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.
This granola is delicious!
Best granola for my diet, I adjusted the maple syrup to only 3 Tsps.
What would you suggest to replace the pumpkin seeds?
Thanks so much
Is there a alternative for Maple Syrup?
You could try honey!
What is the nutritional values for no grain granola recipe?
Looks great! I am allergic to coconut ?, and am looking for a replacement. I am on a strict Celiac diet. Any suggestions?
You could probably just leave it out, or replace with a different seed/nut!
If I add chocolate chips when do I add them?
At the end after everything is completely cool.
Is nutritional information for this available somewhere? I am loving this recipe and I use Lakanto maple syrup to reduce the sugar. :)
I made the Best Grain-free Granola, it’s delicious, simple and healthy! Thank you!!
Love this granola! It’s so versatile and easy to make. This stuff is addicting! Thank you for sharing this wonderful gluten free and dairy free recipe! :)
I would love to try this recipe as the first pics look delicious, but the ads on your page are so overpowering that it’s not worth the effort.
I’m sorry to hear you’re having a negative site experience, Kevin! Are you looking at the site on desktop or mobile?
Hi and thank you for posting this most marvelous recipe. I’ve made a few batches and have received rave reviews. The only change i made was a higher oven temp to make the coconut shavings more crispy. It also makes for a nice gift.
I try the Granola , I use organic cane sugar and more butter the coconut oil , also I added after I cook the granola apricots , cranberries , and prunes . Also I grated some orange and added the juice of the orange , next time I will add fresh ginger (grated of course) . I am sure that I will keep doing this GRANOLA , Is delicious and it will be amazing with my coconut yogurt , thanks for sharing this amazing recipe..