Healthy Breakfast Granola
This post may contain affiliate links.
Read our Disclaimer.
Leave a Comment ★★★★★
Healthy Breakfast Granola
This vegan granola is an aromatic morning staple, crafted with old-fashioned oats, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds, sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup. It’s wonderfully crisp and ready in just over an hour, making it ideal for energizing breakfasts or wholesome snacking. You’ll love its warm cinnamon fragrance and satisfying crunch.
I’ve always been captivated by the ritual of making granola from scratch, a practice I embraced during my travels through Vermont’s maple country. There’s something deeply comforting about toasting oats and nuts until golden, filling the kitchen with whispers of cinnamon and vanilla. I love serving this vegan granola over creamy coconut yogurt or with a splash of almond milk, and it pairs beautifully with a cup of spiced chai or alongside a batch of my favorite pumpkin muffins. For busy mornings, I often prepare it ahead and enjoy it with some overnight oats for a balanced, satisfying start.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Granola
- Perfectly Crisp Clusters: Baked low and slow for that ideal golden crunch.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with simple, nourishing components like oats and seeds.
- Meal Prep Ready: Stays fresh for weeks, perfect for quick healthy breakfasts.
- Naturally Sweetened: Gets its sweetness purely from rich maple syrup.
What You’ll Need for Perfect Vegan Granola
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
Dry Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The hearty base that gives the granola its structure.
- Raw walnuts, roughly chopped: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
- Raw pumpkin seeds: Provides a subtle earthy note and extra protein.
- Unsweetened shredded coconut: Offers a delicate, tropical sweetness and texture.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses warm, comforting spice throughout the mixture.
- Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Wet Ingredients
- Maple syrup: The natural sweetener that helps create those crispy clusters.
- Coconut oil, melted: Coats the ingredients evenly for a golden bake.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the overall flavor.
Vegan Granola
Easy vegan granola recipe with maple syrup & coconut oil. Perfect crunchy homemade granola for breakfast or snacks.
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- spatula
- oven
- baking sheet
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup raw walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped walnuts, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and salt until evenly distributed.
- Pour the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract over the oat mixture and stir thoroughly with a spatula until every oat and nut is lightly coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, pressing down gently with the back of a spoon to help form clusters.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring gently halfway through, until the granola is golden brown and fragrant.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the sheet for at least 1 hour to become crisp.
Notes
Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet to become crisp.
Ways to Customize This Granola
- Fruit-Infused Version: Stir in a half cup of dried cranberries or raisins after baking.
- Chocolate Chip Twist: Add vegan dark chocolate chips once the granola has cooled.
- Nut-Free Option: Replace walnuts with sunflower seeds for a safe, crunchy alternative.
My Favorite Tips for Perfect Granola
- Press for Clusters: Firmly press the mixture onto the baking sheet before baking to form those classic clusters.
- Cool Completely: Let the granola cool entirely on the sheet, which is crucial for achieving maximum crunch.
- Low and Slow Baking: Bake at 300°F to gently toast the oats without burning the maple syrup.
- Storage Matters: Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness, just like you would for gingerbread muffins.
How to Store Your Homemade Granola
- Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to three months.
- Reheat: If it softens, warm it on a baking sheet at 275°F for about 10 minutes to re-crisp.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This granola is perfect for weekly meal prep, just like breakfast casserole, for easy mornings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is granola vegan?
Yes, this granola is completely vegan. It uses coconut oil and maple syrup instead of butter or honey, making it plant based and cruelty free. Always check any add ins like chocolate chips to ensure they meet vegan standards.
Why is my homemade granola not crunchy?
Granola may not become crunchy if it is not baked long enough or if it is stirred too often while cooling. Make sure to bake until golden and let it cool completely on the sheet without disturbing it to achieve that perfect crispness.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
I do not recommend quick oats for this recipe. Old fashioned rolled oats provide the right texture and hold up better during baking, while quick oats can become too soft and may result in a mushy granola.
How can I make granola clusters?
To form clusters, press the granola mixture firmly onto the baking sheet before baking. Do not stir during the first half of baking, and after baking, let it cool completely before breaking it into chunks.
More Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
- High Protein Peanut Butter Oats
- Birthday Cake Overnight Oats
- Morning Glory Muffins
- Banana Cinnamon Rolls
- Avocado Breakfast Bowl
- Cheddar Breakfast Bites
Make This Vegan Granola Tonight
With its irresistible crunch and warm maple-cinnamon aroma, this vegan granola is a breakfast game-changer. It’s simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for busy mornings or leisurely weekend brunches. I hope it becomes a cherished staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine.
