Sourdough Fruit and Nut Granola (Honey Sweetened Recipe)
If you are looking for healthy, no added sugar breakfast options, this sourdough fruit and nut granola, sweetened only with honey, is sure to please all ages. On my journey of eliminating processed foods, I quickly stopped buying any and all store-bought cereal. But I always struggled with healthy breakfasts or lunches that weren’t just eggs. This granola has become one of our favorite pantry staples. I love making a big batch for quick breakfasts, topping yogurt bowls, or grabbing by the handful during busy days. By including sourdough, you not only get the benefits of naturally fermented grains, but it also adds to the add liquid so you can use less oil and honey.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read our Disclosure Policy
Jump to RecipeWhy You’ll Love This Recipe
- Honey sweetened
- Uses sourdough discard
- Crunchy clusters
- Great make-ahead breakfast
- Easy to customize
- Stores well
- No refined sugar
- Packed with oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit
Fruit and Nut Granola Ingredients
- Sourdough starter – discard or active
- Honey – or maple syrup
- Coconut oil – melted
- Vanilla Extract
- Rolled oats
- Nuts – I use walnuts or pecans
- Seeds – I use hemp and pumpkin seeds
- Cinnamon – I use ceylon cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
- Dried fruit – I use raisins, craisins, dried blueberries, goji berries, etc
Equipment/Ingredients You’ll Need
Begin by mixing the wet ingredients. Next, add the oats, nuts, seeds, and spices.
How to Make Sourdough Fruit and Nut Granola
Begin by mixing the wet ingredients. I like using stainless steel bowls because I can melt the coconut oil directly in the bowl. Once the coconut oil has melted and slightly cooled, stir in the honey, sourdough starter, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Next, add the oats, nuts, seeds, and spices. At this stage, keep the dried fruit aside—you’ll add it after baking. Stir everything well so the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Afterward, pour the granola mixture onto a sheet pan and spread it into a thin, even layer. I usually use two half sheet pans or one extra-large 21×15 sheet pan. A thinner layer helps the granola bake more evenly and crisp up faster, whereas a thicker layer will take longer and require more attention.
Next, bake at 300°F for 20–30 minutes, or until the granola is lightly golden and fragrant.
Halfway through baking, you can stir the granola if you prefer smaller clusters. Alternatively, leave it untouched for larger, chunkier pieces that hold together better.
Finally, allow the granola to cool slightly before breaking it into clusters. Once slightly cooled, toss in the dried fruit and mix gently to combine.
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container.
Optional Long Ferment
For an optional long ferment, cover and let rest 6-12 hours. Then continue with baking.
Flavor Variations
- Add flaky coconut
- Swap the nuts and seeds for sliced almonds
- Add puffed kamut for a lighter, crunchy texture
- Use pecans and maple instead of mixed nuts and honey
- Add chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp hearts for added nutrition
- Add orange zest with dried cranberries
- Use dried cherries with dark chocolate chunks
- Add mini chocolate chips once fully cooled
- Use cardamom instead of cinnamon for a different spice profile
- Add pumpkin pie spice for a cozy fall variation
- Use cashews and dried pineapple for a tropical version
Tips for the Best Sourdough Granola
- Bake low, honey will cause it to burn easier
- Don’t overcrowd pan for even toasting
- Do not close tightly till fully cooled
- Store airtight
Serving Ideas
- Yogurt bowls
- With raw milk
- Smoothie bowls
- Snack jars
- Ice cream topping
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?
Yes. I always use active starter.
Does sourdough granola taste sour?
No. I recommend using a recently fed starter for a barely noticeable sourdough taste.
Why is my granola not crunchy?
Usually underbaking or storing before fully cooled.
Sourdough Fruit and Nut Granola (Honey Sweetened Recipe)
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 200 g sourdough starter active or discard
- 80 g honey or maple syrup
- 40 g coconut oil
- 20 g vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 400 g rolled oats
- 150 g nuts I use walnuts or pecans
- 150 g seeds I use hemp and pumpkin seeds
- 8 g cinnamon 2 tsp
- 4 g nutmeg 1 tsp
- 6 g salt 1 tsp
Add-ins
- 150 g dried fruit I use raisins,craisins, blueberries, or goji berries
Instructions
- Begin by mixing the wet ingredients. I like using stainless steel bowls because I can melt the coconut oil directly in the bowl. Once the coconut oil has melted and slightly cooled, stir in the honey, sourdough starter, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Next, add the oats, nuts, seeds, and spices. At this stage, keep the dried fruit aside—you’ll add it after baking. Stir everything well so the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Afterward, pour the granola mixture onto a sheet pan and spread it into a thin, even layer. I usually use two half sheet pans or one extra-large 21×15 sheet pan. A thinner layer helps the granola bake more evenly and crisp up faster, whereas a thicker layer will take longer and require more attention.
- Next, bake at 300°F for 20–30 minutes, or until the granola is lightly golden and fragrant.
- Halfway through baking, you can stir the granola if you prefer smaller clusters. Alternatively, leave it untouched for larger, chunkier pieces that hold together better.
- Finally, allow the granola to cool slightly before breaking it into clusters. Once slightly cooled, toss in the dried fruit and mix gently to combine.
- Cool completely, then store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Bake low, honey will cause it to burn easier
- Don’t overcrowd pan for even toasting
- Do not close tightly till fully cooled
- Store airtight
Love this recipe?
If you loved this recipe, please leave a rating and review below. Your support truly means so much to me. Also, be sure to follow us on Pinterest for more delicious and nourishing recipes.





Looks so yummy! Makes me want to try adding a little sourdough starter to our go to granola combo. The long fermenting tip is so awesome!
Yes! I’m a little obsessed with long fermenting everything! Gotta get in all the fermented goodness anywhere we can 😉 Hope you love it!
We have been looking for a refined sugar free granola and this recipe is delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! Glad you loved it
How wonderful!! I love that your recipe uses honey instead of regular sugar!
Thank you! I love no processed options, especially for breakfast foods.
Huge granola fan, can’t wait to try this recipe!
I hope you love it!
This looks delicious! I’m always looking for new sourdough ideas!! 🙂
Thank you! I hope you love it!
This is a great recipe! We love having granola on hand for outdoor adventures.
Thank you! Yes, granola makes such a great snack – we use it like trail mix.
I love making homemade granola, but never thought of using sourdough! Thanks for sharing! Can’t wait to try this!
I grew up on homemade granola, but I love the added sourdough for the health benefits obviously, but also to help with the liquid portion so it takes less oil/honey. I hope you love it!
I love that you can use a decent amount of discard for this recipe! Thanks for sharing!
Yes! It is a great way to use up extra discard.