Nutty Maple Granola

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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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

What to eat with Gluten Free Granola?

• This homemade granola is delicious over plain yogurt with some chopped berries (or you can get all fancy and make Peanut Butter and Jelly Yogurt Parfaits).
• Make some Honey and Sea Salt Peanut Butter, then whip up these Apple Sandwiches from Garnish with Lemon.
• Add it into Maple Granola Rice Krispie Treats from Lemons for Lulu.
• Or stir it into Healthy Granola Muffins from Family Food on the Table.
• You might even find yourself eating it by the handful.
• It also makes a nice gift if you pack it in a jar like the one in these photos!

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 mins

Cook: 1 hr 30 mins

Total: 1 hr 40 mins

Servings: 40 servings (about 1/4 cup)

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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.

Author: Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

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