Cinnamon Granola

Homemade granola takes about 40 minutes from start to finish and is far better than anything you can buy in a store. This version uses just five ingredients: rolled oats, walnuts, cinnamon, almond butter, and maple syrup. The almond butter binds everything together into satisfying clusters, and the cinnamon gives it warmth without needing any added sugar beyond the maple syrup.

A Reliable Base for Busy Mornings

Having a batch of granola in the pantry means you always have a quick breakfast or snack option available. Sprinkle it over Greek yogurt with fresh fruit for a balanced meal, or eat it dry as a pre-run snack. Each serving is 136 calories with 15g of carbohydrates, which makes it easy to scale up or down depending on your energy needs. For a higher calorie breakfast before a long run, combine it with a smoothie bowl or a larger portion of yogurt.

Storage and Variations

The granola keeps for up to one week in an airtight container at room temperature. If you make a double batch, it also freezes well for up to a month. Let it cool completely before storing it or it will lose its crunch from trapped moisture.

You can customize this base recipe in many ways. Swap the walnuts for almonds, pecans, or cashews. Add dried cranberries, coconut flakes, or dark chocolate chips after baking. The core ratio of oats, nut butter, and maple syrup stays the same regardless of what mix-ins you choose.