Granola {Without Oil}

Published January 26, 2019

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Granola made without any oil or butter! This easy granola is likely to become your go-to recipe! It’s made with simple pantry staples, it’s perfectly crisp and crunchy and it has such an irresistible flavor. It’s great for breakfast or an on the-go snack.

Homemade granola served in small glass cups with yogurt and blueberries.

DIY Granola – Without Added Oil or Butter!

I’ve always loved granola and all the different varieties you can have but I prefer not to have all the added calories of the excess oil you usually find with it. After trying this recipe you’ll see the oil isn’t really even needed.

I’ve been using this recipe for 6 years! It used to have dried fruit in it as well (which you can definitely still add) but I just prefer it without.

It’s a breeze to make and it keeps well for weeks (if it will last that long).

Homemade granola in a glass storage jar.

Everyone in my family loves this granola and I love that it doesn’t take much prep work and it’s made with ingredients I always have on hand.

So What Ingredients are in the Granola Mix?

  • Rolled oats
  • Sliced almonds
  • Light brown sugar
  • Honey
  • Cinnamon
  • Salt
  • Vanilla
  • Baking soda

Ingredients needed to make granola.

What’s with the Baking Soda?

I’ve made caramel popcorn this way so I adapted that same idea here, it just foams up the mixture and makes it easier for coating.

Mixing brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, salt and water in a saucepan to make granola coating.

How do You Make Granola?

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, toss together oats and sliced almonds, set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, water, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Bring mixture to a light boil stirring frequently, allow to boil for 1 minute whisking constantly.

Simmering honey mixture in saucepan for granola.

  • Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and baking soda and whisk until mixture is foamy.
  • Carefully pour hot sugar mixture over oat mixture and toss to evenly coat.

Pouring honey coating over oats in mixing bowl to make granola.

  • Spread mixture into an even layer on a silicone baking mat or parchment paper lined 18 by 13-inch rimmed baking sheet.
  • Bake in preheated oven, about 36 – 40 minutes until lightly golden brown, removing from oven and tossing twice during baking.
  • Remove from oven allow to cool completely then break into clusters (note that granola wont be crisp until cooled).

Spreading granola mixture on parchment paper lined baking sheet to bake.

Can I Make it Without Sugar?

This recipe won’t work without the sugar. It makes the granola crunchy and clumpy. Honey alone would burn so stick with the blend.

Can I Use Quick Oats Here?

No. Don’t attempt with quick oats, the texture won’t be the same at all.

Granola on baking sheet after baking.

What to Serve with Granola?

Granola makes an excellent on-the go snack, keep some stashed away at your desk for those midday munchies. Other ways I love to serve it:

  • Serve over greek yogurt (blueberry, strawberry, peach etc) with fresh berries.
  • It’s delicious on grilled fruit (peaches, pineapple, bananas) with yogurt or mascarpone and honey.
  • Serve over ice cream.
  • Add to a smoothie bowl. Acai bowls are my favorite!
  • Eat it like cereal, with milk or non-dairy milk.
  • Spread peanut butter or almond butter (mixed with a little honey if you want a treat) over apple slices or bananas roll in granola.

Granola shown in a scoop.

Homemade Granola is So Much Cheaper!

Not only is homemade granola the best but it’s a much cheaper alternative to store-bought! I see these little bags of granola for $6 and I’m thinking no thanks, I can make a big batch at home for less.

Granola served over yogurt with blueberry sauce in a serving bowl.

Can I Add Other Mix-In’s?

  • You can also add dried fruit to the granola but add after baking.
  • If you are looking to add in a little nutrition you could add in some ground flax seed (cut back on the oats some so you’ll have enough honey coating).
  • Shredded coconut could be added as well but I’d wait until closer to the end to add so it doesn’t burn.
  • Swap the almonds for another type of nut.
  • Try it with other spices of flavorings (nutmeg, ginger, cloves, cardamom, or almond extract).

Five servings of granola, yogurt and berries in glass jars.

How Should I Store Granola?

This granola can be stored at room temp, in the fridge or even frozen in an airtight container so it doesn’t get stale. I usually keep it in an airtight jar or resealable bag.

How Long will Granola Keep?

This granola should keep for 1 month in a sealed container at room temperature (maybe not as long in higher humidity). You can even freeze it for longer shelf life (several months).

Close up image of granola with yogurt, berries and blueberry sauce.

Tips When Making This Granola:

  • Don’t adjust the sweetener or it won’t come out as crunchy.
  • Don’t use quick oats. Only the rolled old fashioned will work here since quick oats have been pre-cooked and are finer.
  • Keep in mind it wont crisp up until cool. You should be able to get big clusters here.
  • Keep an eye on it near the end so it doesn’t burn.

More on the Go Breakfast Recipes to Try!

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Granola
5 from 19 votes

Granola {Without Oil}

Granola made without any oil or butter! This easy granola is likely to become your go-to recipe! It's made with simple pantry staples, it's perfectly crisp and crunchy and it has such an irresistible flavor. It's great for breakfast or an on the-go snack. Makes about 5 cups, 1/3 cup servings.
Servings: 15
Prep10 minutes
Cook35 minutes
Ready in: 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 cups (368g) rolled old fashioned oats (don't use quick oats)
  • 1 cup (150g) sliced or slivered almonds
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light-brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
  • 2 Tbsp (30ml) water
  • 1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, toss together oats and sliced almonds, set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, water, cinnamon, and salt. Bring mixture to a boil stirring frequently. Once mixture reaches a boil, allow to boil for 1 minute whisking constantly. 
  • Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and baking soda and whisk until mixture is foamy. Carefully pour hot sugar mixture over oat mixture and toss to evenly coat. 
  • Spread mixture into an even layer on a silicone baking mat or parchment paper lined 18 by 13-inch rimmed baking sheet. 
  • Bake in preheated oven, about 36 - 40 minutes until lightly golden brown, removing from oven and tossing twice during baking*. 
  • Remove from oven allow to cool completely then break into clusters (note that granola wont be crisp until cooled). Store in an airtight container.

Notes

  • *When tossing, I toss the oat mixture near the edges into the center and spread the mixture in the center out to the edges for more even cooking.
  • 1 cup dried fruit such as dried blueberries, cranberries or raisins can also be added to the granola. Toss the in just after removing granola from oven.
Nutrition Facts
Granola {Without Oil}
Amount Per Serving
Calories 193 Calories from Fat 54
% Daily Value*
Fat 6g9%
Sodium 63mg3%
Potassium 168mg5%
Carbohydrates 28g9%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 11g12%
Protein 5g10%
Calcium 47mg5%
Iron 1.5mg8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.
Photos updated Jan. 2019, recipe also updated to include dried fruit in notes as optional.

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143 Comments

  • Nechoma

    I’ve made this more than once and everyone who tasted it just loved it and many took the recipe. Thanks

  • Michelle B

    Perfect recipe for those of us who avoid all oils and butters. It is often difficult to get the crunchiness without added fat, but this recipe accomplishes that. Thank you!

    I used to make the “caramel” sauce for caramel popcorn with the baking soda as well, (using butter and brown sugar.) I suspect that this recipe might work for caramel corn too!

  • Ashley

    Great recipe and super easy! Love that there is no butter / oil to cut down on saturated fat. My kids loved the granola :)

  • Ruth

    Hi…this is a great recipe…thanks for the recipe. You can add dried fruit after it is baked and cooled…like raisens, cranberries or coconut or even mini choc chips. Enjoy! You can also add some seeds…sunflower or pumpkin…I love this with yogurt…I take a half cup of yogurt…stir in some vanilla protien powder to increase the protein for breakfast…and then top with granola…great breakfast or you can use milk instead of granola and a few slices of bananas or fruit.

  • Judith Everett

    I have not used this recipe but have made granola many times. I am interested in trying this as my husband has bee diagnosed with diabetes type 2.
    My question is being that I have never used parchment paper….where do I find this? Is it with paper goods in a grocery store? Thanks for any help.

    • Jaclyn

      Jaclyn Bell

      The parchment paper should be near the aluminum foil at the grocery store. Enjoy!