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    Home » Granola & Granola Bars

    Quick Chunky Granola

    September 25, 2023 by Bailey Sissom 10 Comments

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    Quick Chunky Granola is the perfect combination of salty and sweet. It comes together in under 30 minutes to create a snack that's wholesome, delicious and has the BEST clumpy texture. Naturally vegan, dairy-free and egg free.

    Quick Chunky Granola on a parchment covered sheet pan.

    This is my all time favorite granola recipe! So simple to throw together, makes the house smell amazing and I LOVE the clumpy texture!

    -Laura

    Life can be busy. It's wonderfully refreshing to have a quick snack option that on the healthier side hanging out in the pantry to be used as needed. We make this Quick Chunky Granola all the time, swapping out different add-ins and goodies. The recipe is super customizable (which I know we can all appreciate). It's fabulous when made exactly as written, and even more delicious when you throw in a few things to make it your own!

    Undeniably you could go to the store and purchase a chunky granola. Here are some reasons why we LOVE to make our own homemade version:

    • Simply put ... it tastes better.
    • Homemade enables you to control the quantity and quality of ingredients. Store-bought granola can contain a lot of sugar.
    • $$$$ ... making your own is MUCH cheaper than purchasing a pre-made high-quality option.

    This Quick Chunky Granola pairs perfectly (as a topping) with our Make Ahead Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits. Parfait + Granola is an undeniable match!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • How To Freeze Granola
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Storage
    • Top tip
    • Recipe
    • FAQ
    • Comments

    Ingredients

    Ingredients to make crunchy chunky granola - rolled oats, pecans, salt, coconut, maple syrup, coconut oil and vanilla.
    • pecans
    • rolled oats
    • shredded coconut
    • sea salt
    • maple syrup
    • vanilla extract
    • coconut oil

    **See recipe card for quantities

    Instructions

    Step 1: Crunchy Chunky Granola. Prepare the sheet pan.

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

    Step 2: Crunchy Chunky Granola. Mix dry ingredients.

    Toss the pecans, oats, coconut in a large bowl. Set aside.

    Step 3: Crunchy Chunky Granola. Mix liquids - maple syrup, coconut oil and vanilla.

    In a medium bowl, stir the maple syrup and melted coconut oil until just combined. Whisk in the vanilla extract and add salt. Pour over the oats and toss to coat.

    Step 4: Crunchy chunky granola spread on a sheet pan.

    Spread the granola mixture onto the prepared pan and bake for 13-16 minutes. Cool quick chunky granola completely and then break into chunks prior to serving.

    Hint: The granola will clump and harden as it cools - not while baking.

    How To Freeze Granola

    This Quick Chunky Granola freezes very well and can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. It's never a bad idea to double this recipe and save some for later.

    First: Allow granola to cool completely. Crumble granola into large chunks.

    Next: Place chunky granola into an airtight freezer bag. Remove all air.

    Finally: Granola can be stored for up to 6 months in the freezer. To serve, allow granola to come to room temperature on the counter.

    Substitutions

    gluten-free: instead of traditional rolled oats, select a gluten-free rolled oat

    maple syrup: substitute honey for maple syrup if desired

    pecans: the pecans can be replaced with any nut you have on hand other than peanuts

    Variations

    If you want to add some extra goodies to your Quick Chunky Granola you can substitute up to ¼ of the pecans with an add-in of your choice. For example - if you want to add cranberries you will use ¾ cup of pecans + ¼ cup of cranberries. Using too many mix ins may cause the granola not to stick together and form clumpy chunks. Keep in mind the clusters may fall apart more depending on what add in you use.

    Storage

    Store the cooled and "chunked" granola in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.

    Alternatively you can freeze the granola in an air-tight freezer bag for up to 6 months. To serve, remove from freezer and allow granola to come to room temperature on the counter.

    Top tip

    Don't overcook the granola. As soon as the edges begin to turn golden brown - remove it from oven. It will be soft and pliable but will harden as it cools. Allow granola to cool a minimum of 1 hour before serving.

    Print

    Recipe

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    Quick Chunky Granola spread out out on a parchment covered sheet pan.

    Quick Chunky Granola


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 2 reviews

    • Author: Bailey Sissom
    • Total Time: 25 minutes
    • Yield: 2 ¼ cups 1x
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Quick Chunky Granola is the perfect combination of salty and sweet. It comes together in under 30 minutes to create a snack that's wholesome, delicious and has the BEST clumpy texture. Naturally vegan, dairy-free and egg free.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
    • 1 cup rolled oats
    • ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
    • ¼ cup maple syrup
    • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
    • 2 tsp vanilla extract
    • ¼ tsp sea salt

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. 
    2. To a large mixing bowl, add the pecans, oats and coconut. Mix well and set aside. 
    3. In a medium bowl, stir the maple syrup and melted coconut oil until just combined. Whisk in the vanilla extract and add salt. Pour over the oats and toss ensuring that every oat and nut gets coated.
    4. Spread onto the prepared baking sheet. To create the chunks, the granola mixture must be packed together tightly. Use a rubber spatula to press down on the granola until it is about ¼" thick.
    5. Bake for 13-16 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
    6.  Cool granola completely (minimum of 1 hour) and then break into chunks prior to serving. 
    • Prep Time: 10 mins
    • Cook Time: 15 mins
    • Category: Breakfast
    • Method: Oven
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: ¼ cup
    • Calories: 223
    • Sugar: 6.2 g
    • Sodium: 66.4 mg
    • Fat: 15 g
    • Carbohydrates: 16.9 g
    • Protein: 4.8 g
    • Cholesterol: 0 mg

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @Simply Sissom on Instagram and hashtag it #simplysissom

    FAQ

    Can I substitute quick oats for rolled oats?

    Instant oats can be used in place of rolled oats, although you may need to reduce the cook time and the overall texture of the granola may be impacted.

    Why is my granola not sticking together?

    Most often, when granola is not sticking together, you have not chopped the nuts finely enough. It is also possible that when mixing in the liquid ingredients, you did not coat the oats and nuts completely.

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    About Bailey Sissom

    Bailey Sissom is a 3rd grade teacher turned stay-at-home mom and the creator of Simply Sissom, a blog for busy moms who value feeding their kids healthy meals and snacks, but struggle with finding the time to make it happen. On Simply Sissom, Bailey shares practical recipes, tips and tricks to help make preparing whole food meals happen consistently.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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    1. Teri

      May 17, 2016 at 9:23 am

      Does this have to be refrigerated? I would love to be able to mail this to my son in the Military if it des not have to be refrigerated.

      Reply
      • Bailey Sissom

        May 18, 2016 at 4:05 pm

        Hi Teri! Nope.. no need to refrigerate:) I think your son will love it!

        Reply
    2. Allie C

      December 09, 2017 at 10:30 am

      Hi! Do you happen to have the original recipe that used almonds instead of pecans? I can't remember if there were other ingredient changes but it is my all time favorite granola and I'd love to write the recipe down so I can continue making it! Thank you 🙂

      Reply
      • Bailey Sissom

        December 09, 2017 at 4:36 pm

        Hi Allie! Unfortunately I don't have it anymore. Wish I would have set it aside somewhere. Have you tried the new one? It uses less ingredients and is really simple to make. You could definitely sub out the pecans for almonds if you prefer. Granola is super flexible.

        Reply
    3. Michelle

      August 27, 2019 at 6:22 am

      Hi, is there any substitute for coconut oil? Can I use other types of oil?

      Reply
      • Bailey Sissom

        August 28, 2019 at 9:56 am

        Hey Michelle, I have only tried it with coconut oil. I would guess that there are other oils that would work just fine, but I just can't say for sure since I haven't tried it. If you do try it with something different.. let us know how it goes. I'm sure others would find the information helpful!

        Reply
      • Lisa

        April 16, 2024 at 8:18 pm

        I make my granola (either grain free which is all nuts and seeds) or traditional with oats, with honey and olive oil instead of syrup and coconut oil. We keep bees so we have a lot of honey and I love olive oil and its health benefits. Did this one with those substitutions. We loved it! So simple and easy and so good.

        Reply
    4. Denise

      August 02, 2021 at 1:07 pm

      Hi! Can you use honey instead of maple syrup?

      Reply
    5. Laura

      September 25, 2023 at 10:11 am

      This is my all time favorite granola recipe! So simple to throw together, makes the house smell amazing and I LOVE the clumpy texture!

      Reply
    6. jude

      June 21, 2024 at 6:35 am

      I have been searching for a crunchy granola recipe for.... I dont know how long. I read your recipe, your comments sounded reasuring, I thought, why not, Ive got nothing to lose... AMAZING! Thank you. I didnt have maple syrup, so I used organic sugar and honey. I definitly will be making continuously. Thanks again.

      Reply

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    Hey, I'm Bailey!

    Boy Mom x3 and former teacher turned food blogger. On Simply Sissom you will find simple, tasty, fuss-free recipes that are perfect for busy families.

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    Quick Chunky Granola on a sheet pan.
    Quick Chunky Granola on a sheet pan.