Nutty Maple Granola

5 from 1 vote
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Gluten Free Granola doesn’t skimp on the nuts, plus it has yummy oats, seeds, cinnamon, and just the right amount of sweetness from maple syrup for a healthy snack or breakfast. This homemade granola recipe can be made with whatever you have in your pantry and also happens to be vegan.

Gluten Free granola in a glass jar

Homemade Gluten-Free Granola Recipe

When I was working, I had to travel to Europe several times, and once for two weeks to China and India. And seriously, the best thing about many foreign hotels is their huge and varied breakfast buffets.

Despite the vast array of foods, what always called my name was the bowl of plain, thick yogurt, fresh fruit preserves, and granola. More often than not, even with all of the other choices, I went for that – a little dairy, a little protein, a little fruit – just what I needed to power through a busy day.

Back at home, the store-bought granola always left something to be desired for me. Many seem to have a lot more sugar and fat than I am really looking for, not enough nuts and fruit, and way too much “filler”. And they usually aren’t gluten free (which I didn’t know was an issue for me back then).

So, I started making my own.

Is granola gluten free?

Gluten-free granola is not always easy to find in stores! When I found out about my wheat allergy, I realized that packaged granola often contains things like wheat and barley flakes, or even wheat germ.

So that is why I came up with this recipe. If you are sensitive, you’ll need to use certified gluten-free oats. And always check that your ingredients are not at risk of cross-contamination, as sometimes things like nuts and seeds can be processed in facilities that handle gluten ingredients.

But in general, all of the ingredients here are naturally gluten free.

spoon in a glass jar of nutty granola

Why We Love this Recipe

Nutty Maple Granola is the first homemade granola recipe I ever made!

Since you can use whatever you have in the pantry, you’ll find yourself making this granola all the time. It makes a great breakfast or snack with milk or sprinkled over some yogurt if you can keep yourself from eating it by the handful.

Unlike storebought ones that have a ton of “filler”, this one is packed with has a pretty high ratio of nuts and seeds to oats, a good amount of dried fruit, and just the right amount of sweetness. This means it is packed with protein and healthy fats to make it very satisfying.

You can use whatever nuts and seeds you have on hand, and that also ensures you get a wide variety of nutritional benefits, like omega 3’s, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E. Here is a great source for lots of nutritional information about many different nuts and seeds.

And don’t forget the dried fruit, which can be dried cherries, dried blueberries, dried cranberries, and, of course, the standby that every mother always has in the pantry – raisins. You can truly customize Nutty Maple Granola with whatever you prefer!

granola with lots of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit in a jar

Ingredients

  • Oats: You’ll want rolled oats, not quick or instant. Get certified gluten free oats, if needed.
  • Nuts: Any combination of raw walnuts, pecans, pistachios, cachews, etc. will do.
  • Sliced almonds: I do always make sure to add some of these because they give a similar texture to oats while still keeping this gluten free granola a bit heavier on the nuts.
  • Seeds: I usually use equal parts of chia seeds, sesame seeds, and raw pumpkin seeds, but I’ve also added hemp seeds.
  • Unsweetenend coconut flakes: These add a rich flavor and a hint of natural sweetness without any actual sugar.
  • Water
  • Olive oil
  • Real maple syrup: Don’t use pancake syrup.
  • Cinnamon
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Salt
  • Dried fruit:  Any combination of raisins, dried cranberries, dried blueberries, dried cherries, or whatever you have on hand.

How to Make Gluten Granola with Nuts

  1. Preparations: Preheat your oven to 250°F. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Mix it together: In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients, but NOT the dried fruit. In a small bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Pour the wet mixture over the oat mixture and toss until it is evenly moistened.
  3. Bake and cool: Bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring every 20 minutes, or until dry and golden. Toss the dried fruits in with the granola mixture and allow to cool.
spoon filled with homemade granola spilling onto a striped napkin

Tips for Success

Do be sure to line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure it doesn’t stick or burn.

Use a large enough baking sheet so that you can spread it out in a nice, even layer.

Bake it low and slow in the oven, stirring often to ensure it dried out evenly but no areas get overcooked.

Do not add the dried fruit until after it bakes, or it will get dry and chewy in the oven.

You can store granola at room temperature in an airtight container for a week or two.

Top of a jarr filled with granla

What to eat with Gluten Free Granola?

A jar of granola with oats, nuts, and dried fruit.
5 from 1 vote

Homemade Gluten Free Granola

Nutty Maple Granola doesn’t skimp on the nuts, plus it has yummy oats, seed, cinnamon, and just the right amount of maple sweetness for a healthy breakfast or snack.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 40 servings (about 1/4 cup)

Ingredients

  • 3 cup oats (gluten free, if needed)
  • 3 cups nuts (any combination of raw walnuts, pecans, pistachios, etc.)
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds (or more chia seeds)
  • 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds (aka pepitas)
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup real maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cup dried fruit I like equal parts (any combination of raisins, dried cranberries, dried blueberries, dried cherries, etc.)

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 250°F. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat.
  • In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, seeds, and coconut.
  • In a small bowl, combine the water, olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and toss until it is evenly distributed and moistened.
  • Bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring every 20 minutes, or until dry and golden.
  • Toss the dried fruits in with the granola mixture.
  • Allow to cool and store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Gluten Free Granola
Amount Per Serving (0.25 cups (approximately))
Calories 165 Calories from Fat 90
% Daily Value*
Fat 10g15%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Sodium 66mg3%
Potassium 134mg4%
Carbohydrates 15g5%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 7g8%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin C 0.1mg0%
Calcium 37mg4%
Iron 1.1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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30 Comments
  1. Phyllis

    After reading this recipe, I threw out the granola I had purchased from the supermarket and made this…..far, far superior and healthier. Thank you sooooo much.

  2. Denise

    I’m not a fan of store bought granola either, it tastes a little bland and processed. Your recipe looks delicious. You could probably run a granola restaurant and make it the next cupcake trend. Maple syrup is the key to my breakfast and the key to my heart. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!

    1. Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips

      Oooo, Denise. A granola restaurant? What a fantastic idea! 🙂 I hope you enjoy the nutty maple granola recipe.

  3. […] when truthfully, I have gotten more positive responses to my spaghetti squash and oatmeal and granola  and millet recipes than my Lucky Charms Cupcakes (the Chocolate Coconut Creme Cupcakes were a […]

  4. Brianne….this granola is just beautiful. You are right….store bought granola just pales in comparison. I love granola on yogurt with berries, too! And I am looking forward to trying your version! Great pictures, too! : )

  5. I’m a big fan of granola….and also really picky about what’s in it so I always make it myself. I’m on board with all of your ingredients!
    I’m also a sucker for cute packaging 🙂

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