If you’re looking for a wholesome, customizable healthy breakfast option that’s fun to make with your kids, this grain-free granola recipe is just what you need. I’m always on the lookout for ways to nourish my family naturally and deliciously as we embrace holistic living. One of our household staples is this simple, grain-free granola recipe that we all love. It’s perfect for busy mornings, afternoon snacks, or even a quick, healthy treat on the go. The best part? It’s easy to make, kid-friendly, and packed with nutrients that support gut health and overall wellness.
This recipe isn’t an exact science, and it’s hard to mess up, so have fun, grab your kids, and make some delicious homemade granola together. We use it as cereal—just add milk or almond milk—we top our yogurt with it, and we also just eat it plain! So, let’s dive into the recipe and explore why this homemade granola should become a regular part of your healthy lifestyle.
Why Grain-Free Granola?
Grain-free granola has become increasingly popular, especially among those who follow a paleo, keto, or gluten-free, anti-inflammatory diet. In contract to traditional granola, is often made with oats or other grains, which can be hard on some people’s digestive systems, particularly those with gut health issues like leaky gut or autoimmune diseases. Grain-free granola offers all the deliciousness of regular granola without the grains. Consequently, it a great option for anyone looking to reduce inflammation or improve their gut health.
Moreover, by choosing nuts, seeds, and other nutrient-dense ingredients, this granola provides a healthy balance of fats, proteins, and fiber, which are essential for maintaining stable blood sugar levels and supporting a healthy metabolism. Plus, it’s loaded with healthy fats from nuts and seeds, which are vital for brain health and keeping you full and satisfied.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
Before we get into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at the health benefits of the ingredients you’ll be using.
- Nuts and Seeds: Nuts like pecans, walnuts, and almonds are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein. They’re also packed with vitamins and minerals like magnesium, zinc, and vitamin E, which are important for immune function, skin health, and reducing inflammation. Seeds like chia and flax are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and help reduce inflammation.
- Shredded Coconut: Coconut adds a delicious flavor and texture to the granola, and it’s also a great source of healthy fats and fiber. Coconut is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily digested and used by the body for energy.
- Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are tiny powerhouses of nutrition. They’re rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. Chia seeds also have a unique ability to absorb water and form a gel-like consistency, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Flax Meal: Flax meal, made from ground flaxseeds, provides an excellent source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and lignans—plant compounds with powerful antioxidant properties. Flax meal helps promote regular bowel movements and supports gut health.
- Coconut Oil or Butter: Coconut oil and butter are both excellent sources of healthy fats. Coconut oil is rich in MCTs, which provide quick energy, while butter contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E. These fats help keep you full and satisfied, and they also support the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from other foods.
- Medjool Dates or Dried Cranberries: Dates and cranberries add natural sweetness to the granola and are rich in antioxidants and fiber. They provide a quick source of energy and help satisfy your sweet tooth without the need for refined sugars.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: Both maple syrup and honey are natural sweeteners that offer a range of health benefits. Maple syrup is rich in antioxidants and contains minerals like zinc and manganese, which support immune function. Honey has antimicrobial properties and can help soothe a sore throat and support gut health.
- Cinnamon and Vanilla: Cinnamon is not only delicious, but it also has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and can improve insulin sensitivity. Vanilla adds a warm, sweet flavor and contains small amounts of antioxidants.
The Not-So-Exact Recipe: Grain-Free Granola
Now that you know the benefits of the ingredients, let’s get to the fun part—making the granola!
Grain Free Granola
Remember, this recipe isn’t exact, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and nutritional needs.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups nuts or seeds (I like pecans, walnuts, and almonds)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp flax meal
- 1/4 tsp salt (plus more for topping)
- 2-3 tbsp coconut oil or butter, melted
- 3 chopped medjool dates or 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3-1/2 cup maple syrup or honey (depending on how sweet you want it)
- A bit of (1-2 tsp) cinnamon and some sea salt (a must!)
- Optional: 1-2 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the nuts, seeds, shredded coconut, chia seeds, flax meal, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Drizzle the melted coconut oil or butter over the dry ingredients, then add the chopped dates or dried cranberries, maple syrup or honey, cinnamon, and vanilla if using. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Spread on a Baking Pan: Line a baking pan with parchment paper, and spread the granola mixture evenly on the pan. Make sure it’s not too thick, so it bakes evenly.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake the granola in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. The granola is done when it’s golden brown and smells delicious.
- Cool and Store: Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking pan. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for up to two weeks.
Notes
Make sure to use a parchment paper because it will stick to the pan if not.
Tips for Making the Perfect Granola
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet granola, use the lower amount of maple syrup or honey. You can always add more if needed.
- Add Some Crunch: For extra crunch, try adding some sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or slivered almonds.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. You can also add spices like nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.
- Watch the Oven: Granola can go from golden to burnt quickly, so keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking. Stirring halfway through helps prevent burning.
- Get the Kids Involved: This recipe is a great way to involve your kids in the kitchen. They can help mix the ingredients and spread the granola on the baking pan. Plus, they’ll love eating something they helped create!
How to Enjoy Your Homemade Granola
This grain-free granola is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways we enjoy it in our home:
- As Cereal: Add your homemade granola to a bowl, pour over some milk or almond milk, and enjoy a quick and healthy breakfast.
- On Yogurt: Top your favorite yogurt with a handful of granola for a satisfying snack or breakfast. We love it on Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey.
- Plain: Sometimes, we just grab a handful of granola to munch on as a snack. It’s perfect for on-the-go and packs a nutritional punch.
- As a Topping: Sprinkle granola on top of smoothie bowls, oatmeal, or even salads for added crunch and flavor.
The Gut Health Connection
As a holistic mom, I’m always mindful of how the foods we eat affect our gut health. This grain-free granola is packed with ingredients that support a healthy gut. The fiber from the nuts, seeds, and flax meal helps keep things moving smoothly, while the healthy fats nourish the gut lining and reduce inflammation. In particular, chia seeds are great for gut health because they form a gel-like consistency when mixed with liquid, which can help soothe the digestive tract.
Make This Grain- Free Granola Recipe On Your Own
This grain-free granola is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to nourish your body and support your health. Additionally, this recipe is incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a way to satisfy your sweet tooth, this granola has you covered. Or if you are looking for a hot breakfast filled with veggies this one is it!
Ready to transform your mornings with this delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make grain-free granola? Grab your ingredients, get the kids involved, and start baking! Don’t forget to share your creations with us—we’d love to see how you make this recipe your own. Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram @Ever_changing_Mom with the hashtags #EverchangingMom #GutHealthJourney. Or follow along on Pinterest. Let’s inspire each other to live a healthier, happier life, one delicious bite at a time!
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