This homemade vegan granola recipe is an easy, naturally sweetened breakfast! This version is oil free and can be made with gluten free oats! Best of all, it’s ready in about 15 minutes. If you’re searching for another nutritious breakfast recipe, try out my Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie for a delicious and filling breakfast or snack.
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Table of contents
Why it’s Awesome
It's an easy homemade vegan granola recipe: Everyone will love this healthy granola recipe because of its crunch, freshness and flavor. It makes a tasty, healthy and filling breakfast! This recipe is a great plant based option for anyone.
Quick prep time: This recipe only takes about 15 minutes to make and you can make a big batch of it to have every morning or afternoon for a snack! It’s also versatile, so you can add some of your own favorite ingredients to personalize it!
Oil free: This recipe is oil free and low fat, which is great if you are looking for a healthy snack or breakfast! Many granolas have a lot of added sugar and fats that aren’t typically necessary. That’s why I kept this recipe simple, low fat, but still tasty.
Key Ingredients
Old fashioned rolled oats - I have used different brands and the results are always the same. Be sure you buy old fashioned rolled oats not instant or steel cut oats. Gluten free option - be sure to check your ingredient label.
Walnuts - Walnuts are mild flavored and blend well with the wholesomeness of granola. Walnuts are usually sold raw. Chop them and toast them to release their nutty, buttery flavor. Substitute with pecans if desired. Or you can skip the all together if you're looking for a nut free version.
Pumpkin Seeds - also called pepitas. Pumpkin seeds are slightly sweet and nutty. I used shelled, raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds for this recipe. If you use roasted, salted pumpkin seeds then you won't need to toast them. I have always added pumpkin seeds to my granola for the amazing flavor they add. You can also try sunflower seeds as well.
Cinnamon/Salt - I love cinnamon in granola. Feel free to experiment with your favorites such as pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, cloves, ginger, and all spice. Don't forget the salt! It will pull all the flavors together.
Pure Maple Syrup - this really makes the recipe. Maple syrup has a sweet, woodsy, and caramel flavor. I don't recommend a substitute, but you could try corn syrup and/or honey with 2 tablespoons brown sugar. You can try a flavored maple syrup like Trader Joe's Vanilla Bean Maple Syrup. Maple syrup is naturally sweetened and adds a nice sweet flavor.
Dried Cranberries - gives the granola a sweet tang. You can substitute with raisins, golden raisin, dried apricots-use your favorite!
Add ins - If you’d like to add a few other tasty ingredients feel free to make your own special twist on the vegan granola recipes! You could try coconut flakes, raisins or chocolate chips if you’d like. Chia seeds and hemp seeds can add some great plant based nutritions too. Just sprinkle some on right after spreading it on the baking sheet to cool.
How to make oil free granola
For best results, pre-measure your ingredients for the granola recipe prep so they are ready to go. This recipe comes together quickly!
Step 1: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour rolled oats into pan and toast for 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally so oats don't burn.
Step 2: Add walnuts and pumpkin seeds. Toast over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep oats and nuts/seeds from burning.
Step 3: Sprinkle cinnamon and salt over mixture. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Turn heat to low and add maple syrup. Stir frequently until mixture is dry. Remove from heat to start the cooling process.
Step 5: Pour granola onto a rimmed baking sheet to cool. Add dried fruit. If adding chocolate or white chocolate chips, wait until granola has cooled completely. Otherwise you'll melt the chocolate!
Granola making tips
To make nut free granola: leave out the nuts and replace with 1 cup of puffed rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies) or another cereal such as Grape Nuts, Cheerios, or Cracklin' Oat Bran. If it's ok to eat, try adding pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
To make gluten free granola: Check ingredient information to be sure what you're using is gluten free. Gluten free rolled oats are available in most grocery stores.
FAQs
This homemade vegan granola is a great option for those wishing to lose weight because it's oil free. You can adjust the ingredients to fit your weight loss plan when you make homemade granola.
Store in a container with a tight fitting lid and keep in a cool dry place. Freeze for longer storage.
This homemade oil free granola recipe is delicious served by itself, or with milk and yogurt. Top it with fresh fruit such as sliced strawberries, blueberries and bananas! Sprinkle on some hemp seeds or chia seeds for some added nutrition.
The key to crunchy granola is to let it cook on low heat. If you have the time, let the mixture cook over low heat until completely dried out and crisp without letting the mixture burn.
Bob's Red Mill offers great grain based products. Try their "Which granola are you?" quiz to find out the perfect granola type for you!
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Oil Free Granola Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats gluten free if desired
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts raw
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds or pepitas raw
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup real maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup dried fruit dark raisins, golden raisins, cranberries, or a mixture
Instructions
- Heat a medium sized skillet to medium heat. Pour oats into pan and toast for about 3-5 minutes. Toss the oats around with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula being sure not to burn the oats..
- Add walnuts and pumpkin seeds to pan. Continue to toast mixture for another 3-5 minutes. Toss the mixture around being sure they don’t burn.
- Stir in cinnamon and salt.
- Reduce heat to low; add maple syrup and stir constantly until maple syrup is absorbed and mixture becomes dry, about 3 minutes. If you want your granola to have clusters, be careful not to over mix. If you prefer a muesli or cereal texture, stir to break up any clusters.
- Pour granola mixture onto a baking sheet to cool.
- When granola has cooled, add dried fruit and/or any other toppings.
Notes
- Zest from one orange
- Toasted coconut
- Chopped pecans
- Mini chocolate chips or cocoa nibs
- Dehydrated banana chips
- Chopped dried apricots
- Chopped dried pineapple
- Chopped crystallized ginger (sparingly)
- Chia Seeds
- Hemp Seeds
Nutrition
Originally posted November 2019. Updated June 2021.
Ruth
I made this tonight. It was a little sweet for me. I used honey with out brown sugar as mine was too hard, and put about an eighth of a cup of honey as my husband is diabetic. The granola never dried in the pan, so I poured onto parchment paper. When it dried I added the mixed dried fruit.
I like how easy it is to make, and next time I’ll put less honey.
Thank you for the recipe!
Nikole Berg
Your welcome Ruth! I'm glad you tried it and hope you make it again and get the sweetener just right for you and your husband!
Jessica
I made this tonight and it turned out great. I used all sliced almonds since thats what I already had and did pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon. Very quick to make and no need to turn on the oven while hitting the 100s again this week. Thanks for the recipe both me and my mom both enjoy it.