Yields: About 5 cups
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients
1. Base
- 2 cups raw, unsalted nuts (a mix of almonds, pecans, walnuts, cashews are all delicious)
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes or chips
- 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
2. Sweetener and Binder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey for non-vegan option)
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3. Optional Add-ins (choose some or none)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (cranberries, cherries, chopped apricots, raisins)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (add after baking)
Instructions
1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the base ingredients (nuts, coconut, seeds, chia seeds, cinnamon, salt).
3. Add wet ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
4. Bake: Spread the granola mixture on the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through for even browning. The granola should be golden brown and fragrant.
5. Cool and add-ins: Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, add any dried fruit if using. Break the granola into clusters of your desired size.
6. Store: Store your grain-free granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for longer storage.
Tips
- Customizing: Swap the nuts and seeds for your favorites! Hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pistachios, and hemp seeds are all delicious.
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup to your preferred sweetness level.
- Clumpy granola: For extra clumpy granola, firmly press the mixture into the baking sheet before baking. Let it cool completely before breaking into clusters.
- Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on the granola as it bakes. It can go from perfectly toasted to burnt quickly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with your choice of milk or yogurt.
- Sprinkle over fresh fruit or smoothie bowls.
- Enjoy as a snack on its own.
