Chunky granola is the ultimate breakfast or snack treat for anyone craving a satisfying crunch paired with wholesome, natural ingredients. This vegan chunky granola recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a nourishing start to their day without any animal products.
Packed with hearty oats, crunchy nuts, and just the right amount of sweetness, this granola clumps together beautifully, making it ideal for spooning over plant-based yogurts or enjoying straight from the jar.
Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or simply love a good homemade granola, this recipe offers a delightful balance of texture and flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
Making your own granola at home means you can customize the mix-ins to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Plus, it’s easy to whip up a big batch that stores well, so you always have a wholesome snack ready.
Let’s dive into this delicious, chunky vegan granola recipe that’s sure to become your pantry staple!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chunky granola recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First, it’s 100% vegan and free from refined sugars, relying on natural sweeteners like maple syrup to keep things wholesome.
The clumps are satisfyingly chunky, which makes it ideal for topping smoothie bowls or enjoying with almond milk. Plus, it’s customizable – you can swap nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
Another great aspect is the simplicity of the ingredients and the quick preparation time. It bakes in the oven just once, and you get a crunchy, golden granola that stores beautifully.
This recipe also offers a balanced mix of healthy fats, fiber, and protein, making it a nutritious snack or breakfast option that will keep you energized throughout the morning.
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
- ½ cup raw pecans, chopped
- ½ cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup maple syrup (or agave syrup)
- ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins (added after baking)
Equipment
- Baking sheet (rimmed)
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for melting coconut oil)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack (optional)
- Airtight container for storage
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, chopped almonds, pecans, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, chia seeds, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well to distribute evenly.
- Melt the coconut oil: In a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, melt the coconut oil until liquid. Be careful not to overheat.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly to ensure every oat and nut is coated.
- Transfer to baking sheet: Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Press down slightly with the back of your spatula or hands to encourage chunk formation.
- Bake the granola: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the granola and use a spatula to press it down again gently, then return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant.
- Cool completely: Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling period is crucial for chunk formation as the granola hardens.
- Add dried fruit: Once cooled, break the granola into chunks of your desired size and stir in the dried cranberries or raisins.
- Store and enjoy: Transfer the granola to an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for up to two weeks or can be frozen for longer storage.
Tips & Variations
To keep your granola extra chunky, avoid stirring it too often during baking. Pressing it down gently after the first bake helps create those desirable clusters.
You can customize this granola to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Try swapping almonds and pecans for walnuts or cashews.
For a nut-free version, increase the seeds such as pumpkin, sunflower, and hemp seeds. If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger.
For additional sweetness and texture, add cacao nibs or vegan chocolate chips after baking and cooling. For a tropical twist, swap dried cranberries with chopped dried mango or pineapple.
If you prefer a less sweet granola, reduce the maple syrup slightly or replace part of it with unsweetened applesauce to keep it moist but not too sugary.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx. ½ cup) |
---|---|
Calories | 280 |
Fat | 16g |
Saturated Fat | 6g |
Carbohydrates | 28g |
Fiber | 6g |
Sugar | 7g |
Protein | 6g |
Sodium | 70mg |
Serving Suggestions
This chunky vegan granola is wonderfully versatile. Spoon it over your favorite plant-based yogurt with fresh fruit for a quick, energizing breakfast.
It’s also fantastic served with almond or oat milk as a crunchy cereal alternative.
Use it as a topping for smoothie bowls to add texture and flavor, or sprinkle it over a bowl of warm oatmeal to add some crunch. You can even pack it in small containers as a grab-and-go snack for busy days.
For a decadent treat, try adding a scoop of vegan peanut butter or almond butter on top of your granola bowl. If you love the idea of homemade granola, you might also enjoy these recipes: Pecan Crackers Recipe, Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe, and Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese.
Conclusion
This chunky vegan granola recipe is an easy, wholesome way to boost your mornings or snack times with nutrient-packed ingredients and great flavor. With a perfect balance of crunchy nuts, seeds, and just the right touch of sweetness, it’s a versatile recipe that you can tweak endlessly to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Making granola at home lets you control what goes into your food, avoiding preservatives and refined sugars. Plus, the chunky texture makes it a standout compared to store-bought options.
Try this recipe today, and you’ll soon find yourself reaching for it daily. For more delicious recipe ideas and inspiration, check out Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe and Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe!
📖 Recipe Card: Chunky Granola Recipe Vegan
Description: A crunchy and wholesome vegan granola packed with nuts and seeds. Perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup raw almonds, chopped
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a large bowl, mix oats, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and shredded coconut.
- In a small bowl, whisk maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated.
- Spread mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through for even toasting.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely to harden chunks.
- Once cooled, mix in dried cranberries and vegan chocolate chips.
- Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 25 g
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