There are so many granola options these days on the grocery shelves that it can be overwhelming to pick just one. A lot of store bought granola brands sneak in way too much sugar or “fillers” that actually make them really unhealthy. I love granola for breakfast mixed with yogurt or nut milk so making my own not only saves money, but also controls the amount of sugar I get first thing in the morning. This granola is sweetened only with maple syrup and is vegan, gluten free, and refined sugar free!Â
This recipe is so easy to make. Just mix together the ingredients, place it all on a baking tray, and cook everything in the oven. It requires minimal prep and clean up (I recommend putting parchment paper down on the baking tray). This recipe also makes a lot, so the granola should last you a week or two!
The base of this recipe can easily be swapped with your favorite nuts and seeds, you can add in or swap out the grains (for example buckwheat), dried fruit, or even chocolate chips. I prefer my granola to not be too sweet so the base recipe is only lightly sweetened, but you can make it sweeter to your liking by adding more maple syrup or adding in ÂĽ cup of honey.Â
After the granola bakes, you will want to let it fully cool. Then store it in a sealed airtight container either in the fridge or on the counter and it will be good for at least one month.
Substitution Ideas:
- Sunflower seeds: you can swap these out for pumpkin seeds
- Almonds: you can use any other nut you like! Pecans, walnuts or a combo as long as you use 2 cups
- Grains: you can replace some of the oats with buckwheat
Nut + Seed Homemade Granola
Cooking & Baking Supplies
- Baking Tray
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup sunflower seeds
- 3/4 cup sesame seeds
- 2 cups sliced almonds
- 1 cup flax seeds
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 3/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
Optional (add any one of these or all of these)
- 1 tsp ground ginger for some kick
- 1/4 cup honey for extra sweetness
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup dried fruit like raisins, bing cherries, or cranberries for added texture and sweetness
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients together so it is blended well.
- Add in the maple syrup and apple sauce and mix together.
- Spread the mixture out evenly on two baking trays lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 30 mins. At the 20 minute mark, using a spatula, turn over the granola and rearrange it so none of it is on top of each other and so it can brown evenly.
- Granola is done once browned through. Remove from the oven, let cool, and ENJOY!
