There are many advantages to making your own granola. You’ll use less packaging, you’ll save money, and you can completely customize it to your taste and health needs. You’ll never go back to store-bought.

The basic ingredients in granola include grain flakes, dried fruit, nuts and seeds, sweetener, and fat, such as butter or vegetable oil. You can embellish with vanilla, coconut, and spices like cinnamon. What follows is a formula to help you create the granola of your dreams, to enjoy every morning.

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter or coconut oil (or, if using liquid oil, warm it) and add the sweetener along with the vanilla, cinnamon, or other spices you’re using. (If using honey, see the variation.)
3. In a large bowl, combine the flaked grains, mix-ins, seeds, and nuts. Toss to mix.
4. Pour the warmed butter or oil and sweetener over the dry ingredients and toss with a large spoon or spatula until evenly and lightly coated.
5. Transfer the mixture to a large baking sheet (you may need to use two baking sheets) and spread it out evenly in a thin layer.
6. Bake until evenly browned, 20 to 25 minutes. Stop halfway through and stir the ingredients so that they brown evenly.
7. Remove from the oven, add the dried fruit, and toss to combine. Let cool completely on the baking sheet.
8. Store at room temperature in an airtight container. The granola will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks, stored properly. I store mine in mason jars on the counter. It looks nice and keeps the granola fresh and handy.