Healthy Chunky Almond Granola (Crispy, Crunchy Clusters!)
If you’ve ever wandered the granola aisle and thought, “I could totally make this at home,”—same. Over the years, I’ve tried nearly every store-bought granola out there, but they all left me thinking I could create something better: chunkier, less sweet, and more nourishing.
So I did. And I finally nailed a chunky homemade granola recipe that’s crisp, nutty, and packed with BIG golden clusters—perfect for snacking or sprinkling.
This Healthy Chunky Almond Granola is the one I now make on repeat. As a dietitian, I really care about what I’m putting in my body, as well as what my dietetic counseling patients are eating. Therefore, I created this recipe with that in mind to be naturally sweetened, full of wholesome ingredients, and skips the unnecessary oils and refined sugars that many granola recipes rely on for crunch. Plus, it makes way more than those tiny $8 store-bought bags!
Why You’ll Love This Chunky Almond Granola
- Ultra crispy clusters—no extra oil required
- Lightly sweetened with maple syrup + brown sugar
- Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein
- Naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and customizable
- Stores beautifully (and makes your kitchen smell amazing)
How to Get Big Granola Clusters
Creating those satisfying clusters comes down to a few key techniques:
- Use rolled oats, not quick oats. Rolled oats maintain structure and texture. Quick oats absorb the sugar mixture too quickly, leading to a crumbly mess instead of clusters.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan. I use damp hands to really pack it in before baking.
- Let it cool completely before breaking. This step allows the sugars to harden and hold everything together.
Granola Flavor Tips
- The almond extract gives this granola a warm, almost bakery-style flavor—don’t skip it if you love almond! If not, vanilla works great too.
- Want to switch it up? Add coconut flakes, pumpkin seeds, or even a handful of cacao nibs after baking for added texture.
How to Serve It
- As a topping for Greek yogurt + berries
- On smoothie bowls for crunch
- Mixed with milk for cereal-style breakfast
- Or just by the handful on-the-go!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yields: ~6 cups granola
Healthy Chunky Almond Granola Recipe
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups rolled oats
- ¾ cup almond flour
- ½ cup chopped nuts (I use almonds)
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed
- Sprinkle of salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp almond extract (or sub vanilla extract)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients together.
- In a small saucepan, gently heat the syrup, brown sugar, almond extract, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves and mixture begins to bubble slightly.
- Pour wet ingredients over dry mixture and stir until fully combined.
- Transfer to the baking sheet and press down firmly and evenly—you want it as compact as possible.
- Bake for 35 minutes, stirring gently every 10 minutes. For the final 5 minutes, leave it untouched to help form clusters.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool completely (1–2 hours) before breaking into pieces.
FAQs - Healthy Chunky Granola
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
I don't recommend it. Quick oats absorb the liquid too quickly and don’t hold their shape, which results in crumbly granola instead of clusters.
Can I lower the sugar?
Yes! If you prefer a less sweet granola, reduce the brown sugar to ¼ cup. Just note this may slightly reduce the clustering.
Can I swap the almond flour?
Yes! You can substitute it with oat flour or finely ground sunflower seeds if you need a nut-free version. It helps bind the granola.
Can I add dried fruit or chocolate chips?
Yes—but add them after baking to prevent burning. Dried cranberries, raisins, or mini chocolate chips are great options!
Tried This Recipe? Leave a Comment!
I’d love to know what you think!
Leave a comment below if you tried this Healthy Chunky Almond Granola or if you made any variations—I always love seeing how you make these recipes your own!
Hey, I'm Jourdan!
My love for food started young, but becoming a registered dietitian took it deeper. Now, as a personal chef, I combine my passion for cooking with expert nutrition guidance to help others feel their best.
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