This homemade granola for kids is made with simple ingredients like oats, hemp hearts, flaxseed, and coconut oil for a crunchy, low sugar breakfast or snack the whole family will love.
If you've ever picked up a bag of granola at the store, you've probably noticed that many varieties contain more added sugar than you'd expect. While granola can be a nutritious option, making it at home allows you to control the ingredients while still getting that delicious crunch.
As a dietitian mom, I love having homemade granola on hand because it's one of the easiest ways to add texture, healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based protein to meals and snacks. Sprinkle it over yogurt, oatmeal, smoothie bowls, or cottage cheese, or enjoy it by the handful as a quick snack.
This version is lightly sweetened, toddler-friendly, and made with pantry staples you may already have on hand.
Why You'll Love This Homemade Granola for Kids
- made with simple pantry ingredients
- lower in added sugar than many store-bought granolas (can even be made with no added sugar if you'd like!)
- packed with healthy fats + fiber + iron from hemp hearts and flaxseed
- great for toddlers, kids, and adults
- perfect for meal prep
- naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and egg-free
- easy to customize with your favorite dried fruit
- delicious on yogurt, oatmeal, smoothie bowls, and more
I also love making homemade granola bars for a fiber-packed snack that my whole family loves! You can even crumble them over yogurt for a yogurt "parfait."
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Homemade Granola for Kids
- Ingredients You'll Need
- How to Make This Homemade Granola for Kids
- Hint for the Best Homemade Granola
- Substitutions
- Variations
- Equipment
- Storing Your Homemade Granola for Kids
- Tiff's Dietitian Tip
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Homemade Granola for Kids (Low Sugar & Toddler-Friendly)
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need to make this homemade granola for kids:
- Rolled Oats - the base of the granola, providing fiber and complex carbohydrates for lasting energy
- Hemp Hearts - a great source of healthy fats, plant-based protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids
- Ground Flaxseed - adds fiber, healthy fats, and helps create those crunchy granola clusters
- Cinnamon - adds warmth and flavor without the need for extra sugar
- Coconut Oil - helps the granola become golden, crispy, and cluster together
- Date Syrup or Maple Syrup or Honey (optional for sweetness) - just a small amount adds sweetness while helping bind the granola together
- Vanilla Extract - enhances the overall flavor and adds natural sweetness
- Salt - balances flavors and brings everything together
- Optional mix-ins like dried fruit, slivered nuts, mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, etc.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make This Homemade Granola for Kids
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, melt the coconut oil then add in sweetener and vanilla extract.
- Step 2: Add in the oats, hemp hearts, flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 3: Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and press it down firmly with a spatula.
- Step 4: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Allow the granola to cool completely without stirring. Once cooled, break into clusters and mix in dried fruit if desired.
Hint for the Best Homemade Granola
For the biggest crunchy granola clusters, firmly press the mixture into an even layer before baking and resist the urge to stir it while it cools. Letting the granola cool completely on the baking sheet allows it to set and form those delicious clusters that kids love.
Substitutions
This homemade granola for kids is already gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free! Here are some other substitutes you can use:
- rolled oats: quick oats can be used but will create a softer texture
- hemp hearts: substitute pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or finely chopped nuts
- ground flaxseed: chia seeds work well as a substitute just won't blend in as well
- coconut oil: use melted butter or avocado oil
- date syrup or maple syrup or honey: sub with ¼-1/2 cup applesauce or mashed banana for a no added sugar option
Variations
Feel free to add whatever mix-ins to this homemade granola for kids! Here are some fun ideas:
- add pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
- stir in mini chocolate chips after cooling
- use dried blueberries, dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dates
- add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for older kids
- try pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon
Equipment
You'll need a large mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, a baking sheet, parchment paper, and a spatula for pressing the granola into an even layer before baking.
Storing Your Homemade Granola for Kids
Store homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Make sure the granola has cooled completely before storing to help maintain its crunchy texture.
For longer storage, freeze the granola in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Simply let it come to room temperature before serving.
Tip: If your granola starts to lose some of its crunch, spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to crisp it back up!
Tiff's Dietitian Tip
One of my favorite ways to boost nutrition without adding extra work is by sprinkling homemade granola over foods you're already serving. A few tablespoons on top of yogurt, oatmeal, or cottage cheese can add healthy fats, fiber, iron, and texture that many kids enjoy!
This is also a great way to add crunchy texture to a smooth texture food like yogurt, pudding, or smoothies because even I don't enjoy eating just plain yogurt. So, if your kiddo isn't a yogurt fan try having them sprinkle this granola on top!
FAQ
Yes, but be mindful of the texture. For younger toddlers, break larger clusters into smaller pieces and serve over yogurt or oatmeal to make it easier to chew. I feel like this homemade granola is a bit less crunchy hard, which makes it a great option!
Absolutely. You can omit the maple syrup entirely or replace it with date paste, mashed banana, or unsweetened applesauce for a naturally sweetened option.
For the best clusters, press the mixture firmly onto the baking sheet before baking and allow it to cool completely before breaking it apart.
Dried fruit, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or mini chocolate chips are all great additions.
Try sprinkling it on yogurt, oatmeal, smoothie bowls, cottage cheese, or fruit. It also makes an easy grab-and-go snack by the handful.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with homemade granola for kids:
Homemade Granola for Kids (Low Sugar & Toddler-Friendly)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup hemp hearts
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ cup coconut oil melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoon date syrup or maple syrup optional, can increase for more sweetness or sub out for no added sugar
Optional Mix-Ins (add after baking)
- ½ cup raisins or chopped prunes
- ½ cup chopped dates
- ½ cup dried blueberries
- ½ cup dried cherries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, melt the coconut oil then add in sweetener and vanilla extract.
- Add in the oats, hemp hearts, flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and press it down firmly with a spatula.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Allow the granola to cool completely without stirring. Once cooled, break into clusters and mix in dried fruit if desired.
Notes
- For larger granola clusters, press the mixture firmly into the pan before baking.
- Do not stir the granola while it cools. This helps create crunchy clusters.
- Dried fruit should be added after baking to prevent it from becoming hard or burnt.
- To make this recipe without added sugar, substitute the maple syrup or honey with 2-3 tablespoons of date paste or ¼ cup of applesauce or mashed banana.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Freeze for up to 3 months.
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