Made With Love From Topanga's Secret Cottage: Rustic Homemade Granola

There’s something magical about creating something nourishing with limited ingredients in a cozy, tucked-away cottage surrounded by nature. During a recent stay in a little Airbnb nestled deep in Topanga Canyon, I woke up craving something beyond the usual oatmeal. Plus, there's something comforting about the natural aromatherapy that permeates the kitchen when baking something sweet. With just a few ingredients on hand—and a sprinkle of inspiration from the sunrise—I threw together this scrappy, rustic homemade granola. It turned out so delicious and nutrient-packed that I knew I had to share it here.

Nutritional Benefits

This granola may be simple, but it’s seriously loaded with goodness. Each serving delivers:

4.6 grams of omega-3s from flaxseed meal and hemp seeds, which support brain, gut, and heart health
13 grams of plant-based protein to help keep you full and satisfied
6.5 grams of fiber to nourish your gut microbiome
A hearty dose of magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins to support mood, energy, and immune function

Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a midday snack, or even sprinkled on a dessert, this granola is a powerhouse of nutrients wrapped up in cozy, crunchy goodness.

Rustic Homemade Granola Recipe

This rustic granola is crunchy, slightly sweet, and packed with texture from the oats, walnuts, flax, and hemp. It’s got a subtle saltiness that balances beautifully with the maple syrup, and it's endlessly adaptable—use whatever nuts or seeds you have on hand. It’s scrappy in the best way possible: unfussy, hearty, and nourishing. Perfect for cottage mornings or anywhere you want a grounding, feel-good meal.

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Rustic Homemade Granola Ingredients

2 cups dry rolled oats
1 cup walnuts (or other nut or seed of choice)
1/2 cup hemp seeds
1/2 cup flaxseed meal
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup maple syrup (see below on reducing sugar)
Salt

Rustic Homemade Granola Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Add the rolled oats, walnuts, hemp seeds, flaxseed meal, and cinnamon to a large bowl and mix to combine.
Pour the maple syrup over top and mix until the dry ingredients are coated.
Spread the mixture out evenly on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Sprinkle the top of the granola lightly with salt.
Bake for 15 minutes, tossing halfway in between for even baking. Keep an eye on it to make sure walnuts do not burn! All ovens vary in temp. If you know yours runs hot, check at 12 minutes.
Serve warm, pouring plant-based milk over top and fresh berries or store in a sealed container at room temperature for 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to one month.

rustic granola — can't you just smell the aroma?

Suggestions

Reduce maple syrup to 1/4 c + 2 tbsp maple for lower sugar. It’s still delish but only a tablespoon of maple per serving.
Use pecans, chopped almonds, pumkin seeds, or a blend of nuts and/or seed to replace the walnuts.
Spice it up: Add a dash of nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice blend or more cinnamon to add more spice.
Boost omega 3's and fiber even more by adding two tablespoons of chia seeds.
Add fresh fruit and plant-based milk for a yummy breakfast, snack or treat!

Nutrition Information per serving (6 servings)

424 calories

13 grams protein

36 grams carbohydrate

6.5 grams fiber

17 grams sugar (13 grams when maple is reduced to 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsps)

25 grams fat

2.4 grams saturated fat

4.6 grams omega 3's

104 mg sodium

Excellent source: vitamins B1, B2, B6, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc

Good source: vitamins B3, B5, folate, calcium

Turning to Your Pantry for Inspiration

This granola was born out of simplicity, resourcefulness, and a desire to make something comforting while staying in a quiet corner of Topanga. It's a reminder that you don’t need a fully stocked kitchen to create something delicious and nourishing—you just need a little creativity and a few pantry staples. If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out and how you made it your own!