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I couldn’t have done this without all of you! Your ideas and questions are a daily inspiration for me and I am so excited to be sharing this with you. I am breaking down ALL THINGS GRANOLA in this blog.
If you’ve been around long enough you will know that gluten free granola and I have a long love affair that just keeps growing and blooming and I think I’ve gotten a couple thousand of you HOOKED! Thank me later heheh.
Without further ado, I am sharing all the tips on how to get the ultimate clump, and the best flavour and sharing ALL of my granola tools with you here! So take your time, bookmark this blog and share it with any of your granola crunchin’ friends because it’s a goodie! Before I dive into all the recipes, let’s get the basics out of the way…
Granola is a wholesome, versatile, and delightful blend of baked ingredients that typically includes old fashioned rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Often mixed with oil or melted butter to ensure the perfect crunch. One of the best things about granola is the ability to customize it with a variety of add-ins such as dried fruits, chocolate, coconut flakes, and spices like cinnamon or vanilla, making it a highly adaptable snack or breakfast option.
Granola and muesli are both popular breakfast foods known for their health benefits and versatility; however, there are a few fundamental differences. One of my main differences is that Granola is baked to crunchy perfection while muesli is typically a similar mixture of ingredients but eaten raw. Granola is often served changed to room temperature or cold. Muesli can be eaten cold but often warmed or soaked in milk, yogurt or juice. Granola can be eaten as a snack on its own, served with yogurt, milk, or on top of smoothie bowls and desserts. Both offer nutritious benefits and can be part of a healthy diet, depending on personal preferences and dietary needs.
Now that that’s out of the way! Let’s jump into these amazing homemade healthy granola recipes!
Take a walk down memory lane with a healthier stride. This gluten free granola recipe version of your favorite childhood cereal is everything you’ve dreamed of and more. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to relive those sweet moments, minus the guilt!
Prepare to have your mind blown. Crafted with my homemade cookie butter this granola has the perfect crunch and the most indulgent taste. The best part is it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, destined to become a staple in your breakfast repertoire.
This protein packed granola will help you build muscles the tasty way! Featuring a blend of hearty oats, pumpkin, and brazil nuts, plus a protein boost from Botanica Health’s Perfect Protein, this granola is a nutritional powerhouse flavored with the warmest spices.
Dive into the unique, satisfying granola that’s more on the savoury side with a mix of salted pistachios, rich pistachio butter, and antioxidant-packed blueberries. It’s an unparalleled sweet and salty experience, making mornings genuinely exciting.
This granola is a delightful blend of warming spices, nuts, seeds, and a hint of chocolate, creating a gluten-free, nutritious option for any time of the day. Especially enjoyed in the colder months when you’re craving a cozy breakfast!
This recipe marries my Homemade Nutella with hazelnuts, cacao, and oats for a healthful twist on a beloved flavor combination. Indulge in this healthier twist on a classic nut spread.
Imagine the aroma of cinnamon rolls in nut granola form. With roasted pecans that transform when baked, this granola could easily become your next obsession!
Embrace the magic of chocolate and peanut butter, transformed into a protein-rich granola that harkens back to childhood while appealing to adult tastes. It’s like a Reeses piece but way better!
Bask in the warmth of cinnamon with this oat, nut, and raisin medley, subtly sweetened with maple syrup. This classic oatmeal cookie combination makes for a simple yet comforting granola cereal perfect for a breakfast treat that elevates any morning.
Catering to nut-free dietary needs, this granola uses tahini and is sweetened with organic maple syrup, offering a gluten-free option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.
A rich and indulgent blend, this granola combines the luxurious flavors of almond butter and cacao. It’s a quick, delectable treat that might just become your new addiction, perfectly balancing chocolatey goodness with the health benefits of almonds.
This granola brings a unique twist with black sesame and tahini, offering a deliciously different flavor profile that you didn’t know you needed. It’s a testament to the versatility of granola and its ability to incorporate unique ingredients.
Celebrating the simplicity and joy of homemade granola, this recipe utilizes buckwheat groats for a delightful crunch and nutritional boost, proving that granola can indeed be a sprinkle of happiness on everything.
Embracing the cozy flavors of the holiday season, this gingerbread-inspired granola is a warm, spiced treat that combines the classic tastes of nutmeg and allspice with the wholesomeness of vegan ingredients.
Taking the depth of chai spices and combining it with the desirable crunch of granola is done perfectly in this granola. It blends the autumnal flavors of pumpkin and chai spices, creating a vegan treat that’s perfect for those crisp fall mornings or any time you crave a spice-infused snack.
With an inventive combination of blueberries, tahini, and cardamom, this granola recipe offers a unique taste experience, proving that variety truly is the spice of life in the world of granola.
A collaboration that highlights the aromatic and inviting flavors of chai, this vegan granola is a must-try for anyone who loves the complex taste profile of this beloved spice blend.
This classic recipe encapsulates the essence of granola-making, blending gluten-free oats, almonds, and pecans with the sweetness of raisins and the richness of olive oil and maple syrup. Enhanced with sea salt and cinnamon, and bound together with peanut butter for perfect clumping.
Crafting the perfect batch of homemade granola isn’t just about mixing the right ingredients; it’s also about having the right tools and high-quality ingredients at your fingertips. Here are the essentials to ensure your granola turns out perfectly every time.
Pampered Chef Medium Stoneware Bar Pan: One of the TOP asked questions is what baking sheets I use for my granola and without a doubt it is ALWAYS these. Pampered chef stoneware pans offer a rimmed baking sheet that provides even heat distribution, guaranteeing that every oat and nut is toasted beautifully. Click here
12″ Teak Wooden Spatula: This spatula from WOODENHOUSE LIFELONG QUALITY is not only durable but also safe to use on all types of baking sheets, including your precious stoneware. Click here
Ball 64oz Wide Mouth Half Gallon Mason Jar: Perfect size jar for storing your homemade granola as it seals tight, keeping it fresh and crunchy long after it’s made. Their wide mouth makes it easy to pour your granola for breakfast or a quick snack. Click here
Cuisipro 3 in 1 Funnel Set: Ensuring you don’t drop a single clump, these help in transferring your liquid ingredients without mess, ensuring a smooth cooking experience. Click here
Yupik Shredded Coconut: Many of my recipes include shredded coconut and this is the one I go to time and time again! High-quality ingredients make all the difference in homemade granola. This 1 kg pack ensures you have plenty on hand for multiple batches. Click here
Escuminac Great Harvest Canadian Maple Syrup: I’m lucky enough to often use my parent’s homemade maple syrup but when I run out of that liquid gold I turn to this one. Never skimp on the sweetener of your granola as it absolutely makes a difference and can keep your granola on the healthy side. Click here
Simply Organic Pure Vanilla Extract: Another granola must is vanilla and this brand offers a certified organic option that brings a warm, floral aroma to your mixture. Click here
Bob’s Red Mill Steel Cut Oats, Gluten Free: Even if certified gluten free oats were not a necessity in my household I would still choose these oats over and over again. All oats are gluten free naturally however if they are not made in a gluten free establishment they can have cross-contamination. Bob’s is a highly trusted brand and they provide the perfect chewy texture that’s a hallmark of great granola. Click here
Nuts To You Pumpkin Seed Butter, Peanut Butter, Almond Butter & NutJar Premium Pistachio Butter: Any of these nut butters are amazing and often my top choice for adding a punch of protein. They are amazing for binding the granola and adding flavour.
Now that you know some of my favorite ingredients it’s time to go into details about WHY I choose the ingredients that I do. I love mixing different spices so don’t be afraid to play! Cinnamon and ginger are two of my all time favourites but I love chai blend, and pumpkin spice blend. I have yet to make a savoury granola but might dip my toes in that water soon!
Granola often gets a bad reputation as store bought granolas are filled with preservatives, added sugars and oils. One of the best things about making your own granola is having FULL control over what goes into it and how much. When you get to control what goes into something you get to manage the narrative around it. No food is inherently BAD or GOOD but making any of my granola recipes can make you feel BETTER as you know what you’re eating.
Customizing your granola recipe allows you to cater to your dietary preferences, taste buds, and even what you have on hand in your kitchen. Whether you’re a fan of crunchy clusters or a granola that’s perfect for sprinkling over yogurt, picking and choosing the ingredients that work the best for you is what is most important. Here are some common substitutions or alternative options for common granola ingredients.
Through experimentation, I’ve landed on a magical ratio that ensures every batch of granola is as delightful as the last: equal parts olive oil, nut butter, and maple syrup. This trio acts as the foundational “sauce” that coats the oats, nuts, and seeds, ensuring each granule is perfectly seasoned and ready to crisp up in the oven. I have never found a nut or seed butter that doesn’t work. The beauty of this formula lies in its versatility. Whether your nut butter of choice is thick and creamy or on the thinner side, it doesn’t matter. Heating this mixture and stirring until it becomes homogeneous, ensuring no lumps remain is also so important. This process allows the nut butter to blend seamlessly with the olive oil and maple syrup, creating a smooth sauce that envelops each ingredient in a rich, flavorful coating.
Many of my granola recipes follow a very similar formula which has now proven to be a signature to my amazing clumps and flavour profiles! Here are the basics to making an unforgettable granola.
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 320degrees convection or 325 degrees regular. This moderate temperature allows the granola to toast evenly without burning.
Pre Soaking Fruits: If a recipe has raisins or another dried fruit that is added during the baking process and not after, I highly recommend presoaking for 10 minutes in warm water. This will help ensure they do not get rock hard in the baking process!
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats with your choice of chopped nuts and seeds. If you’re adding spices, mix them in with the dry ingredients to ensure even distribution.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine equal parts olive oil, nut butter, and maple syrup. Heat the mixture, stirring continuously until everything is well combined and smooth. As mentioned previously, you want to ensure there are no lumps.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the warm sauce over the dry oat mixture. Stir thoroughly until all the oats, nuts, and seeds are coated evenly. The goal is to make sure every piece is covered in the mixture.
Spread Granola on a Baking Sheet: Spread the granola mixture in an even layer on a large baking sheet. If the mixture is too crowded, use two baking sheets. Pressing the granola down firmly will help create those desirable chunky clusters.
Bake with Care: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, rotate the pans to ensure even baking. To maintain chunky clusters, do not touch until completely cool. If you prefer a loose granola, give it a gentle stir halfway through.
Add Extras: If you’re adding dried fruit, coconut flakes, or chocolate chips, do so once the granola has cooled. This prevents the dried fruit from hardening and the chocolate from melting.
Store Properly: Transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for several weeks.
This is probably the question I get the MOST! “Why don’t I get clumps like yours?” I promise you this is so much easier to achieve than you think all it takes is a little patience and proper preparation before baking!
I store my granola in mason jars. I have a half-gallon mason jar, especially for my granola. It’s big but not big enough for 1 batch. I use a second smaller mason jar for the spillover and store it in my pantry. Before storing, allow your granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. This step is crucial because any residual warmth can lead to condensation when stored, making your granola lose its delightful crunch. Once completely cooled; transfer into airtight containers. Ensure your storage spot is cool and dry. Moisture is the enemy of granola, so avoid areas prone to dampness or steam, like near the stove or dishwasher. A pantry, cupboard, or even your freezer can be ideal places to store your granola.
Serving up healthy granola can transform even the simplest meals into something truly special, adding not just texture but also a delightful depth of flavour. Here are some inspired ways to enjoy granola that might just elevate your culinary experiences:
Last Christmas I suggested you make my granola as a gift and I am so pleased that so many of you did. My granola has been made on several different continents and gifted for all sorts of occasions. I love buying small half-litre mason jars and gifting them for any occasion. It makes a great hostess gift or even makes great bridal shower presents too!
If you love granola, consider sharing this blog with someone else who loves granola! Inside there is an easy granola recipe for yogurt, a healthy granola recipe (no sugar) and so much more. If you’re craving another style of granola recipes; check out my baked oats recipes where you can put your granola to work!
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3 Responses
Buen día … agradecida por la página…sería muy útil tener la opción de cambio de idioma por favor…español para tener la mejor opción de seguir su página y suscribirme.
Regards
Bego
Hola Bego, I will try and find a way to make this possible, thank you for the suggestion!
Buenas tardes!!!
Quisiera poder tener la
Opción de que manden las recetas en español porfavor 🙏🏻🙏🏻🥹😔se ve todo tan delicioso, pero no puedo saber lo
Que dice y tampoco las cantidades a utilizar 😔