The Best Grain Free Granola is naturally sweetened with a drizzle of pure maple syrup, and is full of crispy, crunchy, healthy ingredients.
“This really is the best grain free granola I’ve ever had. My only issue is it goes too quickly as I can’t demonstrate self control eating it!”
Miiiight have found my new favorite recipe: the actual best, mind-meltingly-delicious, make-this-NOW, Grain Free Granola. I am obsessed!
Since experiencing gestational diabetes during one of my pregnancies, I have a new appreciation for nutrient dense “power foods”. Whole foods that are packed with protein, vitamins, minerals and more importantly, serve a purpose other then tasting good – like nuts and seeds.
We all know that a handful of nuts a day is beneficial for overall heart health, but pecans and almonds especially, which are included in this grain free granola, also help reduce inflammation in the body, aid in weight loss, and can help lower and/or stabilize blood sugar levels.
That said, GIVE ME ALL THE NUTS.
Ahem.
Healthy Granola Recipe
Seriously though, during that pregnancy I became a bit obsessive about researching different kinds of nuts and their health benefits. Did you know brazil nuts are so nutrient dense that you can pop a couple each day and consider it a supplement? I love it!
Of course it doesn’t hurt that nuts are also lower in carbs and make an excellent base for this low sugar, grain free granola that’s nearly impossible to not eat by the fistful. It’s incredibly yummy and full of crispy clusters and crunch.
Gluten + Grain Free Granola
So what does grain free mean, exactly? It means this granola recipe doesn’t call for oats, which most classic granola recipes do. I love gluten-free oats as much as the next gal, but they’re very high in carbs.
Trust me, this granola is better without them.
Unsweetened coconut chips, raw pecans and pumpkin seeds, sliced almonds, and chia seeds are tossed with a mixture of pure maple syrup, coconut oil, and lots of cinnamon and vanilla.The coconut chips plus cinnamon and vanilla trick your tongue into thinking the granola is sweeter then it actually is.
That said, the addition of mini chocolate chips and/or raisins would be divine in here.
I like sprinkling grain free granola over Greek yogurt or eating a small bowl with almond milk for snacks and/or breakfast. How will you enjoy it?
How to Make Grain Free Granola
Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together unsweetened coconut flakes/chips, sliced almonds, raw pecans, raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas), chia seeds, cinnamon, and a big pinch of salt.
I love these raw pumpkin seeds, btw. They’re super good sprinkled into salads, oatmeal, in this granola, and I’ll also grab a pinch or two anytime I need something to crunch on.
Step 2: Combine the wet ingredients.
Next microwave pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup) plus coconut oil in a small bowl until the oil has melted, 25-30 seconds, then stir in vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine then bake.
Pour the maple syrup mixture over the nut mixture then stir to evenly coat and spread onto a parchment paper or silpat-lined half sheet pan.
Bake for 15-20 minutes at 300 degrees or until the almonds and coconut are light golden brown (any darker and the granola could taste burnt) stirring a couple times.
Let the granola cool completely then store in a Ziplock bag or airtight container for 3-4 days.
Like I said, this granola is perfect to enjoy with milk or sprinkled into yogurt – so good! Enjoy!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups unsweetened coconut chips/flakes
- 3/4 cups sliced almonds
- 3/4 cups whole raw pecans
- 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds, pepitas
- 1 Tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- big pinch salt
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees then line a half sheet pan with a silpat or parchment paper and set aside.
- Combine first 7 ingredients (coconut chips through salt) in a large bowl then stir to combine. Add maple syrup and coconut oil to a small bowl then microwave for 25-30 seconds to melt the coconut oil. Stir in vanilla.
- Pour the maple syrup mixture over the granola mixture then mix well to coat. Spread onto prepared sheet pan then bake for 15-20 minutes or until almond slices and coconut chips are golden brown (don’t let them get too dark) stirring twice. Granola will crisp as it cools.
- Cool completely on sheet pan before transferring to a Ziplock bag or airtight container. Will stay fresh for four days or so on the counter.
Notes
- Adapted from Epicurious.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.
Our toddler loves nuts and seeds, so I decided to make this. She learned a new word, pecan, which was her favorite ingredient. Yum!!! Thank you for sharing this recipe, it is a keeper!
Delicious and easy to make!! Love it
This turned out to be delicious. I agree with an earlier comment about the coconut – I generally don’t like it but it was good in this recipe. I added dried craberries to mine which was a tasty addition. Thanks!
I just made this for the fourth or fifth time. It is one of my all-time FAVORITE gluten-free recipes! It never lasts long because I just keep eating it all day from the container!
If adding a bit of dried cranberries when do I add? Do I bake with the cranberries in or just add after? Thanks.
I’m gifting this to myself ? It’s so delicious! I’m a pecan lover so I had to add a whole cup of them ?
Made this today. Easy & delicious. Not too sweet. Will make again.
I made the granola yesterday and may I say- I don’t think I’ll ever switch to a different recipe. It’s grain free, vegan, (added) sugar free. Like I- how- and it taste like apple crisp (or berry) but without the apple. So basically it taste amazing and I feel like I’m eating dessert but guilty free. :)
I’m sooo glad you loved it, Addie! Thank you so much for your review and recipe rating! :)
Could the coconut oil be substituted for anything else? I very rarely have it in my kitchen!
Super yummy! I love cinnamon so added half tablespoon! Grain free granola 5 star.
This recipe is my new drug of choice!
I . LOVE . IT ?
Do you have the nutritional facts on the grain free granola? I just made it and it tastes delicious. I would love for my husband to eat this on this yogurt rather than what he buys at the grocery. I would live to show him the comparison in the nutrition facts. Thanks!
Unfortunately I don’t, Carol, but I’m so glad you loved it. I hope your husband does too!
This is so amazing!! I’ve made a half batch 4 times in the past week and next time I just need to make a full batch! ? I’ve got lots of people asking me for the recipe!
I’m sooo so glad you love it, Heidi!! Thank you so much for your recipe rating and great feedback! :)