Food Babe Grain Free Granola
Highlighted under: Home-Style Dessert Bakes
A delicious and healthy grain-free granola that is perfect for breakfast or a snack. Packed with nuts and seeds, it's a nutritious way to start your day!
This granola is inspired by the love for healthy eating without sacrificing flavor. It's versatile enough to be customized with your favorite nuts and seeds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crunchy texture with a rich nutty flavor
- Perfectly sweetened with natural ingredients
- Great as a topping for yogurt or as a snack on its own
A Nutritious Start to Your Day
Granola is often seen as a convenient breakfast option, but not all granolas are created equal. This grain-free granola stands out by offering a wholesome blend of nuts and seeds, providing essential nutrients that can energize your morning. Packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, this recipe ensures that you’ll feel satisfied and nourished until your next meal. Whether you’re fueling up for a busy day or enjoying a leisurely brunch, this granola is an excellent choice.
The combination of almonds, walnuts, and pecans not only adds a delightful crunch but also contributes to heart health. Nuts are known for their ability to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Moreover, the seeds included in this recipe, such as pumpkin and sunflower seeds, are rich in vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, zinc, and vitamin E, making this granola a powerhouse of nutrition.
Versatile and Delicious
One of the best things about this grain-free granola is its versatility. It can be enjoyed in various ways, whether as a breakfast cereal with milk, sprinkled over yogurt, or even on top of smoothie bowls. This adaptability allows you to customize your meals according to your preferences. You can also mix in dried fruits or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture, making it a fun and interactive addition to your pantry.
If you’re someone who loves to snack, this granola serves as a healthy option to satisfy those mid-afternoon cravings. Instead of reaching for processed snacks, grab a handful of this crunchy granola for a quick boost of energy. Its natural sweetness from honey or maple syrup, combined with the richness of nuts and seeds, makes it a delightful treat that you won't feel guilty about indulging in.
Easy to Make and Store
Preparing your own granola at home is not only simple but also rewarding. With just a few steps and minimal ingredients, you can create a batch that’s fresher and more flavorful than store-bought alternatives. Plus, making it at home allows you to control the sweetness and adjust the ingredients to cater to your dietary needs or preferences. The process of mixing and baking is enjoyable, and the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen is an added bonus.
Once baked and cooled, this granola can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks, making it a great option for meal prep. You can prepare a large batch on the weekend and have a nutritious breakfast or snack ready for the week ahead. Just remember to keep it in a cool, dry place to maintain its crunchiness and flavor.
Ingredients
Granola Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- 1 cup seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Mix and match your favorite nuts and seeds for a personalized touch!
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mixed nuts, seeds, shredded coconut, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until well combined.
Spread on Baking Sheet
Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown.
Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cooled, break into clusters and serve.
Enjoy your homemade granola with yogurt, milk, or on its own!
Tips for Customization
Feel free to experiment with different nuts and seeds to create your own signature blend. Cashews, hazelnuts, or chia seeds can add unique flavors and textures. Additionally, consider incorporating spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warm, aromatic touch. Adjusting the level of sweetness is also an option; if you prefer less sugar, reduce the honey or maple syrup, or substitute it with a sugar alternative.
Adding dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots can enhance the flavor and provide a chewy contrast to the crunchy granola. Just be mindful of the sugar content in dried fruits, and choose unsweetened versions whenever possible.
Serving Suggestions
This grain-free granola pairs wonderfully with various toppings. Serve it with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for a satisfying breakfast or mix it into oatmeal for added texture. You can also use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles, giving your favorite breakfast dishes a healthy twist.
For a more indulgent treat, consider mixing in dark chocolate chips or drizzling melted nut butter over your granola. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds an extra layer of richness that can make your snack feel more decadent.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
The nuts and seeds in this granola are not just tasty; they also offer numerous health benefits. Almonds are rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage. Walnuts, on the other hand, are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and reducing inflammation.
Coconut adds a unique flavor and provides healthy fats that can aid in digestion and promote satiety. Meanwhile, honey or maple syrup not only sweetens the granola but also comes with their own health benefits, like natural antibacterial properties and a lower glycemic index compared to refined sugars.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different kinds of nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite nuts.
→ Is this granola gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is completely grain-free and gluten-free.
→ How do I store the granola?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
→ Can I add dried fruit?
Yes, you can stir in dried fruit after baking for added flavor.
Food Babe Grain Free Granola
A delicious and healthy grain-free granola that is perfect for breakfast or a snack. Packed with nuts and seeds, it's a nutritious way to start your day!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Home-Style Dessert Bakes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Granola Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- 1 cup seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the mixed nuts, seeds, shredded coconut, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until well combined.
Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cooled, break into clusters and serve.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 8g