Granola: The Perfect Companion for Breakfast or Snack Time!

There’s something truly special about granola that makes it a beloved choice for so many. For me, it’s the perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, and satisfying that delivers a much-needed energy boost precisely when I need it most. It’s an incredibly versatile food that transcends the typical breakfast bowl. Beyond starting your day right, a handful of this homemade gluten-free granola makes for an excellent pick-me-up during a busy afternoon, a delightful topping for a fruit parfait, or even a healthier alternative to sugary desserts. Its portability also makes it an ideal companion for road trips, hiking adventures, or simply stashing in your bag for an easy, wholesome snack on the go!

Unlock the Secret to Easy Homemade Granola!

While the convenience of store-bought granola is undeniable, it often comes with a hefty price tag and sometimes questionable ingredients. Making your own gluten-free granola at home offers numerous advantages that go beyond just saving money. When you prepare granola from scratch, you gain complete control over the quality and type of ingredients, allowing you to avoid artificial flavors, excessive sugars, and unhealthy oils often found in commercial varieties. Plus, the process itself is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding, especially if you already have most of the basic components in your pantry. The aroma of freshly baked granola filling your kitchen is a bonus that no store-bought bag can replicate!

Why This Easy Gluten-Free Granola Recipe is a Must-Try:

• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for exotic ingredients to make this delightful granola. The core components – oats, a selection of nuts and seeds, a natural sweetener, and a touch of spice – are readily available at your local grocery store. This makes whipping up a batch of healthy homemade granola both convenient and budget-friendly.
• Super Easy and Quick to Make: Forget complicated steps! This recipe follows a straightforward “mix, bake, and cool” method. With just a few basic steps and minimal hands-on time, you’ll have a fresh batch of crunchy granola ready in no time. It’s perfect for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a no-fuss healthy snack solution.
• Perfectly Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free & Vegan: This recipe is thoughtfully crafted to be 100% gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. This makes it an inclusive and versatile option for individuals with Celiac disease, gluten or lactose intolerances, those following a plant-based diet, or anyone simply looking for healthier alternatives. Enjoy all the deliciousness without any dietary concerns!
• Incredible Texture and Flavor: Expect golden-brown, perfectly crisp clusters with a delightful balance of sweet and savory notes from the cinnamon and vanilla. The combination of oats, various nuts, and seeds provides a complex texture that’s incredibly satisfying with every bite.

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Gluten-Free Granola:

Crafting this delightful granola requires a handful of wholesome, straightforward ingredients. Below is a visual overview of what you’ll need to gather to create this crunchy, satisfying treat. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

(For precise measurements and a detailed recipe card, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes & Simple Substitutions for Granola Customization:

This gluten-free granola recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing for easy substitutions based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

• Oats: The foundation of our granola! I typically opt for old-fashioned rolled oats because they provide the best chewiness and texture, holding up well during baking. However, quick-cooking oats can also be used for a slightly finer texture, or even steel-cut oats if you prefer a heartier bite (though they might require a longer baking time). Important Note for Gluten-Free Diets: While oats are naturally gluten-free, they are often processed in facilities that also handle wheat, barley, and rye, leading to cross-contamination. If you have Celiac disease or a severe gluten intolerance, always ensure you purchase certified gluten-free oats to avoid any issues. Also, be aware that a small percentage of individuals with Celiac disease may react to avenin, a protein in oats, similar to how they react to gluten.
• Nuts: A mix of nuts adds wonderful flavor and healthy fats. My personal favorites for this recipe are unsalted raw almonds and raw walnuts, as they toast beautifully and offer a great crunch. Feel free to swap these out or combine with other nuts like cashew nuts, pistachios, or even richer macadamia nuts. Ensure they are unsalted to control the overall sodium content.
• Seeds: Seeds boost the nutritional profile and add another layer of texture. I love using a combination of unsalted raw pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas) and sunflower seeds for their earthy flavor. Other excellent choices include tiny chia seeds, nutrient-dense flax seeds, or aromatic sesame seeds. A mix often yields the most interesting results.
• Coconut Flakes: I’ve added unsweetened large coconut flakes for an extra boost of fiber and a delightful, roasted crunch that complements the other ingredients perfectly. If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can simply omit them or replace them with more oats or another seed.
• Ground Cinnamon: This warm spice is non-negotiable for me in granola! Ground cinnamon adds a comforting, aromatic flavor that truly elevates this homemade granola. For a different twist, you could use an equal amount of pumpkin pie spice, especially during fall, or even a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom.
• Coconut Oil: To achieve that perfect crisp texture and to bind all the ingredients, I use melted coconut oil. It’s a fantastic vegan option that imparts a subtle richness. If coconut is not to your liking, or you don’t have it, you can easily substitute with melted dairy-free butter (vegan butter) or other neutral-flavored vegetable oils such as light olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil. For those not adhering to a dairy-free diet, regular melted butter works perfectly fine.
• Maple Syrup: To maintain the vegan integrity of this recipe, pure maple syrup is my sweetener of choice. Its distinct flavor pairs beautifully with the oats and spices. Another great vegan alternative is agave nectar. If you’re not vegan and prefer a different sweetener, honey can be used as a direct substitute. You can also adjust the amount of sweetener to your personal preference for sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract adds a depth of flavor and a lovely aromatic note that enhances the overall taste profile of the granola. Don’t skip it if you can help it!
• Dried Fruit: Dried fruits are added *after* baking to prevent them from burning and becoming too hard. I frequently use dried cranberries for their tartness and vibrant color. However, the possibilities are endless! Feel free to use classic raisins, sweet dried blueberries, chopped dried apricots, exotic dried mangos, or even diced dried apples.

How to Make Crunchy Homemade Gluten-Free Granola (Step by Step Guide):

Creating your own batch of delicious, gluten-free granola is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time!

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with either parchment paper or a silicone baking mat (silpat). This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine all your dry ingredients: the certified gluten-free oats, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix these together thoroughly until they are well combined, ensuring an even distribution of all the flavorful components.

3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Now, pour the melted coconut oil, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract into the bowl with your dry mixture. Stir everything vigorously until every single oat, nut, and seed is beautifully coated with the liquid ingredients. This step is crucial for achieving that irresistible golden crust and perfect clusters.

4. Spread onto Baking Sheet

Carefully transfer the entire granola mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the mixture out into a single, even layer. This ensures that all components bake uniformly and get equally crispy.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 21 to 24 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, around the 12-minute mark, give the granola a gentle stir with your spatula to ensure even browning. You’re looking for a beautiful, lightly golden-brown color and a fragrant aroma.

6. Allow to Cool Completely

This step is crucial for achieving maximum crunch! Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely undisturbed on the baking sheet for at least 45 minutes, or even longer. As it cools, the granola will crisp up beautifully and form delightful clusters.

7. Stir in Dried Fruit

Once the granola has cooled completely, add your chosen dried fruits, such as the dried cranberries, to the mixture. Gently mix to combine. Adding them after baking prevents them from burning and ensures they remain soft and chewy.

8. Serve and Savor!

Your crunchy, homemade gluten-free vegan granola is now ready to be enjoyed! Spoon it generously over a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt or your favorite almond milk. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle some of these irresistible granola clusters on top of ice cream for a delightful textural contrast. The possibilities are endless!

More Gluten-Free Recipes with Oats You’ll Enjoy:

If you love the versatility and wholesome goodness of oats as much as we do, be sure to explore these other fantastic gluten-free recipes:

• Honey Oat Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Option)
• Oatmeal Cookies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Maple Oatmeal Porridge (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Easy Oat Flour Waffles (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Oatmeal Cream Pies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Other Essential Gluten-Free Basics to Master:

Expanding your gluten-free kitchen is easier than you think. Here are some other foundational recipes that are delicious and simple to make:

P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!

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Homemade Gluten-Free Granola (Vegan)

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

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  Author: Felicia Lim
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  Total Time: 1 hour 14 minutes
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  Yield: 8 servings
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  Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This homemade gluten-free granola is crunchy and tasty and so incredible easy to make. Enjoy it with yogurt or milk, or sprinkled on top of ice cream, or as a snack on its own! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan!

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Ingredients

Scale

• 4 cups gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats
• 2/3 cup unsalted raw almonds
• 2/3 cup unsalted chopped raw walnuts
• 1/2 cup unsalted raw pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup unsalted raw sunflower seeds
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup dried cranberries

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Line: Preheat the oven to 350F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with either parchment paper or a silpat.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free oats, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the melted coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract to the large bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix well until every oat and nut is well coated.
4. Transfer to Pan: Transfer the granola mixture to the prepared lined baking sheet and spread the mixture out into an even layer.
5. Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake for 21 to 24 minutes until the granola is lightly golden, stirring it with a spatula halfway through at the 12-minute mark.
6. Let Cool Completely: Allow the baked granola to cool completely undisturbed for 45 minutes (it will crisp up as it sits).
7. Top with Dried Fruit: Add the dried cranberries to the mixture and mix to combine.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Now dig in and enjoy!

Notes

Oats: I like using old-fashioned rolled oats, but quick-cooking oats will work just as well. If you are Celiac or gluten-intolerant, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats (this is because while oats do not contain gluten, they are often processed in the same facilities as gluten-containing grains and there may be cross contamination). Also, note that a small percentage of Celiacs may react to oats in the same way that they react to gluten because of a similar protein structure.

Nuts: I like using a mix of unsalted raw almonds and raw walnuts, but feel free to use other nuts if you prefer (such as cashew nuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts etc.)

Seeds: I used a mix of unsalted raw pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas) and sunflower seeds. You may also use chia seeds, flax seeds or whatever seeds you wish.

Ground Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds a delicious flavor to this homemade granola, so I highly recommend it. You may also use equal amounts of pumpkin pie spice if you like.

Coconut Oil: I used melted coconut oil, but you can also use melted dairy-free butter (vegan butter) or another oil (such as olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil) if you prefer. Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular melted butter instead.

Maple Syrup: I used maple syrup to keep this recipe vegan. You can also use agave nectar if you prefer. Alternatively, if you are not vegan, go ahead and use honey instead.

Vanilla Extract: I like adding vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Dried Fruit: I used dried cranberries, but you may also use raisins or dried blueberries if you prefer. Alternatively, you can also use dried apricots, dried mangos or dried apples.

Storing: To store, place the homemade granola in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Adapted from: Cookie + Kate

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cooling Time: 45 mins
• Cook Time: 24 mins
• Category: Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Granola!

There you have it – a simple, delicious, and incredibly versatile recipe for homemade gluten-free granola that’s also dairy-free and vegan! This recipe proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create a truly satisfying and healthy treat. The rich aroma filling your kitchen and the delightful crunch of each cluster will make you wonder why you ever bought granola from the store. Whip up a batch today and enjoy the myriad ways you can incorporate this wholesome goodness into your daily routine. Happy baking, and happy snacking!