There’s something undeniably Boulder about a great jar of granola.

Not the ultra-processed kind that tastes more like dessert than breakfast. The best granola is built on simple ingredients—toasty oats, crunchy nuts, wholesome seeds, and just enough honey or maple syrup to bring everything together.

Boulder-based Purely Elizabeth helped popularize this style of premium granola nationwide, and their products remain favorites for good reason. But making your own delivers the same wholesome spirit for a fraction of the cost—and you can customize every batch to your taste.

This is the version I keep coming back to. It’s simple, flexible, and built for real Boulder living: early morning Flatirons hikes, busy workdays, long study sessions at CU, post-run recovery, or simply enjoying a healthy breakfast before heading out the door.

Homemade Boulder Granola Recipe

Makes about 8–9 cups

Ingredients

• 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1½ cups mixed nuts, roughly chopped (almonds, pecans, and walnuts work beautifully)
• ¾ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• ½ cup raw pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
• ⅓ cup chia seeds or ground flaxseed (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ⅓ cup melted coconut oil (or extra-virgin olive oil)
• ⅓ cup Colorado honey or pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar (optional, for richer caramel flavor)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ¾ to 1 cup dried cranberries, cherries, raisins, or chopped apricots (added after baking)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts, coconut, seeds, cinnamon, and sea salt.
3. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the melted coconut oil, honey, optional coconut sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the oat mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. The mixture should look lightly glossy but not overly wet.
5. Spread the granola into an even layer on the baking sheet. Leave a few small clumps if you enjoy crunchy clusters.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, gently stir, then bake another 15–20 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Keep an eye on the edges during the final few minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. This is when it develops its signature crunch.
8. Once completely cool, stir in the dried fruit.
9. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Cost Comparison

A large homemade batch typically costs $8–11, depending on the nuts and honey you already have in your pantry.

By comparison, a premium bag of granola often costs $7–9 while providing only a fraction of the quantity.

Why This Recipe Works So Well in Boulder

Inspired by the wholesome style that helped make Boulder-based Purely Elizabeth famous, this homemade version delivers plenty of crunch, balanced sweetness, and satisfying texture while letting you control every ingredient.

You decide how much sugar goes in.

You choose the type of oil.

You can increase the protein, add more healthy fats, or make it especially trail-friendly for your next adventure.

It’s also perfect for meal prep. One Sunday afternoon batch can cover breakfasts and healthy snacks throughout the week.

Students love it because it’s inexpensive and filling. Hikers toss a handful into a backpack before hitting Chautauqua or Mount Sanitas. Parents keep a jar on the counter for a quick breakfast that doesn’t leave everyone hungry an hour later.

Easy Variations

Higher Protein

• Add an extra ½ cup of nuts or seeds.
• Stir your favorite unflavored protein powder into yogurt when serving.

Lower Sugar

• Skip the coconut sugar and rely solely on honey or maple syrup.

Trail Mix Version

• Add dark chocolate chips, extra dried cherries, or cacao nibs after the granola has cooled.

Warm Spice Blend

• Add a pinch of cardamom or freshly grated nutmeg along with the cinnamon.

Serving Ideas

Enjoy it:

• Over Greek yogurt with fresh Colorado berries
• With your favorite milk or plant-based milk
• Sprinkled over overnight oats
• On top of smoothie bowls
• Straight from the jar while your morning coffee brews

A Taste of Boulder in Every Bite

Boulder has always embraced simple, wholesome ingredients prepared with care. This homemade granola captures that same philosophy without the premium price tag.

Whether you’re fueling up for a sunrise hike, heading to class at CU Boulder, preparing for a long workday, or packing snacks for your next mountain adventure, this recipe delivers fresh flavor, satisfying crunch, and real value.

Make one batch this weekend, and there’s a good chance you’ll never go back to buying expensive granola again.

AboutBoulder-admin