Granola Recipe (Crisp and Clustery. No Oil or Butter!) - Cooking Classy (2024)

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.

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).

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

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.

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.

• 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).

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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!

• Overnight Oats
• Amish Baked Oatmeal
• Energy Cookies
• Microwave Chewy Peanut Butter Granola Bars
• Strawberry Spinach Green Smoothie
• Breakfast Shake

Photos updated Jan. 2019, recipe also updated to include dried fruit in notes as optional.