This easy Homemade Maple Cinnamon Granola is filled with warming flavors of cinnamon and pure maple syrup. It’s a delicious and healthy protein-packed snack on it’s own, or a tasty topping for your breakfast yogurt parfait. Gluten-Free, Dairy Free & Vegan.
Homemade Gluten-Free Granola
Making your own homemade granola is not only a great budget-friendly option, it’s made with simple pantry staples and you get to decide what goes in it!
The best part about making homemade granola is that it’s totally customizable and made to order! Can’t have nuts? Add seeds instead. Don’t love coconut oil? Go ahead and swap for a more neutral tasting oil like avocado. Feeling like a little chocolate? Go for it!
Be creative and make it your own!
**The only ingredient that is non-negotiable in this recipe is making sure you use certified gluten-free oats if you have Celiac Disease!
What Ingredients Do I need to Make this Homemade Maple Cinnamon Granola
Using only simple and healthy ingredients, you’ll have your very own batch of homemade granola in no time! Here’s what you’ll need:
Rolled Oats. Use certified gluten free oats if necessary.
Nuts & Seeds. Great source of protein as well as many other micronutrients. You can use walnuts, almonds or pecans, or toss in some sunflower or pumpkin seeds. I also love to add a few tablespoons of flax seeds or chia seeds.
Pure Maple Syrup. My favorite natural sweetener instead of refined sugar.
Spices. Salt, cinnamon and pure vanilla extract.
Coconut Oil. Use refined coconut oil if you don’t like want the taste of coconut from virgin coconut oil. You can also sub for avocado oil.
Mix-Ins. Dried fruit such as craisins, dark chocolate chips, coconut flakes, etc.
How to Make this Homemade Granola Recipe
First, mix the oats and nuts then combine with the maple syrup, coconut oil and spices. Make sure all of the oats and nuts are completely coated in the liquid mixture.
Pour the mixture onto a baking sheet. Spread evenly into a thin layer. Use two pans if you have to! Granola bakes best in a thin layer.
You’ll know when the granola is done baking when it turns a beautiful golden brown color.
Is your granola still feeling soft after it bakes?
The granola will harden as it cools, so be patient and give it a good 30 minutes before trying!
Once the granola has completely cooled, add in any extras you want such as dried cranberries or dark chocolate chips.
A few tips to help make your granola stick together…
Make sure you are using enough sugar(don’t skimp out on the maple syrup!), don’t stir after baking until the granola has cooled, and don’t overcook! Overcooking the granola can make it very crispy and in turn crumbly.
This granola is delicious on its own as a snack, perfect for creating yogurt parfaits, or topped on anything you want to add a healthy crunch.
Let’s cook!
Have you tried this homemade granola recipe? Be sure to tag me on instagram @thrivingglutenfree so I can see how it turned out!
Homemade Maple Cinnamon Granola
Ingredients
- 3 cups Gluten Free Oats use certified gluten-free oats if necessary
- ¾ cup Nuts and/or Seeds Walnuts, pecans, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds.
- ½ cup Pure Maple Syrup
- ⅓ cup Coconut Oil melted
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- ½ tsp Salt
- 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 2 tbsp Chia Seeds or Flax Seeds optional
Optional Add-Ins After Baking
- Dried Cranberries or Cherries
- Dark Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F, and line baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
- Combine oats, nuts/seeds, and dry spices in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate microwave small bowl, add coconut oil and microwave until melted, about 1 minute. Add the maple syrup and whisk together. Whisk in your vanilla. Alternatively, you can use the stovetop.
- Pour the wet mixture over the oat mixture until covered completely.
- Pour the granola mixture onto your prepared pan, spreading into a thin, even layer.
- Bake for about 30 minutes until the egdes become golden
- Allow to cool completely(the granola will get crunchy as it cools!) Then add dried fruit or chocolate chips if desired.
Notes
Looking for more healthy snack ideas? Check out these easy and delicious gluten-free recipes!
