This salted caramel granola delivers an irresistible sweet-and-salty crunch, perfect for elevating your morning routine or as a healthy snack. Made with simple ingredients like oats, nuts, and a rich maple syrup glaze, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and fills your kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma. You’ll love how easy it is to create salted caramel granola clusters that rival any store-bought cereal.

I first crafted this recipe during a cozy autumn weekend, inspired by the nostalgic flavor of salted caramel treats from my childhood. The balance of savory sea salt against the sweet, buttery notes reminds me of chilly mornings spent with a warm cup of tea and a good book. It pairs wonderfully with yogurt for breakfast or as a topping for desserts like my salted caramel apple bars or pecan pie bars. This granola has become a staple in my home for its versatility and homestyle appeal.

Why This Granola Will Become Your Favorite

Homemade Goodness: You control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives found in store-bought cereals.
Perfect Texture: It bakes into crunchy clusters that stay crisp for weeks when stored properly.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch ahead for quick breakfasts or easy snacks on busy days.
Family-Approved Flavor: The sweet and salty combination appeals to both kids and adults alike.

What You Need for Perfect Salted Caramel Granola

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Rolled oats: Use old-fashioned oats for the best texture and cluster formation.
Chopped nuts: Pecans or almonds add crunch and complement the caramel flavor beautifully.
Brown sugar: Provides deep molasses notes that enhance the caramelized taste.
Maple syrup: Choose pure grade A for its rich flavor and natural sweetness.
Melted butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in your granola.
Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
Sea salt: Flaky sea salt creates those signature sweet-and-salty caramel contrasts.

Salted Caramel Granola

Make delicious salted caramel granola with this easy recipe. Perfect for breakfast or snacks with crunchy oats, nuts, and sweet caramel flavor.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

oven
baking sheets
parchment paper
whisk
medium bowl
large bowl
electric mixer
spatula
measuring cups
measuring spoons
wire rack

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs at room temperature
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Thoroughly whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl until they are well combined.
In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy.
Beat the eggs and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture until they are fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until no streaks of flour remain. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Use a spatula to fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers appear soft and slightly underdone.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Keyword granola, oats, salted caramel

Easy Ways to Customize Your Granola

Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled granola for extra decadence.
Spiced Version: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for warm autumn flavors.
Protein Boost: Stir in pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds after baking for added nutrition.

My Pro Tips for Perfect Clusters

Don’t Over-Stir: Press the mixture firmly onto the baking sheet to encourage cluster formation.
Cool Completely: Let the granola cool untouched on the sheet for maximum crunchiness.
Storage Matters: Keep in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent softening.
Even Baking: Stir halfway through baking for consistent color and to prevent burning edges.

How to Keep Your Granola Fresh

Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
Freeze: Place in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Spread on a baking sheet and warm at 300°F for 5 minutes to restore crunch.
Make-Ahead Tip: Double the batch and store half for future quick breakfasts or snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this granola vegan?

Yes, simply substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. The maple syrup already makes it naturally vegan-friendly, and you’ll still achieve those delicious crispy clusters.

How do I get big clusters in my granola?

Press the mixture firmly into the pan before baking and avoid stirring too much during cooking. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet, then break into clusters once cooled.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Absolutely. Honey works well but will make the granola slightly sweeter and create a darker color. I prefer maple syrup for its distinct flavor that complements the caramel notes.

Is this granola gluten-free?

Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities.

More Homemade Treats You’ll Adore

Why This Salted Caramel Granola Wins

With its perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors and satisfying crunch, this homemade granola will become your go-to breakfast or snack. It’s incredibly easy to make with pantry staples and fills your home with the most wonderful aroma while baking. I hope this salted caramel granola becomes a cherished recipe in your kitchen too, just as it has in mine.

Easy Breakfast Granola