My dad has a twin lovingly known as Nannie Jan by my boys. She has always been a beacon of hospitality and her home feels like a hug when you walk through the door. For each of her nieces, upon their own engagements, she would host a bridal brunch. The bridesmaids and cousins and aunts and grandmas, all in attendance for an intimate gathering all with the intention of blessing the bride as she stepped into her role as a wife. It was blessed with honor and camaraderie and prayers and blessings and, of course, good food. Two staples I will always remember (in the food line up): sausage and wild rice casserole (destined for it’s own blog) AND homemade granola. 

Not long into my marriage, Nanny Jan gifted me with a cookbook of her own tried and true recipes, and in it: this granola recipe. It’s a favorite in our household and I can guarantee it out ranks any store-bought granola by 1000%!

Why You Will Love This Recipe:

• Naturally gluten-free – Made with certified gluten-free oats so you can enjoy a safe and delicious breakfast or snack.
• Perfectly crunchy – Baking low and slow creates beautifully toasted oats and nuts with the perfect crisp texture.
• Simple pantry ingredients – This recipe uses wholesome, easy-to-find ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen or can find easily at grocery stores.
• Customizable – Swap the nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to create endless flavor combinations.
• Healthier than store-bought – Made with natural sweeteners and healthy fats, without preservatives or unnecessary additives, making this a delicious healthy granola recipe.
• Easy Recipe Great for meal prep – Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week for quick breakfasts or snacks.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups old-fashioned gluten-free oats– Use certified gluten-free rolled oats to ensure they are processed in a gluten-free facility. Old-fashioned oats provide the best texture for granola, creating those hearty clusters and a satisfying crunch.
• ¾ cup pecans – Roughly chop the pecans for even distribution throughout the granola. Pecans add a rich, buttery flavor and become perfectly toasted as the granola bakes.
• ¾ cup sunflower seeds – These add a nutty flavor and extra crunch while also boosting the granola with protein and healthy fats. They are also a great nut-free option for those with allergies.
• ½ cup coconut sugar – Coconut sugar adds a warm caramel-like sweetness and helps the granola develop a beautiful golden color while baking. You could also brown sugar. 
• ½ teaspoon salt – A small amount of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors of the oats, nuts, and honey.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds a warm, cozy spice that pairs perfectly with the honey and toasted oats.
• ¼ cup avocado oil – A neutral-flavored oil that helps the granola crisp up while baking. It also coats the oats evenly so they toast rather than dry out. You could also use melted coconut oil.
• ¼ cup honey – Provides natural sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together to create delicious granola clusters. Maple syrup can also be used as a substitute if desired.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth of flavor that complements the honey and cinnamon.
• ¾ cup dried cranberries or raisins – Stir in after baking for bursts of natural sweetness and chewy texture.
• ¾ cup shredded coconut – Unsweetened shredded coconut adds texture and a subtle tropical flavor while toasting beautifully in the oven.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven.
Preheat your oven to 300°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to help prevent the granola from sticking while it bakes.

2. Mix the dry ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free oats, pecans, sunflower seeds, coconut sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well until everything is evenly distributed so the flavor and sweetness are balanced throughout the granola.

3. Warm the wet ingredients.
In a small saucepan over low heat, add the avocado oil and honey. Warm gently while stirring until the honey becomes thin and easy to mix with the oil. Avoid overheating—this step should only take 1–2 minutes. The goal is simply to help the honey mix smoothly without losing its natural flavor and benefits.

4. Add the vanilla.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined.

5. Combine everything.
Pour the warm honey mixture over the oat mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir thoroughly until all of the oats and nuts are evenly coated. Take a moment to scrape the bottom of the bowl to ensure the liquid is fully incorporated.

6. Spread the granola.
Transfer the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out into an even layer so it bakes evenly. For larger clusters, gently press the granola down with the back of your spatula before baking.

7. Bake the granola.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Stirring helps the granola toast evenly and prevents the edges from burning. The granola is done when it becomes lightly golden and fragrant.

8. Cool completely.
Remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. This step is important because the granola will crisp up as it cools.

9. Add the mix-ins.
Once the granola has cooled, stir in the dried cranberries (or raisins) and shredded coconut until evenly distributed.

10. Store.
Transfer the granola to an airtight container, glass jar or freezer bag and store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. It also freezes well for longer storage.

Fun Granola Variations:

1. Chocolate Chip Almond Granola

For a slightly indulgent version that still feels wholesome.

Adjustments:

• Replace the pecans with ¾ cup chopped almonds
• Omit the dried cranberries or raisins
• After the granola has completely cooled, stir in ½–¾ cup gluten-free chocolate chips

Optional add-in:
Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a deeper chocolate flavor.

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2. Maple Pecan Granola

A cozy, warm-flavored granola that pairs perfectly with fall breakfasts.

Adjustments:

• Replace the honey with ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• Add ½ teaspoon nutmeg to the dry ingredients
• Keep the pecans and replace the sunflower seeds with pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

Optional add-in:
Stir in ½ cup chopped dried apples after the granola has cooled.

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3. Tropical Coconut Granola

A bright, beachy variation that tastes amazing over yogurt.

Adjustments:

• Replace the pecans with ¾ cup chopped macadamia nuts or cashews
• Increase the shredded coconut to 1 cup
• Replace cranberries with ¾ cup dried pineapple or dried mango (chopped)

Optional add-in:
Add 1 tablespoon lime zest to the wet ingredients for a fresh tropical flavor.

4. Blueberry Muffin Granola

This variation tastes just like a warm blueberry muffin but in crunchy granola form.

Adjustments:

• Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the wet ingredients
• Replace the cranberries or raisins with ¾ cup dried blueberries
• Increase the vanilla to 1½ teaspoons

Optional add-in:
Stir in ¼ cup white chocolate chips after the granola cools for a bakery-style twist.

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5. Peanut Butter Banana Granola

A naturally sweet granola that tastes like a classic peanut butter banana combo.

Adjustments:

• Add ¼ cup creamy peanut butter to the honey and oil while warming
• Reduce the honey to 3 tablespoons since bananas add sweetness
• After baking, stir in ¾ cup banana chips

Optional add-in:
Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg for a warm flavor.

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6. Apple Pie Granola

A cozy granola perfect for fall mornings.

Adjustments:

• Add ½ teaspoon nutmeg and ¼ teaspoon cloves to the dry ingredients
• Replace cranberries with ¾ cup chopped dried apples
• Use walnuts or pecans for the nuts

Optional add-in:
Stir in 2 tablespoons chia seeds for extra texture and nutrition.

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7. Cinnamon Roll Granola

This variation has a warm, bakery-style flavor reminiscent of cinnamon rolls.

Adjustments:

• Increase the cinnamon to 1½ teaspoons
• Add ½ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional but delicious)
• Replace cranberries with ½ cup raisins

Optional add-in:
Once cooled, drizzle lightly with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk.

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8. Pumpkin Spice Granola

Perfect for fall breakfasts and pairs beautifully with yogurt.

Adjustments:

• Add 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree to the wet ingredients
• Add 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to the dry ingredients
• Replace sunflower seeds with pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

Optional add-in:
Stir in ½ cup dried cranberries or chopped dates after cooling.

Perfect Pairings: 

This gluten-free granola is incredibly versatile and delicious in so many ways:

• Sprinkled over Greek yogurt with fresh berries
• Served with cold milk or dairy-free milk for a quick breakfast
• Added to smoothie bowls for crunch
• Layered into fresh fruit parfaits
• Enjoyed by the handful as a grab-and-go snack
• Topped over baked apples or roasted pears

Tips and Tricks: 

Use certified gluten-free oats
Even though oats are naturally gluten-free, they are often processed in facilities with wheat. Certified gluten-free oats ensure the granola stays safe for those avoiding gluten.

Bake low and slow
A lower oven temperature allows the oats and nuts to slowly toast and become golden without burning.

Press the granola down for clusters
Before baking, gently press the granola mixture into the baking sheet with a spatula. This helps create larger crunchy clusters.

Let it cool completely
Granola becomes crisp as it cools. Avoid stirring it right away if you want those bigger clusters.

Add dried fruit after baking
Adding dried fruit before baking can cause it to burn or become overly hard.

Check out the recipe card below to make this homemade granola recipe!

This gluten-free homemade granola is the perfect balance of crunchy, lightly sweet, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Made with gluten-free oats, toasted pecans, sunflower seeds, honey, and warm cinnamon, it bakes slowly in the oven until golden and fragrant. Once cooled, it’s mixed with chewy dried fruit and coconut for the perfect texture in every bite.

Whether you sprinkle it over yogurt, pour it into a bowl with milk, or enjoy it straight from the jar, this homemade granola is a simple and delicious way to start your day. Plus, it stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep breakfasts and snacks throughout the week.