Gluten-Free Granola
This Gluten-Free Granola is a crunchy, wholesome blend of certified gluten-free oats, mixed nuts, seeds, and a touch of warm spices—all naturally sweetened with honey (or maple syrup for a vegan twist). Perfect as a breakfast topping, snack, or a topping for yogurt and smoothie bowls, it delivers a satisfying mix of textures and flavors that are both healthy and versatile.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Oven
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups certified gluten-free rolled oats
- 1 cup raw almonds roughly chopped
- ½ cup raw pecans roughly chopped
- ½ cup raw walnuts roughly chopped
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Wet Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup for a vegan option
- ⅓ cup coconut oil melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Finishing Touch:
- ½ cup dried cranberries or substitute with raisins, chopped dried apricots, or dates, added after baking
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free oats, almonds, pecans, walnuts, coconut flakes, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract.
- Mix Together:
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until every bit of the dry mix is lightly coated with the liquid.
- Bake:
- Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Place in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Tip: Stir the granola halfway through baking to ensure even toasting and keep a close watch during the final minutes to prevent burning.
- Cool & Add Dried Fruit:
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the sheet. As it cools, it will become crisp. Once cooled, gently fold in the dried cranberries (or your chosen dried fruit).
- Store:
- Transfer the cooled granola into an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 cups (around 10 servings)
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegetarian (use maple syrup for a vegan version)
- Keywords:
- gluten-free, granola, oats, breakfast, snack, healthy, homemade, baked, nuts, seeds, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan
- Nutrition (per serving – about ½ cup or approximately 50g):
- Calories: ~200 kcal
- Sugar: ~6g
- Sodium: ~80 mg
- Fat: ~10g
- Saturated Fat: ~3g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~25g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Protein: ~5g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients used.
Notes
Gluten-Free Assurance: Always ensure that the oats and any packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Even Baking: Stirring the granola halfway through the baking process helps achieve an even golden-brown color and uniform crunch.
Customization: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, or spices (like a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom) to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions: Enjoy your granola with yogurt, milk, or as a crunchy topping for smoothie bowls. It also makes for a satisfying snack on its own.
Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If the granola loses some crunch over time, a quick 5-minute reheat in the oven can help restore it.
Even Baking: Stirring the granola halfway through the baking process helps achieve an even golden-brown color and uniform crunch.
Customization: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, or spices (like a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom) to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions: Enjoy your granola with yogurt, milk, or as a crunchy topping for smoothie bowls. It also makes for a satisfying snack on its own.
Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If the granola loses some crunch over time, a quick 5-minute reheat in the oven can help restore it.