Maple Almond Butter Granola (Vegan + Gluten Free)
Maple Almond Butter Granola...the perfect addition to your snack cupboard. This super chunky and crispy granola is made with only a handful of healthy ingredients, it’s naturally gluten free, and it’s vegan to boot! It’s the perfect topping for smoothies, you can eat it solo with milk, or add some berries and yogurt for a yummy balanced breakfast. My personal favorite is just to munch by the handful. The options are endless!
I loooove granola. Love it. My smoothies feel naked without a little on top, and I quite literally cannot eat yogurt without it. However. It’s so freaking hard to find granola at the store that isn’t loaded with less than ideal ingredients and tons of extra sugar. I prefer granola with simpler, healthier ingredients, so this dilemma has made my life difficult in the past. SO, I decided to make my own and I’m not sure I’ll be going back to store-bought after this.
Oil-free and sweetened using only maple syrup, this granola is certainly healthier and simpler than most (if not all???) found at the grocery store. It’s not overly sweet, and it’s packed with fiber from the oats and quinoa. The quinoa also adds a little boost of protein alongside the almonds and almond butter. Not to mention the healthy monounsaturated fats you get from the almonds. Talk about a well balanced snack.
This granola is also so incredibly delicious. Like, I was having a hard time stopping myself from munching on it while shooting the photos for this post...that level of delicious. Chunky and crunchy, it’s everything you want in a granola. The maple, almond butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg all come together to create a warm and sweet (but not overly sweet) flavor that is simply irresistible.
So if you’ve been on the hunt for a simpler and healthier granola, then this is the recipe for you. Not only are the ingredients simple, but it’s also so simple to make. It’s a perfect make-ahead recipe to throw together and have a batch on hand for the week.
If you do give this Maple Almond Butter Granola a try, be sure to comment below and/or tag me on Instagram and let me know how you like it! I really love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for stopping by!
Take Care xx
Slim
Maple Almond Butter Granola (Vegan + Gluten Free)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Cool time: 45 - 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Serves: 8-12
Ingredients
3 cups rolled oats
½ cup uncooked quinoa
1 cup raw, unsalted almonds
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
½ cup creamy unsweetened almond butter (runnier is better)
½ cup maple syrup
2 tsp vanilla
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325℉ and line an edged baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
In a large bowl, mix together the oats, quinoa, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
In another bowl, add the almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla. Whisk together until completely combined and smooth.
Add the almond butter mixture to the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir together until everything is completely and evenly coated.
Pour the granola onto the prepared baking sheet and distribute evenly. Press down tightly to create a smooth, packed layer. This will help to create those big chunks once cooked.
Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a nice golden brown color is reached. Remove and let cool COMPLETELY (around 45 minutes to an hour). Allowing it to cool will help larger chunks stay together when breaking it up.
Once cooled, break into chunks with your hands. Serve or store in an airtight container.
*Note: Storing it in the freezer helps to keep it extra crunchy!
