Gluten-Free Cinnamon Toast Crunch Granola

What You’ll Need For Gluten-Free Cinnamon Toast Crunch Granola

• Gluten Free Oats: The backbone of any granola, gluten-free oats ensure this recipe is accessible to those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. They offer a hearty, chewy texture and a neutral canvas that absorbs the rich flavors of cinnamon, maple syrup, and vanilla beautifully.
• Raw Almonds: Chopped almonds not only add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor but also pack the granola with heart-healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making each spoonful as nutritious as it is delicious.
• Raw Walnuts or Pecans: Either or both of these nuts can be used to introduce a different texture and depth of flavor. Walnuts offer a slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the granola, while pecans contribute a buttery richness that complements the cinnamon and maple syrup.
• Pumpkin Seeds & Sunflower Seeds: These seeds mix in additional textures and layers of flavor, along with a boost of minerals like magnesium and zinc. They also add a slight earthiness that balances the granola’s overall sweetness.
• Unsweetened Coconut: Coconut flakes lend a tropical hint and subtle sweetness, enhancing the granola’s complexity without adding extra sugar. Its crispy texture post-baking is a delightful surprise in every bite.
• Cinnamon: The key spice that gives this granola its signature Cinnamon Toast Crunch vibe. Cinnamon not only adds warmth and spice but also has anti-inflammatory properties, making each bite as beneficial as it is flavorful. I love using the Chas Organics Cinnamon
• Salt: Just a touch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and amplify the granola’s array of flavors, making the cinnamon and vanilla notes pop even more.
• Olive Oil: Used as a healthier fat option, olive oil helps to bind the granola ingredients together, ensuring they crisp up nicely in the oven without becoming too dry or burnt. You could swap this out for another oil that you have on hand if necessary.
• Cookie Butter or Nut Butter: Incorporating my homemade cookie butter recipe is ideal however if you’re pinched on time and have another nut butter on hand that can work too.W Whichever butter you choose it will add a creamy, decadent element to the granola, enhancing its richness and helping to clump the oats and nuts together. This also introduces additional protein and healthy fats.
• Maple Syrup: As a natural sweetener, maple syrup infuses the granola with a deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture, contributing to the sticky clusters that make granola so irresistible.
• Vanilla: A splash of vanilla extract rounds out all the flavors, adding a hint of aromatic sweetness that ties the entire recipe together, ensuring the granola has a comforting and familiar taste.