Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite nut-free granola! It’s not just any granola; it’s crunchy, wholesome, and packed with delicious flavors that’ll make your breakfast or snack time so much better. Seriously, you won’t believe how easy it is to whip up a batch of this nut-free granola that’s perfect for anyone with nut allergies or just looking to switch things up. I love that it’s made with simple, healthy ingredients like oats, seeds, and dried fruits, making it a fantastic choice for a nutritious breakfast or a quick on-the-go snack. Plus, it’s super versatile! You can toss it on yogurt, sprinkle it over smoothie bowls, or just munch on it straight from the jar. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (raw or roasted, your choice!)
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds (unsalted for a milder flavor)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (like raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (for that sweet touch)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted, for that lovely richness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (to elevate those flavors)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (because who doesn’t love a bit of spice?)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (just a pinch to balance everything out)
How to Prepare Nut Free Granola
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for that perfect golden crunch!
- Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, dried fruit, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything evenly.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the honey and coconut oil together. It should only take a few minutes—don’t walk away, or it might burn! Just keep an eye on it until it’s all melted and combined.
- Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and add in the vanilla extract. The smell will be heavenly!
- Pour the warm mixture over your dry ingredients in the bowl. Now comes the fun part—mix everything together until every oat and seed is coated. You want it all to be well combined for the best flavor!
- Spread the mixture out evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup later on, and it prevents sticking.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Make sure to stir it halfway through to get that even browning. You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown and smells amazing!
- Once baked, take it out and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This helps it crisp up even more. Don’t rush this step!
Tips for Success
- Mix it up: Feel free to customize your granola with your favorite seeds or dried fruits. Toss in some chia seeds or swap the cranberries for raisins—whatever suits your taste!
- Watch the oven: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your granola as it bakes. If it’s browning too quickly, you can lower the temperature slightly.
- Break it up: When it cools, break the granola into clusters for that perfect crunch. It’s just more fun to eat that way!
- Store it right: Make sure to keep your nut-free granola in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and crunchiness.
Nutritional Information
Here’s what you can expect from a serving of this delicious nut-free granola. Each 1/2 cup serving packs a nutritious punch, making it a great choice for starting your day or as a pick-me-up snack!
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This granola is not only tasty but also provides a balance of healthy fats, fiber, and protein to keep you satisfied. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy your breakfast or snack, and I love that I can feel good about what I’m eating! Enjoy every crunchy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This nut-free granola comes together in just about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute snacks!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome oats, seeds, and dried fruits, it’s a nutritious way to start your day or fuel your afternoon.
- Customizable: You can mix and match your favorite seeds and dried fruits, so you’ll never get bored—experiment to find your perfect blend!
- Versatile: Enjoy it on its own, sprinkle it over yogurt, or add it to smoothies. The possibilities are endless!
- Nut-Free: Ideal for anyone with nut allergies, this granola lets you indulge without worry!
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store it for easy grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks throughout the week!
Variations of Nut Free Granola
One of the best things about this nut-free granola recipe is how easy it is to switch things up! I love getting creative in the kitchen, and this granola is the perfect canvas for all sorts of delicious variations. Here are some fun ideas to keep your breakfast or snack game fresh and exciting!
- Seed Swaps: Mix in different seeds like flaxseeds, chia seeds, or hemp seeds. They add a wonderful crunch and a boost of nutrition!
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warm, cozy flavor. Cinnamon is great, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other spices!
- Fruit Fiesta: Change up the dried fruit! Try chopped dried apricots, figs, or even coconut flakes for a tropical twist. Each fruit brings its own unique sweetness!
- Chocolate Lovers: For a little indulgence, stir in some mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs after baking. They’ll melt slightly and add a delightful chocolatey touch!
- Granola Clusters: If you love those crunchy clusters, try adding a bit more coconut oil or honey to the mix. It helps bind everything together as it bakes!
- Seasonal Flavors: Switch it up with seasonal spices, like pumpkin spice in the fall or a sprinkle of peppermint extract during the winter holidays!
The beauty of this nut-free granola is that you can tailor it to your taste and what you have on hand. So go ahead, have fun with it, and let your creativity shine! You might just discover your new favorite combination!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After you’ve made a delicious batch of nut-free granola, you’ll want to keep it fresh and crunchy for as long as possible! Here’s how I store mine:
- Airtight Container: Make sure to transfer your cooled granola into an airtight container. This helps keep out moisture and prevents it from getting soggy. I usually use a glass jar or a plastic container with a tight-sealing lid.
- Cool and Store: Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet before storing. If you store it while it’s still warm, it might trap steam and lose that delightful crunch!
- Keep it in a Cool, Dry Place: Store your container in a cool, dry place like a pantry or cupboard. It should last for up to two weeks—if it lasts that long in my house!
If you find yourself craving a warm bowl of granola, you can easily reheat it! Just spread a portion on a baking sheet and pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. This will bring back that delightful crunch and aroma, making it feel freshly baked all over again!
So, whether you’re munching on it straight from the jar or enjoying it as part of a breakfast bowl, you’ll always have a delicious and nutritious snack at the ready!
FAQ Section
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While rolled oats give the best texture, you can use quick oats in a pinch. Just keep in mind that they may result in a softer granola. If you like it crunchy, stick with rolled oats!
How long does this nut-free granola stay fresh?
This nut-free granola can last up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. However, it’s so delicious, I doubt it’ll last that long!
Can I make this granola vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap out honey for maple syrup or agave nectar, and you’ll have a delightful vegan nut-free granola ready to go!
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
If you’re looking to amp up the flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt, a splash of maple extract, or even some cacao powder for a chocolatey twist. Get creative!
Is this granola gluten-free?
Yes! This nut-free granola is made with rolled oats, which are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats to avoid cross-contamination if you’re sensitive to gluten.
For more information on the health benefits of oats, check out this Healthline article.
Print
Nut Free Granola: 7 Steps to Crunchy Perfection
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and healthy nut-free granola recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, etc.)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, dried fruit, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey and coconut oil over low heat until melted.
- Add vanilla extract to the melted mixture.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely before storing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite seeds or dried fruits.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: nut free granola, healthy breakfast, granola recipe