Ways to Save Money, Make Your Own Granola

I know this way to save money may seem a little odd. But have you ever really considered how much granola you are getting in those little boxes from the store?

If you have been shocked by the price of granola, then you know what I mean when I say you can save by making your own granola.

A 10-12 oz box of granola can end up costing me $3 on sale at a discount store. At a regular retailer it can cost more than $5 a box.

But what if you could make 6 times the amount you get in a box from the store for just a little over $6. That’s what this recipe can do for you. You can save $20 every time you make it.

If you haven’t tried making your own granola before don’t worry, it’s super easy to do.

Even if you can’t bake, you can make inexpensive granola for your family.

It’s basically measure, mix, bake and cool. Really easy right?!

Price Comparison Homemade VS Store Bought

The basic homemade granola recipe below makes 18 cups of granola for just $6.20. Not bad at all

The basic granola at the store comes in 3 cups per box for around $4-5. It would take 6 boxes from the store to equal the 18 cups you can make in one batch at home. That means the same amount from the store costs $24 to $30.

You can save around $20 making your own granola at home in about an hour. Most of the time is the cooking time too.

Keep on scrolling to get the recipe and learn the 4 easy steps to making this frugal granola at home.

The Ingredients you’ll Need for Granola

First you need to pick your ingredients. There are basic ingredients I include in each of my granola recipes.

• Oatmeal
• Honey
• Brown Sugar
• Coconut
• Oat or Wheat Bran
• Oil
• Whole Wheat Flour

All of these ingredients are relatively inexpensive to purchase and making a basic granola is your best budget bet.

You can skip the brown sugar and add all honey, but since honey is more expensive, I always mix the two for my sweetener. I also add vanilla to each batch.

It makes the granola smell great while baking and taste great too.

Other Items You Can Mix In

You can add in some more expensive items like dried fruit and nuts.

But that will increase the cost of your granola. I dry my own fruit, so we usually have some sort of dried fruit to add.

But I will usually skip the nuts. Unless I have some sunflower seeds on hand and then I throw those in too.

How to Make Granola Step By Step

Step 1 Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a bowl you’ll want to add all the wet ingredients. You’ll add the oil, honey, water and vanilla to this bowl. Then stir to combined.

Step 2 Dry Ingredients

In a big bowl you’ll want to measure and combined all the dry ingredients. This includes the oatmeal, oat or wheat bran, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, and the coconut. Mix with a spoon.

Step 3 Combine all Ingredients

Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix well until all the dry ingredients are moistened,

Step 4 Bake

Spread the mixture on two cookie sheets and bake for about an hour. I usually switch the top cookie sheet with the bottom cookie sheet about half way through baking. Just to make sure the granola gets baked evenly.

Step 5 Store

Once your granola is done baking and fully cooled, package into zipper topped bags or into glass jars with lids for storage. Keep in the pantry for 2-6 months. If you want to store the granola longer freeze up to 8 months in a zipper sealed freezer bag with the extra air removed.

Ways to Enjoy your Homemade Granola

This granola makes a great eat out of your hand snack.

A wonderful hearty breakfast with some milk added or on top of a bowl of yogurt.

So the next time you are craving some granola skip the cereal aisle at the store and give this recipe a try. I’m sure your family will love it.