t know it’d brown faster. And as I tend to forget about things in the oven, this will be extremely helpful!
I love homemade granola, this sounds soo good! Honey is one of my favorites!
I for one am thrilled you aren’t a traditional granola, because I too appreciate good deodorant. And while I do drive a hybrid, I’ll eat your granola any day. Purdy.
I made some this morning and by lunch had declared it to my husband as “the best granola ever”. Thanks for a great recipe!
Can’t beat a good homemade honey almond granola!! Yum!
I can not wait to make this! My sister is a big fan of the cereal crunchy nut, this reminds me of the flavours exactly but healthy!
They are great flavours. I hate the tags that come with Granola and other yuppie trends; my car is Jeep but I still travel to farmer market for organic. Yep I am mix up.
Yes, natural deodorant just doesn’t work. I’m finally giving up on that one. And I have the same problem with homemade granola that you do. It’s so delicious I cannot resist. I can scarf down an entire batch in a couple of days. No will power in the face of the stuff.
Beautiful pix and recipe as always, my friend.
Hope you are having a great summer!
xoxo
E
Yummo! How great is granola for breakfast! (or lunch or dinner really!) I really love the idea of ginger in your granola for extra warming.
I brought this into my office today and it won uniform reviews that it was amazing! I had to keep giving myself a little bit since I kept going back for more and I didn’t want to be that girl who eats everything she brings.
Thanks for commenting, Alicia! I’m so glad to hear that you and your officemates enjoyed the granola. I’ve been eating it every morning for breakfast!
Just made a batch of this granola up today. It is so good! My husband proceeded to slice a banana and top it with this granola. A must keep recipe.
Thank you for commenting, Jackie! I’m glad to hear that you both enjoyed the granola. I ran out of my last batch and my morning yogurt just hasn’t been the same without it. Time to make more!
I made your granola recipe this morning and I must say it’s addictive….but it a good way! :) I have failed making granola numerous times and gave up until I stumbled upon your site. Thank you for making it so easy and healthy! I have decided to give this as teacher gifts for the holidays. You rock, Kate!
Tosha, I’m delighted that you love the granola! Hope the teachers love the granola!
This was delicious!! I added 1/4 c or so of unsweetened coconut flakes. I didn’t have the fruit, but it was still great. I think next time, I’ll use cherries, coconut flakes, and maybe dark chocolate chips. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Adrienne! So glad you enjoyed the granola!
I’ve been making this granola weekly for a few weeks now. It’s so simple and delicious. Love it, thank you!
That’s awesome! Thanks, Stacy!
Hey,
I want to try this granola recipe out definitely, but there’s one thing worryin me. If I add olive oil (cause I don’t have coconut one) and it obviously has a really strong taste, will it not be tastable (think I just made up a word haha) in the granola? Can I really no problem use 1/2cup olive oil and it won’t ruin their honey-almondy-driedfruity taste?
xx
Hey Annie, I think the granola will have a light olive oil flavor, but it shouldn’t be too overpowering! Coconut oil also imparts a light coconut flavor. I think you’ll like the granola either way.
I just made this recipe today… it turned out so well! I used a mix of olive and vegetable oil and doubled the cinnamon. Will definitely be making this again! Thanks!
Happy to hear it! It’s about time I made another batch. :)
I’ve used the Thai Mineral deoderant stick for years and I love it.Can’t wait to make your granola! Love granola, esp. homemade!
Awesome! I haven’t heard of that one before. Added it to my Amazon wishlist. Thanks, Bonnie!
I recently moved to Costa Rica where maple syrup is a hot commodity and honey is everywhere. I’ve been searching for an good honey-based granola and finally found it! Simple and delicious (and yes, totally addicting!) Had to change the fruit to something that’s available here, but if I get the chance I will try with apricots and cherry. Thanks for my new go-to granola!
Perfect! Glad you found this one, Maggie.
Made this today with dried blueberries! Absolutely fab :)
Thanks, Emma! I bet your blueberry version is fantastic.
This looks delicious, and simple to make! I suffer the same fate with pre-made snacks (and dried fruit!) I’m glad I’m not the only one! I’m not sure if the freezer would stop me from devouring the granola…but it’s worth a shot!
Just wanted to thank you for this wonderful recipe! It’s become our family’s only granola recipe. I make a quadruple batch every two weeks to feed our family of seven. We eat it for breakfast on top of plain yogurt. I’ll be making extra and freezing it as we anticipate baby #6. (We also LOVE your banana bread and pumpkin bread!)
That’s so great! Thank you, Anna! Congratulations on baby #6. :)
Followed your directions how long to cook and when to stir and my granola burnt. Had oven at 350 as stated. Bummer expensive ingredient. I’ll have to subdue that happening eating anyways. Since money don’t grow on tree’s
Was just wondering how long this might keep in the freezer?
So upset, my granola burned I did the 22 min stirred at 11 min and put back in & I got burnt granola
I’m sorry to hear that, Kay! Did you bake it on a dark pan? Dark pans bake their contents more quickly. That, or does your oven run hot?
I made the granola, added salted roasted almonds, that I chopped up coarsely, for that sweet, salty flavor, and a dash more cinnamon. Turned out wonderfully and the house smelled so, so, good. Chaco’s so worth the price, on a second pair, same style, great walking shoe!!