Vegan Nut-Free Granola Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make vegan nut-free granola recipe, you’re in the right place! This homemade granola is perfect for those with nut allergies or anyone following a plant-based diet. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds, it’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup and finished with dairy-free dark chocolate chips. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast or as a snack, this crunchy, nut-free granola is a tasty and nutritious option that’s also gluten-free and customizable.

Ingredients For Vegan Nut-Free Granola Recipe

• 3 cups rolled oats (use gluten-free oats if needed)
• ½ cup sunflower seeds (adjust to your taste)
  
• ½ cup pumpkin seeds (adjust to your taste)
  
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ⅓ cup maple syrup (or another vegan-friendly sweetener)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free)
• Optional: Dried cranberries, raisins, or coconut flakes for extra flavor

It makes 8-10 portions. Serving size is 1/2 cups (approximately 50 grams).

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Cooking Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and cinnamon. Stir well to ensure the seeds and oats are evenly coated with the cinnamon.

Pour in the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until all the oats and seeds are evenly coated with the wet ingredients. The mixture should be slightly sticky.

Spread the granola mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking. The granola should be golden brown and slightly crispy when done.

Remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5–10 minutes. Once it’s slightly cooled but still warm, sprinkle the dark chocolate chips over the top. Gently stir them in so they slightly melt and coat the granola.

Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. This will allow it to crisp up. Once cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container and store it at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Tips for Success

Use Fresh Ingredients. Make sure your oats, seeds, and dark chocolate chips are fresh for the best flavor and texture. Stale ingredients can result in a less flavorful granola.

Stir During Baking. Stir the granola halfway through baking to ensure it browns evenly. This will prevent some areas from burning while others stay under-cooked.

Watch the Baking Time. Granola can quickly go from golden brown to burnt. Start checking it at the 10-minute mark, and bake until it’s just turning crispy, as it will continue to harden as it cools.

Let It Cool Completely. Allow the granola to cool on the baking sheet without stirring it once it’s done. This will help it form delicious clusters and achieve that perfect crunch.

Customize to Your Taste. Feel free to add extra flavor by mixing in spices like nutmeg or ginger. You can also toss in dried fruit like cranberries or raisins once the granola is fully cooled.

Store Properly. Store your granola in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy. If it becomes soft, you can pop it back into the oven for a few minutes to crisp it up again.

Choose High-Quality Chocolate. Use dairy-free dark chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent taste. You can also substitute with cacao nibs if you want to keep it lower in sugar.

Keep It Clumpy. If you like your granola in clusters, press the mixture down with a spatula after stirring halfway through the baking process. This helps create those large, satisfying chunks.

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Serving Suggestions for your Vegan Nut-Free Granola

With Dairy-Free Milk. Enjoy a bowl of granola with your favorite plant-based milk like almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk.

On Top of Yogurt. Sprinkle the granola over vegan yogurt (such as almond or coconut-based) for a crunchy topping. Add fresh fruit like berries or bananas for extra flavor and nutrition.

Smoothie Bowl Topping. Use this nut-free granola as a topping for a Smoothie Bowl.

As a Snack. Enjoy the granola on its own as a crunchy, on-the-go snack. It’s a perfect midday energy boost, great for hiking, or packed as a travel-friendly treat.

Over Ice Cream. Add a sweet and crunchy twist to vegan ice cream by sprinkling some granola on top.

In a Parfait. Layer granola with vegan yogurt, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of maple syrup in a jar to create a beautiful, nutrient-packed for breakfast or dessert. Or check out my top recipe of Crunchy Peanut Butter Yogurt Parfait.

As a Cereal Replacement. Swap traditional cereal for this nut-free granola and serve with plant-based milk.

Mixed with Fruit Salad. Toss the nut-free granola into a fresh Fruit Salad for added crunch.

In Trail Mix. Combine the granola with dried fruits like raisins, dried cranberries, or apricots to create a custom trail mix perfect for snacking on the go.

 

 

Happy Cooking!