Granola is an irresistible healthy snack. Learning how to make it from scratch is as easy as combining crunchy, sweet, and salty ingredients, giving it a stir, then baking until golden brown!
Preheat oven to 300°F. Spray a sheet pan (rimmed baking sheet) with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, sunflower seeds, walnuts, pecans, almonds, coconut, flaxseed, wheat germ, ground cinnamon and salt. Stir to combine.
In a 2 cup microwave-safe measuring cup (or small bowl), mix oil, honey, brown sugar, and vanilla. Heat in microwave for 45 seconds on 50% power. Stir to combine. If using coconut oil, continue to heat in 30 second increments until coconut oil is completely melted. Pour over dry ingredients and stir until everything is coated. Spread into an even layer on prepared baking sheet.
Place in preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, stir, and continue to bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown (see note).
If you like big chunks, press down with spatula and let cool completely on pan. If you prefer not to have large chunks, stir 3-4 times as granola cools. Stir in cranberries once the granola has cooled.
Notes
Serving size: 1/2 cup.
Don't underbake the granola. It should look dry and crisp, not wet and sticky.
Once completely cooled, granola can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.