Easy Homemade Granola with Dried Fruit (Healthy, Oven-Baked)

How to Bake Healthy, Oven-Baked Granola

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Get out a big roasting pan—or two 8 x 10 pans (or 9 x 10).
2. Spread oats in the roasting pan and bake for 10 minutes at 350°F.
3. In one large bowl, mix baked oats and dry ingredients (excluding fruit).
4. In a separate, smaller bowl, combine wet ingredients.
5. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients so they’re all in one large bowl.
6. Then spread evenly across the roasting pan.
7. Bake 20 minutes at 325°F. Stir halfway through (after 10 minutes) for even baking.
8. Remove from oven and gently drop in dried fruit. Stir very, very lightly.
9. Let the granola cool completely, then break into chunky clusters with a spatula.
10. Store in fridge.

Tips for Adding Dried Fruit (1–1½ cups)

• Add the fruit after baking while the granola is still warm for soft, evenly distributed fruit.
• Use 1 cup for a classic balance or 1½ cups for a fruit-forward, festive flavor.
• Chop larger fruit pieces so every bite has a little sweetness.

Chunky Granola Tips and Make-Ahead Storage

• You can customize this recipe. Nuts or no nuts. More or less fruit. I always add a touch more wet ingredients to keep the granola in satisfying clusters, not too crumby.
• Store cooled granola in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
• Make in large batches for easy breakfasts, holiday mornings, or to fill gift jars.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

Your homemade granola is delicious on its own, but it really shines when paired with yogurt, fruit, or smoothies:

• Yogurt Parfaits: Layer your granola with yogurt and fruit for a festive breakfast or snack. Try our Cranberry Parfait
  for a holiday twist, or go full homemade with Easy Homemade Yogurt as the base.
• Fruity Yogurt Combos: Sprinkle granola over a Fruited Yogurt Parfait or Yogurt & Blueberry Parfaits with Maple Walnut Granola for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
• Smoothie Toppings: Top smoothies with granola or pair alongside a Spiced Sweet Potato Smoothie (very seasonal!) or Fruit & Flaxseed Smoothie for a healthy breakfast.

These ideas make it easy to enjoy your granola in different ways—perfect for weekday mornings, holiday breakfasts, or gifting to friends and family.

Gift Jar Ideas for Homemade Granola

Homemade granola makes a thoughtful gift for neighbors, teachers, or service workers. Something different than the usual candy or sweets!

• Spoon granola into a clean, attractive jar. You can save sauce or salsa jars, buy mason jars online, or find classic mason jars at thrift shops.
• Add a ribbon, gift tag, and/or small ornament for a personal touch.
• For more creative ideas, check out our Gift Jar Ideas.