The Best Homemade Strawberry Granola Recipe: Easy, Healthy & Delicious!

Kickstart your day with a bowl of this incredibly easy, healthy, and hearty Strawberry Granola. Packed with the delightful flavor of real dried strawberries and naturally sweetened, this homemade cereal is a game-changer for your breakfast routine. Not only is it significantly better for you than anything you’ll find in stores, free from artificial additives and excessive sugars, but it’s also much more affordable to make yourself. Prepare a generous double batch to ensure you always have a wholesome, delicious option on hand for quick breakfasts, satisfying snacks, or a delightful topping for yogurt and fruit bowls. This versatile recipe beautifully combines puffed cereal, rolled oats, crunchy almonds, and nutrient-rich sesame seeds, creating a texture and taste sensation that the whole family will adore. You can easily purchase pre-dried strawberries or follow our simple instructions later in this post to make your own at home, ensuring peak freshness and flavor.

Side view of vibrant homemade strawberry granola and dried strawberries in a clear bowl on a rustic wooden surface, with more granola scattered in the background. — The whole family will enjoy this healthy and delicious homemade strawberry granola recipe!

🍓 Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Homemade Strawberry Granola

This super easy strawberry granola is poised to become your new favorite breakfast staple and go-to snack. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

Unbeatable Flavor: Experience the delightful burst of sweet strawberry flavor, perfectly complemented by the subtle nuttiness of almonds and sesame seeds. It’s a taste profile that’s both comforting and exciting, far surpassing the often bland or overly sweet store-bought versions.
Healthier Choice: Crafted with natural sweeteners like maple syrup and free from artificial preservatives, this homemade granola offers a significantly healthier alternative. You control exactly what goes into your bowl, ensuring a wholesome start to your day without hidden sugars or unwanted additives.
Hearty & Filling: With a generous mix of puffed cereal, rolled oats, almonds, and dried strawberries, this granola is packed with fiber and healthy fats, making it incredibly filling. It’s perfect for a substantial breakfast that keeps you energized through the morning or a satisfying pick-me-up snack in the afternoon.
Economical: Making your own granola at home is surprisingly cost-effective. Store-bought granolas, especially specialty flavors, can be quite pricey. This recipe allows you to enjoy premium quality granola for a fraction of the cost.
Easy & Customizable: Despite its gourmet taste, this granola is remarkably simple to prepare. Minimal effort yields maximum reward! Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing for endless customization with various nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to suit your personal preferences.
Family Favorite: The vibrant strawberry flavor makes this granola an instant hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a fantastic way to encourage healthier eating habits within your family, offering a nutritious option that everyone will genuinely look forward to.

Pair it with our Vanilla Maple Granola for variety, or explore other delicious strawberry treats like this refreshing Fresh Strawberry Mousse. For a homemade spread, try making your own Homemade Strawberry Preserves, perfect for toast or biscuits!

🥘 Wholesome Ingredients for Your Strawberry Granola

Crafting this delicious and nutritious strawberry granola requires just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and crunch that makes this homemade version so irresistible. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

Overhead shot of all the dry and wet ingredients laid out neatly for making strawberry granola: dried strawberries, sliced almonds, various puffed cereals, strawberry extract, maple syrup, sesame seeds, butter, and rolled oats. — With only a few simple ingredients, this homemade granola with strawberries recipe is super simple to make and customize!

Pure Maple Syrup: This is our star natural sweetener, providing a rich, complex sweetness that store-bought sugars simply can’t match. Beyond its flavor, maple syrup also acts as a binder, helping all the ingredients stick together and crisp up beautifully during baking. Ensure you use pure maple syrup for the best taste and nutritional benefits.
Butter: A touch of butter adds a lovely richness and helps create that desirable golden-brown color and crunchy texture. For a dairy-free or vegan option, you can substitute with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Strawberry Extract: To truly amplify that authentic strawberry flavor throughout every bite, a dash of strawberry extract is essential. It ensures a consistent and vibrant fruity note, even beyond the dried strawberries themselves.
Puffed Cereal: This ingredient adds a wonderful lightness and airy crunch to the granola. Don’t limit yourself to just one type! I love using a mixture of puffed cereals like kamut, wheat, or millet to add diverse textures and nutritional profiles. This choice also helps keep the granola light and less dense.
Rolled Oats: The foundation of any good granola! Using rolled oats (also known as old-fashioned oats) is crucial. They have been lightly processed, making them ideal for baking into granola as they toast evenly and become perfectly crispy without turning powdery. Avoid quick or instant oats, as they can result in a mushy or less textured granola.
Sliced Almonds: For an added layer of texture and a boost of healthy fats and protein, sliced almonds are a fantastic inclusion. They become beautifully toasted and crunchy, complementing the oats and puffed cereal. You can also use chopped almonds or other nuts if preferred.
Sesame Seeds: These tiny seeds contribute a subtle nutty flavor and a delicate crunch, elevating the granola’s overall complexity. They also pack a nutritional punch with healthy fats and minerals.
Dried Strawberries: The star of the show! These chewy, sweet bursts of strawberry flavor are what make this granola truly special. You can purchase them pre-made from health food stores or online, or for the freshest and most natural option, follow the detailed instructions later in this post to make your own dried strawberries at home using your oven.

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Strawberry Granola

Making homemade strawberry granola is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these simple steps to create a batch of crunchy, flavorful granola that will quickly become a household favorite. Precision in mixing and baking will ensure the best texture and taste.

Six-panel collage showing the process of making strawberry granola: melting butter and syrup, mixing wet and dry ingredients, spreading granola on a baking sheet, and finally, the finished granola with dried strawberries. — With minimal prep and cleanup required, this granola with strawberries is the perfect homemade granola recipe!

Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This crucial step prevents sticking, ensures even baking, and makes for incredibly easy cleanup. A well-prepared baking sheet is key to crunchy granola.
Create the Flavorful Wet Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the pure maple syrup and butter. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is completely melted and the syrup is warm. Once melted and hot, remove from heat and stir in the strawberry extract until fully incorporated. This aromatic mixture will bind and flavor your granola.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the puffed cereal, rolled oats, and sliced almonds. Make sure these dry ingredients are well distributed before adding the wet mixture. This initial mix helps ensure an even coating.
Integrate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly pour the warm butter and syrup mixture over the dry cereal and oat blend. As you pour, continuously stir the ingredients with a spatula or large spoon. It’s essential to coat all the dry ingredients evenly for consistent flavor and crunch. Take your time with this step to avoid clumping.
Add Sesame Seeds and Final Mix: Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the coated mixture in the bowl. Stir again thoroughly. Adding them now, after the initial wet mixture, helps them adhere better to the other ingredients and prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the granola.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Spread the granola mixture evenly in a single layer over your prepared baking sheet. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Be sure to give the granola a good stir at the 20-minute mark to promote even browning and prevent the edges from burning while the center remains undercooked.
Cool and Add Dried Strawberries: Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling process is vital for achieving that signature crunchy texture. As it cools, the granola will firm up. Once completely cool, gently break it apart if you desire smaller clusters. Finally, stir in the dried strawberries. Adding them after baking preserves their texture and vibrant color.

And there you have it! Your homemade strawberry granola is ready to be enjoyed. Store it properly to maintain its freshness and crunch.

👪 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Strawberry Granola

We’ve gathered some common questions about making and enjoying homemade strawberry granola to help you achieve the best results and troubleshoot any issues.

How do I make my own dried strawberries at home?

Making your own dried strawberries is a fantastic way to ensure freshness and control ingredients. Here’s a simple oven method:

Prepare the Strawberries: Start by thoroughly washing and hulling your fresh strawberries. Then, slice them uniformly from top to bottom into approximately ¼ inch thick slices. Uniform slices are key for even drying.
Pre-Soak (Optional but Recommended): To help prevent darkening and act as a natural anti-microbial, soak the strawberry slices in a bowl containing a 1:1 mixture of lemon juice and cold water (e.g., 1 cup lemon juice to 1 cup water) for about 10-15 minutes.
Arrange for Drying: Remove the slices from the lemon water mixture using a slotted spoon, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Arrange them in a single layer on parchment paper lined baking sheets, ensuring no slices are overlapping.
Low and Slow Drying: Bake the strawberries in a preheated oven at the lowest possible temperature, ideally around 200°F (93°C). If your oven doesn’t go that low, use its lowest setting. Bake for approximately 4 hours, or until the strawberries are leathery and chewy, but not brittle. The exact time will depend on your oven and the thickness of your slices. Flip them once or twice during the drying process if needed.
Cool and Store: Once dried, remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the strawberries cool completely on the trays. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a few weeks, or in the refrigerator for longer storage.

Four panel grid illustrating the process of dehydrating strawberries: slicing fresh strawberries, soaking them in lemon water, arranging them on a baking sheet, and finally, the strawberries drying in the oven.

Why is my homemade granola not crunchy?

Lack of crunchiness in granola usually stems from too much moisture or incorrect baking. Here are some common reasons and solutions:

Excess Moisture: If your wet-to-dry ingredient ratio is off, with too much liquid, the granola can turn out soft or chewy instead of crisp. Try slightly increasing the amount of dry ingredients (oats, puffed cereal) in future batches.
Baking Temperature Too High: While it might seem counterintuitive, baking granola at too high a temperature can cause the outside to brown quickly, but trap moisture inside, leading to a softer interior. A lower temperature (around 300-325°F or 150-160°C) allows for slow and even drying.
Insufficient Baking Time: Even at the right temperature, if not baked long enough, moisture won’t fully evaporate. Continue baking until the granola looks golden brown and feels dry.
Not Cooling Completely: Granola crispiness develops during the cooling process. It will feel somewhat soft when it first comes out of the oven but will firm up as it cools completely on the baking sheet. Resist the urge to bag it while warm, as this traps steam and moisture.
Overcrowding the Pan: If you pile too much granola onto one baking sheet, it will steam rather than toast, preventing it from getting crunchy. Use a large baking sheet and spread the granola in a thin, even layer. If making a double batch, use two sheets.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats for granola?

You can use quick or instant oats as a substitute for rolled oats in a pinch, but be aware that it will likely affect the final texture of your granola. Quick oats are cut into smaller pieces and steamed longer than rolled oats, which means they absorb liquid faster and cook more quickly. This can sometimes result in a granola that is less chunky and more crumbly or even a bit mushy, rather than the distinct, chewy texture provided by rolled oats. If you do use them, you might need to slightly reduce the baking time and keep a closer eye on it to prevent over-browning. For the best, most satisfyingly crunchy granola, rolled oats are highly recommended.

Side view of a bowl of healthy strawberry granola with dried strawberries, placed on a wooden surface with a backdrop of more granola and freshly sliced fruits. — The whole family will enjoy this nutritious and delicious granola with dried strawberries!

💭 Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Granola

Achieving perfectly crunchy, flavorful homemade granola is easier than you think with these expert tips:

Thorough Mixing is Key: Before baking, ensure you really stir your granola mixture well. Every single oat and puffed cereal piece should be equally coated with the maple syrup and butter mixture. This ensures even flavor distribution and uniform crisping during baking. A well-coated batch will bake beautifully.
For Extra Chunky Granola: If you love those satisfyingly large granola clusters, here’s a trick! After spreading the mixture onto your baking sheet, gently press it down into a tight, compact oval or rectangle with the back of a spatula. Bake it undisturbed for the first 15 minutes. Then, remove it from the oven, and gently break it apart into your desired cluster sizes before continuing to bake for the remaining time. Avoid over-stirring once clusters begin to form.
Cool Completely for Optimal Crunch: Patience is a virtue, especially with granola! It is absolutely essential to allow your granola to cool completely on the baking sheet after it comes out of the oven. Granola will continue to crisp up as it cools, transforming from slightly soft to delightfully crunchy. Adding dried strawberries or storing it before it’s fully cooled will trap moisture, leading to a chewy or soft result.
Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: For even baking and maximum crunch, spread your granola in a thin, single layer on the baking sheet. If you’re making a double or triple batch, use two or even three baking sheets. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of toasting, resulting in a soggy granola.
Taste Test and Adjust: Feel free to taste your dry ingredient mixture before adding the wet components. This gives you a chance to adjust the balance of nuts or seeds. While you can’t add more sugar after baking, you can always sprinkle a little extra spice if desired after it cools.

Granola and strawberries make for a sweet and satisfying breakfast or a great snack for on the go! Make this recipe in double or triple batches to be sure you always have some homemade strawberry granola on hand.

📖 Creative Substitutions and Delicious Variations

One of the best things about homemade granola is how easily it can be customized to your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this strawberry granola truly your own!

More Fruity Goodness: While dried strawberries are the star, you can easily add other dried fruits for a multi-layered flavor profile. Consider dried cranberries, golden raisins, chopped apricots, dried cherries, or even a mix of tropical dried fruits like mango or pineapple for an exotic twist. Just be sure to add them after baking, similar to the strawberries.
Spice It Up: Don’t underestimate the power of spices to elevate your granola! A pinch of sea salt can truly make all the flavors pop and balance the sweetness. For a warm and comforting touch, try adding ½ to 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a sprinkle of nutmeg to the dry ingredients. Cardamom or ginger could also add an interesting aromatic note.
Nutty Additions: Beyond sliced almonds, feel free to experiment with other nuts or seeds. Chopped pecans, walnuts, cashews, or even macadamia nuts would be delicious. For seeds, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), sunflower seeds, or chia seeds would add extra nutrients and crunch. These can be added along with the almonds and oats.
Sweetness Variations: While maple syrup is our preferred natural sweetener, you can also use honey for a slightly different flavor profile. If using honey, you might need to adjust the baking time slightly as honey tends to caramelize faster.
Indulgent Mix-Ins: For an extra special treat, consider adding chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white) after the granola has completely cooled. Unsweetened coconut flakes, added during the last 10-15 minutes of baking, will toast beautifully and add a tropical hint. A little citrus zest (lemon or orange) can also brighten up the flavor profile significantly.
Make it Gluten-Free: Ensure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free, and double-check your puffed cereal ingredients, and this recipe can easily accommodate a gluten-free diet.

🥫 Storage and Reheating Homemade Granola

Proper storage is essential to maintain the crispness and fresh flavor of your homemade strawberry granola for as long as possible. Once your granola has completely cooled to room temperature (this is crucial to prevent condensation and sogginess), transfer it to an airtight container. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, a resealable plastic bag, or a vacuum-sealed container are all excellent options.

When stored carefully in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and humidity, your delicious strawberry granola should retain its freshness and crunch for about **one month**. If you notice it starting to lose its crispness over time, you can briefly spread it on a baking sheet and toast it in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) for 10-15 minutes, then let it cool completely to revive its crunch.

For longer-term storage, homemade granola freezes exceptionally well. Simply place the cooled granola in a freezer-safe, airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It should keep beautifully in the freezer for up to **6 months**. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply take out the desired portion and let it thaw at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat unless you prefer it warm.

💡 Delicious Ways to Serve Your Strawberry Granola

While a simple bowl of this homemade strawberry granola with a splash of milk or your favorite plant-based drink makes for a truly satisfying breakfast, its versatility extends far beyond that. Here are some fantastic ways to enjoy your delicious creation:

Classic Breakfast Bowl: Serve it with cold milk (dairy or non-dairy), topped with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a protein boost.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer the strawberry granola with plain or vanilla yogurt and fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) in a glass for an attractive and healthy breakfast or dessert.
Smoothie Topping: Sprinkle a generous amount of granola over your morning smoothie bowl or a simple fruit smoothie for added crunch and texture.
Dessert Enhancement: Use it as a crunchy topping for ice cream, baked apples, or fruit crisps. It adds a wonderful texture contrast and burst of flavor.
On-the-Go Snack: Grab a handful straight from the container for a quick, energizing snack between meals. It’s perfect for hiking, work, or school lunches.
With Other Breakfast Favorites: Pair a serving of this granola alongside savory breakfast options like Air Fryer Boiled Eggs or a Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole for a complete and balanced meal.
Alongside Fresh Fruit: Complement the dried strawberries with a vibrant Berry Salad or a refreshing Healthy Acai Smoothie for a fruit-filled feast.

🍓 More Delicious Strawberry Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of fresh and fruity strawberry flavors, you’ll love these other fantastic recipes:

Strawberry Smoothie Bowl – This cold, creamy, and vibrant breakfast bowl is a delightful and nutritious way to start your day feeling full and refreshed.
Easy Strawberry Overnight Oats – Another incredibly convenient and tasty breakfast option that can be prepped the night before, making busy mornings a breeze!
Super Easy Strawberry Fudge – For those with a sweet tooth, this simple 3-ingredient fudge offers a delightful strawberry dessert that’s quick to whip up.
Strawberry Margarita – Cool off on a hot day with this refreshing frozen drink from A Couple Cooks, perfect for a treat!

Overhead shot of two clear bowls filled with homemade granola and dried strawberries, casually sprinkled with more granola on a wooden surface, alongside a bowl of assorted sliced fresh fruit. — You will love this unique and delicious recipe for granola with dried strawberries!

Another fantastic way to utilize fresh strawberries is to make this easy Strawberry Bread recipe, which is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack!

Strawberry Granola Recipe Card

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Strawberry Granola

Recipe Author:

Kristin

Enjoy this healthy and hearty Strawberry Granola for breakfast, made from scratch including an easy method for drying your own strawberries!

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5 from 58 votes

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Prep Time

10

Cook Time

30

Servings
10

Ingredients

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½ cup pure maple syrup
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4 tablespoons butter
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1 teaspoon strawberry extract
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5 cups puffed cereal (e.g., kamut, wheat, millet)
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1 cup rolled oats
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½ cup sliced almonds
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2 tablespoons sesame seeds
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½ cup dried strawberries (see drying directions in blog post)

US Customary – Metric

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
2. Combine the pure maple syrup and butter in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the butter is completely melted and the mixture is warm. Remove from heat and stir in the strawberry extract until well combined.

½ cup pure maple syrup,
4 tablespoons butter,
1 teaspoon strawberry extract
3. In a large bowl, combine the puffed cereal, rolled oats, and sliced almonds. Stir to mix them evenly.

5 cups puffed cereal,
1 cup rolled oats,
½ cup sliced almonds
4. Slowly pour the warm syrup mixture over the dry cereal mixture, stirring continuously as you pour to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. This is important for consistent flavor and crunch.
5. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the mixture and stir well to combine. This helps them adhere to the other pieces of cereal and prevents them from simply settling at the bottom.

2 tablespoons sesame seeds
6. Spread the granola mixture evenly in a single layer over the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring gently after 20 minutes to ensure even browning.
7. Remove from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. Once cooled, add in the dried strawberries and gently mix. Enjoy your homemade strawberry granola!

½ cup dried strawberries

Notes

For the best results, ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed to distribute the coating evenly before baking.
To achieve larger, satisfying chunks in your granola, press the mixture together tightly into a compact shape on the baking sheet for the first 15 minutes of baking. After this initial bake, gently break it apart into your desired cluster sizes and continue baking for the remaining 10-15 minutes.
Always allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet before storing or adding dried fruits. This is crucial for achieving its signature crisp texture.

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Nutrition

Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.

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