Starting your day with a wholesome breakfast sets the tone for productivity and well-being. What better way to fuel your mornings than with a homemade vegetarian granola recipe that’s bursting with natural flavors, crunchy textures, and nourishing ingredients?
Unlike store-bought granolas laden with preservatives and excess sugars, this recipe lets you control every element — from the choice of nuts and seeds to the sweetness level. It’s perfect not only for vegetarians but for anyone seeking a healthy, energizing start.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and easy to customize according to your preferences.
Whether you enjoy it with yogurt, milk, or as a topping on smoothie bowls, this granola will quickly become a pantry staple. It’s packed with fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based protein, making it an excellent snack or breakfast option.
And the best part? It only takes minutes to prepare and bake.
Let’s dive into the details and discover how to create your own delicious vegetarian granola!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian granola recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it’s completely customizable — you can swap in your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to make it uniquely yours.
It’s naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup and a touch of vanilla extract, steering clear of refined sugars. The granola bakes evenly to a perfect golden crunch, delivering that satisfying texture you crave in every bite.
Moreover, it’s packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like rolled oats, chia seeds, and almonds, which support digestion, heart health, and sustained energy. This recipe is also free from any animal products, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans alike.
Finally, it stores beautifully for up to two weeks, so you can enjoy a quick, healthy breakfast or snack anytime.
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned, not instant)
- 1 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
- ½ cup raw pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
Equipment
- Baking sheet (preferably rimmed)
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Oven
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. This liquid mixture will help bind the granola and add natural sweetness.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to toss everything together until the oats and nuts are well coated.
- Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Press it down lightly with your spatula for even toasting.
- Bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove from the oven and gently stir the granola to ensure even browning.
- Return the granola to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and fragrant. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning, especially towards the end.
- Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. It will crisp up as it cools.
- Once cool, stir in the dried cranberries or raisins if using. Store your vegetarian granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra crunch and nutrition boost, try adding sunflower seeds, hemp hearts, or chopped walnuts. Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist!”
If you prefer a chunkier granola, press the mixture firmly on the baking sheet before baking. This encourages larger clusters that are perfect for topping yogurt or smoothie bowls.
For a nut-free version, substitute almonds with extra pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
To make it gluten-free, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. You can swap the dried cranberries for chopped dates or apricots for a natural sweetness variation.
If you want a lower sugar content, reduce the maple syrup slightly or replace it with mashed banana, keeping in mind this may affect the texture.
Want to make it extra special? Toss in ½ cup of dark chocolate chips after baking and cooling, for a deliciously indulgent treat.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1/2 cup) |
---|---|
Calories | 220 kcal |
Protein | 6 g |
Fat | 11 g |
Carbohydrates | 28 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sugar | 7 g (from natural sweeteners) |
Iron | 10% Daily Value |
Calcium | 4% Daily Value |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetarian granola is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of foods. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Sprinkle over a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt topped with fresh berries.
- Mix into your morning smoothie bowl for added texture and nutrition.
- Serve with your favorite plant-based milk for a quick and hearty breakfast cereal.
- Use it as a crunchy topping for baked apples or roasted pears.
- Enjoy a handful as a healthy snack on the go.
For more creative vegetarian ideas, check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious. If you’re looking for delicious baked goods to accompany your granola breakfasts, don’t miss the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
Conclusion
Making your own vegetarian granola at home is not only satisfying but also allows you to enjoy a wholesome, nutrient-packed breakfast free from unnecessary additives. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between crunch and sweetness, with the flexibility to tailor it to your taste and dietary preferences.
With simple pantry staples and straightforward instructions, you’ll have a batch ready in under an hour, giving you a delicious foundation for many healthy mornings to come. Plus, the endless variations mean you can keep your breakfast exciting and fresh every time.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just exploring plant-based options, this granola will become a beloved part of your routine.
Happy cooking, and don’t forget to explore more tasty vegetarian recipes on our site!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Granola Recipe
Description: A crunchy and nutritious homemade granola perfect for breakfast or snacks. Packed with nuts, seeds, and natural sweetness.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a large bowl, combine oats, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Stir in dried cranberries before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 22 g
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