AUDREYTHENA:
FOOD GODDESS

The Best Crunchy and Chunky Granola

Crunchy-and-chunky-granola-in-baking-dish
Home » Recipes » The Best Crunchy and Chunky Granola

My Crunchy and Chunky Granola is one of my favorite healthy snacks and breakfast items. What I like about granola is that it’s super easy to make, you can put anything you want in it, and it can be a healthy treat to satisfy a sweet tooth. Personally, my favorite ingredients to put in granola is almonds, pecans, dried cranberries and a variety of seeds. It bakes nicely, and you get a good combination of crunchy and chewy.

I first started making this in Sophomore year of college, because that was a time I was exploring cooking more and wanted to make a healthy breakfast item that I could just grab and go in the mornings. I didn’t want to buy granola at the store (and still don’t), because it’s pretty difficult to find a healthy granola for a reasonable price. Granola sold in stores can be inexpensive, but they have lots of added sugar, bad oils, and preservatives.

The granola at the store that is actually healthy, costs almost $10 a bag. I wanted to make a granola that was delicious, had a good balance between chewy and crunchy, and a granola that didn’t have one unhealthy ingredient in it. I wanted to feel good after I ate it! Although granola is a naturally calorie dense food, the cook can have a lot of control over the quality of the ingredients and its nutrient content. This is why you’ll see below my granola will have many nutrient-dense foods-like nuts and seeds.

Granola overall can be a super flexible food. You can put whatever you want in it, and it will 9/10 turn out great. It’s really just a simple combination of grains, a sweetener, a fat, nuts, dried fruit and sometimes seeds. 

Other Granola Recipes to Try

Best Crunchy and Chunky Granola in a baking dish with a tablespoon of cinnamon

Alright, let’s dive into my healthy Crunchy and Chunky Granola.

Best Crunchy and Chunky Granola in a baking dish with a tablespoon of cinnamon

The Best Crunchy and Chunky Granola

Audrey Sommer
If you are looking for healthy breakfast and snack options, then my Best Crunchy and Chunky Granola is for you! Made with dried cranberries, almonds, pecans, and more, it will keep you full for the first half of the day.
5 from 2 votes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 466 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • cup pure maple syrup
  • ½ cup coconut oil melted
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • ½ cup almonds roughly chopped
  • cup pecans roughly chopped
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup pumpkin seeds
  • 2 tbs. sesame seeds
  • 2 tbs. chia seeds
  • 2 tbs. ground flaxseeds
  • pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and then spread out the oats on the lined baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 10-15 minutes, until fragrant.
  • Meanwhile, combine all the dry ingredients into a large bowl: almonds, pecans, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, chia seeds, and ground flaxseed.
  • Combine all the wet ingredients into a smaller bowl: maple syrup, melted coconut oil, salt, vanilla, including the cinnamon.
  • Then take the roasted oats out of the oven and dump them into the large bowl of dry ingredients. Mix well.
  • Then dump the wet ingredients into the large bowl of dry ingredients. Mix well.
  • Using the same lined baking pan, dump the granola mixture onto the pan and evenly spread it out. You don’t want an uneven layer of granola, because that can cause the edges to burn while the middle remains uncooked.
  • Then bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it’s done, let it cool on the pan for 20-30 minutes so that the coconut oil and syrup mixture can harden.
  • Crumble up and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts
The Best Crunchy and Chunky Granola
Serving Size
 
8
Amount per Serving
Calories
466
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
28
g
43
%
Saturated Fat
 
13
g
81
%
Trans Fat
 
0.01
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
5
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
7
g
Sodium
 
6
mg
0
%
Potassium
 
328
mg
9
%
Carbohydrates
 
51
g
17
%
Fiber
 
7
g
29
%
Sugar
 
23
g
26
%
Protein
 
9
g
18
%
Vitamin A
 
7
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
0.2
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
124
mg
12
%
Iron
 
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Calories
466
Serving Size
 
8
Nutrition Facts

These values were taken from a nutrition calculator.

Keyword Best Crunchy and Chunky Granola, Classic Granola, Granola, granola with nuts and seeds, meal prep, Traditional Granola
Tried this recipe and liked it?Leave a comment and 5-star rating on how it was!
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter

If you liked this Chunky and Crunchy granola, and are looking for other breakfast options, then check out my Energizer Berry Smoothie. It’s packed with fresh fruits and vegetables that will give you a boost of energy in the morning. If you are still looking for breakfast inspiration, then check out these 25 vegan breakfast ideas by my friend Freya at Sweeter Than Oats.

Audrey Sommer
Audrey Sommer

“We don’t live to eat, but eat to nourish our body and mind.”

Related Posts
pesto without pine nuts in a small bowl surrounded by herbs and walnuts

Pesto without Pine Nuts (Quick & Easy)

Pesto without pine nuts is a great pesto alternative for when you don’t have pine nuts on hand, don’t want to buy expensive nuts, or you’re just trying to use what’s left in your kitchen. Full of fresh and peppery flavor, this pesto is perfect paired with pastas, soups, salads, and bakes.

Read More »
Broccoli Rabe Substitutions raw broccoli rabe header image

Broccoli Rabe Substitutions

Learn the 15 broccoli rabe substitutions you can use in the kitchen when you’re in a pinch. Learn the best substitute for pasta dishes, salads, stir fries, and more.

Read More »
air fryer Italian sausage in air fryer basket

Air Fryer Italian Sausage

Air fryer Italian sausage is so quick and easy to make. Cook extra crispy sausage links in half the time using the air fryer method. Have your Italian sausage ready in 10 minutes or less, and serve with your favorite dishes and sides.

Read More »
colored milk in glasses best milk for smoothies

Best Milk for Smoothies

The best milk for smoothies depends on your diet preferences and the type of smoothie you’re making. Learn what the best milk is for fruit smoothies, green smoothies, protein smoothies, creamy smoothies, vegan smoothies, keto smoothies, and many more.

Read More »
Peanut-paradise-tropical-smoothie-with-peanuts

Peanut Paradise Tropical Smoothie

Enjoy this Peanut Paradise Tropical Smoothie as a quick snack, pre or post-workout snack, or with breakfast. Made with peanut butter, milk, frozen bananas, non-fat Greek yogurt, and protein powder, it’s a quick and healthy snack or meal option.

Read More »

9 Responses

  1. Yes, please! I love granolas; I usually eat them as snacks or after workouts. I love the idea of adding pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds to the granola; I’ve never had those combinations before. I’m excited. Thank you so much for the tips!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Free Newsletter Sign Up!

“Join the Audreythena Food Goddess Newsletter to receive free healthy recipes, original interviews with other food bloggers, and information on how to live sustainably and healthy food for weight loss.”

Recent Posts

Subscribe!

Subscribe to our newsletter for free healthy recipes, original interviews with food bloggers, and information on how to live sustainably.

energizer berry smoothie in a glass

Join Our Free Newsletter!

Join our free newsletter and get free, healthy recipes, cooking tutorials, and tips on healthy living.