Best Oil Free Vegan Granola Recipe for Healthy Snacking

Granola is a beloved breakfast staple and snack favorite for many, but traditional recipes often rely on oils to achieve that perfect crunch and golden color. If you’re seeking a healthier, oil-free alternative that still packs a flavorful punch, you’re in the right place!

This best oil free vegan granola recipe delivers all the texture and taste you crave, without any added oils or animal products. It’s naturally sweetened, easy to prepare, and versatile enough to customize with your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.

Whether you’re vegan, watching your fat intake, or simply want to enjoy a wholesome homemade granola, this recipe offers a fantastic base. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, making your mornings easier and your snacks guilt-free.

Read on to discover why this granola is a pantry must-have, and how to whip up a batch that will keep you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This oil free vegan granola is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it’s made without any added oils, meaning it’s lower in fat and calories compared to traditional granola.

Instead, we use natural binding agents like maple syrup and applesauce to create a perfectly crisp texture.

Secondly, it’s incredibly adaptable. You can swap out ingredients to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Plus, it’s entirely plant-based, making it suitable for vegans and anyone looking to eat more plant-forward meals.

Lastly, this granola is easy to make and stores well. Prepare a big batch on the weekend, and you’ll have a nutritious snack or breakfast topping ready to go all week long.

If you’re interested in other vegan delights, check out our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for hearty vegan meals.

Ingredients

• 3 cups rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 cup chopped raw nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, or your favorite mix)
• 1/2 cup raw seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (acts as natural binder)
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (for gentle sweetness)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, dried cranberries, chopped dates, optional)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet (lined with parchment paper)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Oven
• Cooling rack (optional but recommended)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, chopped nuts, and seeds. Stir to mix evenly and distribute the ingredients well.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the applesauce, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. This wet mixture will help bind the granola while adding natural sweetness and flavor.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to thoroughly combine everything, ensuring all oats and nuts are coated.
5. Spread the mixture evenly in a thin layer across the prepared baking sheet. Press down lightly with the spatula to help it stick together slightly for clusters.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. This helps the granola bake evenly and prevents burning, while still allowing it to crisp up nicely.
7. After the final stir, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes without stirring, but keep a close eye to avoid over-browning.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. It will crisp up further as it cools.
9. Once cool, stir in the dried fruit if using. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Tips & Variations

“Don’t skip the cooling step! Granola continues to harden as it cools, so if you try to store it warm, it may become soggy.”

• Nut-free option: Replace nuts with additional seeds like hemp, flax, or sunflower seeds.
• Sweetener swap: Use agave nectar or brown rice syrup instead of maple syrup for different sweetness profiles.
• Add spices: Boost flavor by adding nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger along with cinnamon.
• Chunky clusters: To get bigger clusters, press the granola firmly into the baking sheet and avoid stirring too much during baking.
• Mix-ins: Add shredded coconut, cacao nibs, or vegan chocolate chips after baking for extra indulgence.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This oil free vegan granola is wonderfully versatile. Add it to your morning plant-based yogurt or smoothie bowls for a crunchy topping.

You can also sprinkle it over fresh fruit or enjoy it as a grab-and-go snack by itself.

For a quick breakfast, try mixing it with your favorite plant milk and a sliced banana. It also pairs beautifully with recipes that have a gentle sweetness and complement whole grains, like our Magic Dough Recipe or the delightful Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Creating a delicious, crunchy, and wholesome granola without oil is simpler than you might think. This recipe uses natural ingredients like applesauce and maple syrup to provide moisture and sweetness while keeping the fat content low and maintaining that irresistible crunch.

Perfect for vegans and anyone who appreciates a naturally sweetened, nutrient-packed snack, this granola can be customized endlessly. Keep a batch on hand for busy mornings, afternoon snacks, or as a topping to enhance your favorite dishes.

Don’t forget to explore more innovative and tasty recipes on our site to complement your healthy lifestyle!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Oil Free Vegan Granola Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A crunchy and wholesome oil-free vegan granola perfect for breakfast or snacks. Made with natural sweeteners and packed with nuts and seeds.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT40M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“3 cups rolled oats”, “1 cup chopped almonds”, “1/2 cup pumpkin seeds”, “1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut”, “1/4 cup maple syrup”, “1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce”, “1 teaspoon vanilla extract”, “1 teaspoon ground cinnamon”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1/2 cup dried cranberries”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 325\u00b0F (160\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, mix oats, almonds, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a separate bowl, whisk together maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla extract.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and stir until well combined.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Spread mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through for even toasting.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from oven and let cool completely.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in dried cranberries before serving or storing.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220”, “proteinContent”: “6g”, “fatContent”: “8g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “32g”}}