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    Bless This Mess > Recipes > Snacks

    Extra Chunky and Naturally Sweetened Granola with Walnuts

    Published: Aug 8, 2014 · Modified: Oct 27, 2022 by Melissa · 20 Comments

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    Pan of chunky granola with walnuts

    Extra Chunky and Naturally Sweetened Granola with Walnuts is a great after-school snack, or a crunchy topping for your breakfast yogurt in the morning! Either way, this homemade granola recipe is a sweet but healthy choice.

    Extra Chunky and Naturally Sweetened Granola with Walnuts

    Healthy Breakfast Granola with Walnuts

    Just over seven years ago I remember stepping on the scale in the doctor's office and seeing what it read. 201 pounds. I didn't say anything at the appointment but I came home and cried later that day. Hitting the 200-pound mark, even at 38 weeks pregnant was a total self-esteem crusher. I was so upset and disappointed to weigh that much. I weighed 203 pounds the morning she was delivered one week later.

    Fast forward to today. I stepped on the scale and it read 199.6. I did a happy dance and resisted the urge to call my husband to tell him the good news. You see, I've been steadily working to get under the 200-pound mark since January.

    Isn't it funny how time and perspective change everything. Four babies in seven years has blessed me beyond measure. I'll take the soft middle in exchange for the title they've given me. So to you, fellow fluffy-middled mamma's, take joy in the journey, even if it's heavier (in more ways than physical) than you planned on.

    And because food is my love language, I have a special treat for you today to celebrate with me! I'm sitting her munching on it with a fresh Utah nectarine as I type and the babies play with blocks.

    What's better than homemade granola? Extra chunky and naturally sweetened granola with lots of walnuts. So delicious! My kids can't keep their hands out of it. I was planning on taking some to the farmer's market to sell tomorrow but I don't know if it'll last that long.

    My husband fixed computer for a lady in town this spring and she paid him with homemade granola. It was tasty and so very chunky. Big ol' granola chunks are just perfect for snacking on, no milk needed. She kindly brought the recipe she's been making her whole life and I feel like she's shared a magical secret with me. Ila Mae is around 85 years old and this is her Aunt Vivian's granola recipe, so this recipe is very very tried and true. You will love it and I dare say it's healthy. Naturally sweetened with whole grains and nuts... perfect snacking in my world.

    So enjoy this recipe, celebrate my milestone, and embrace your own beautiful messy life today.

    How long does homemade granola last for?

    Store in an air tight container for up to 2 weeks.

    Can I substitute coconut oil instead of canola oil?

    Ila Mae's recipe called for 1 cup of canola oil instead of coconut oil. I've made it with both and they work equally well. I feel like coconut oil is a healthier option, but use what you have.

    Is there a good replacement for walnuts?

    You can also sub the walnuts for 1 cup of sunflower seeds and 1 cup of slivered almonds. Yum!

    Extra Chunky and Naturally Sweetened Granola with Walnuts
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    Pan of chunky granola with walnuts

    Extra Chunky and Naturally Sweetened Granola with Walnuts


    • Author: Melissa Griffiths- Bless this Mess
    • Total Time: 1 hour 20 min
    • Yield: serves 16 1x
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Extra Chunky and Naturally Sweetened Granola with Walnuts is a great after-school snack, or a crunchy topping for your breakfast yogurt in the morning! Either way, this homemade granola recipe is a sweet but healthy choice.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 3 cups old-fashioned oats
    • 3 cups quick oats
    • ¾ cup whole wheat flour
    • 1 cup coconut oil
    • 1 cup honey
    • 2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes
    • 2 cups walnut pieces

    Instructions

    1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    2. In a large bowl combine the oats and flour and stir to combine. Warm the coconut oil and honey in the microwave or stove top until the oil is melted and the honey is thin. Just warm it, no need to boil. Add the honey and oil to the oat mixture and stir well to combine. Add the coconut flakes and walnuts and stir to combine well, making sure there are no dry spots.
    3. Dump the oat mixture onto the lined baking sheet and use the spoon to spread it into an even layer. Bake for about an hour, WITHOUT stirring, until the granola is a deep honey color. Remove from the oven and let the granola cool on the pan,

    Notes

    Store in an air tight container for up to 2 weeks.

    Ila Mae's recipe called for 1 cup of canola oil instead of coconut oil. I've made it with both and they work equally well. I feel like coconut oil is a healthier option, but use what you have.

    You can also sub the walnuts for 1 cup of sunflower seeds and 1 cup of slivered almonds. Yum!

    • Prep Time: 20 min
    • Cook Time: 1 hour
    • Category: Snack
    • Method: Bake
    • Cuisine: American

    Keywords: homemade granola recipe, how to make granola, breakfast granola recipe, crunchy granola recipe, granola recipe with walnuts

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @blessthismessblog on Instagram and hashtag it #blessthismess

    Extra Chunky and Naturally Sweetened Granola with Walnuts

    And if you like this extra chunky and naturally sweetened granola you might also like these recipes:

    • Healthy Honey Coconut Granola
    • Chocolate, Pretzel, Peanut Butter Granola Bars
    • White Chocolate and Craisin Granola Bars
    • 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Honey Granola Bars (no bake)
    • Homemade Cinnamon Granola Recipe
    • Healthy Honey Coconut Granola Recipe
    • The Best Chocolate Chip Granola Bar Recipe

    Thanks so much for celebrating with me and go whip up some yummy Granola with Walnuts. Have a great weekend friends.

    « Lemon Recipe Roundup
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    Melissa is dedicated to helping parents figure out the nightly questions, "What's for Dinner?!" with her no-fuss approach to cooking. Read more...

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    1. Ashley

      December 14, 2019 at 3:12 pm

      I’m not a fan of coconut. Is there something I could substitute for it?

      Reply
      • Melissa

        December 16, 2019 at 9:49 am

        Feel free to leave it out or add additional oats in it's place!

    2. Karen

      December 11, 2017 at 6:20 pm

      Can I leave out the flour or substitute with oat flour to make it gluten free?

      Reply
      • Melissa

        December 11, 2017 at 10:24 pm

        Yep, subbing it for oat flour should work just fine!

    3. rivki

      October 18, 2017 at 8:51 pm

      recipe looks really good. I was wondering can I add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ground ginger and some vanilla to recipe? I was wondering would this be good to serve at a party as a snack?

      Reply
      • Melissa

        October 19, 2017 at 8:41 am

        Yes, yes, and yes! Add whatever you LOVE. If you break it into big pieces it's easy to serve it though it is a little crumbly and messy, so plan for that!

    4. Stacey

      August 22, 2017 at 9:51 pm

      What can be used in place of the flour?

      Reply
      • Melissa

        August 23, 2017 at 6:35 am

        You can make oat flour in the blender by blending up dry oatmeal, that works great. You can also use flax meal!

    5. Thalia @ butter and brioche

      September 07, 2014 at 4:41 pm

      A walnut granola sounds delicious! I definitely will be making this recipe and potentially adding in some spices like cinnamon. Yum!

      Reply
    6. Elise

      August 13, 2014 at 8:11 am

      I made this last night and added craisins and chocolate chunks after baking-- it was AMAZING. Surely the best granola I've ever tasted. I reduced the honey a bit to compensate for the sweetness of the dark chocolate and craisins. Had it for breakfast this morning with almond milk 🙂

      I adore your blog! My husband and I are planning to have children soon and I think of you as a fantastic role model (and a fellow six-footer! 🙂 ). You're an A+ lady.

      Reply
      • Melissa

        August 13, 2014 at 8:52 am

        Elise! That's so nice of you to say and it totally made my morning. Thank you! Also, tell me more about this chocolate addition! Did you add it right out of the oven? After completely cooled? Did you stir it in or just drop it on top? I neeeeeed to try it 🙂

      • Elise

        September 08, 2014 at 7:02 am

        I stirred the chocolate chunks and craisins in when the granola was almost cool- the chocolate melted a little, but there were still some chunks. It was delicious! I find the combination of coconut, dark chocolate, and dried cranberries to be completely addicting. Sometimes I just eat the three mixed together in a bowl like a little trail mix!

    7. Amy Hines

      August 13, 2014 at 5:24 am

      I'm trying this today. Thanks!

      Reply
    8. Rebecca

      August 11, 2014 at 3:48 pm

      I've never tried flour in my granola before! Now I am curious.

      Congrats on the weight loss, and thanks for your honesty! It's refreshing to hear people's weights, just a big hug because lots of us have been there and have the same struggles. I had a baby about the same time as you and the scale is finally budging. Not a minute too soon for me!

      Reply
      • Melissa

        August 11, 2014 at 5:15 pm

        Thanks Rebecca and congrats on your own weight loss! I think this slow weight loss business means it'll stay off right?! 🙂 I sure hope so!

    9. Julie

      August 10, 2014 at 8:33 am

      I make a similar recipe, however with Bob's Red Mill ceritified Gluten Free oats and Gluten Free flour - just as yummy and gluten free for my son with celiac! He especially loves it if I add some chocolate chips:)

      Reply
    10. Emily

      August 08, 2014 at 2:12 pm

      Well MERCY this looks good! Love the styling, love the photos. Also, WAY TO GO ON YOUR FITNESS GOALS!!!! I think you're the best. xo, Emily

      Reply
    11. Shannon

      August 08, 2014 at 12:36 pm

      Plan on making this for Christmas gifts this year
      looks so good

      Reply
    12. katie w

      August 08, 2014 at 11:29 am

      Celebrate! Hooray for meeting your goal!

      Funny--I had that oatmeal cookie granola for a snack last night before bed and I just made a batch of those delicious pretzel granola bars this morning. My husband says they are the best granola bars he's ever had in his life!

      Reply
    13. Becky

      August 08, 2014 at 11:02 am

      I just love you so much Melissa!

      Reply

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