Simple Homemade Nut Free Granola Recipe

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This Nut Free Granola recipe is perfect for those with nut allergies or anyone looking for a healthy snack option. Crunchy and packed with healthy ingredients, this granola is delicious cereal with your favorite milk, a great topping to add to yogurt, or ice cream, or enjoy this chewy granola as a snack!

A wooden spoon filled with homemade granola.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made with rolled oats, maple syrup, and coconut oil this granola is both delicious and nutritious.
It’s also completely customizable so you can add in your favorite seeds if you don’t have any allergies.
Homemade granola is economical to make. Many granola brands are $6 or $7 per 8-ounce bag. This recipe will be half that amount and you’ll get double the granola too!
Customize this basic granola recipe each time by adding diced dried fruit, or whatever you have hand.
This recipe is also easy to make ahead for a quick breakfast option or snack on the go.

Ingredients Needed

If you ask me the best thing about this recipe is that all of these ingredients are pantry staples. This means that anytime I have a craving for crunchy granola I don’t have to worry about running out to the store to grab ingredients.

old-fashioned rolled oats, which are naturally gluten-free.
unsweetened shredded coconut – It is plenty sweet without the extra sugar from sweetened coconut flakes.
maple syrup – pure maple syrup is best. I always have the Grade A Kirkland maple syrup brand from Costco stocked at my house. See the substitution list below for an alternative to maple syrup.
melted coconut oil – make sure your maple syrup has not expired. There is nothing worse than rancid coconut oil!
vanilla extract
ground cinnamon
salt
chocolate chips or dried fruit – I like to add sugar-free chocolate chips, dried blueberries, cranberries, or raisins.

How to Make This Nut-Free Granola Recipe

Making this homemade nut free granola is so simple. Just follow the step-by-step instructions and you will have a great allergy-friendly meal or snack ready in no time at all.

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare your baking sheet.

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the oats and coconut.

In a large mixing bowl, mix the rolled oats and shredded coconut.

Step 3: Heat the maple syrup and coconut oil.

In a separate microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop in a small saucepan, warm the maple syrup and coconut oil until they are melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt.

Maple syrup in a saucepan with cinnamon on the side.

Step 4: Mix the wet ingredients and dry ingredients.

Pour the wet mixture over the dry oat and coconut mixture. Use a fork, spatula, or your hands (make sure the maple syrup has cooled before handling) to thoroughly combine, making sure the oats are evenly coated.

Old-fashioned oatmeal and coconut flakes in a blue mixing bowl.

Step 5: Add the pure maple syrup.

Spread the rolled oats mixture evenly in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake the granola.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until the granola is golden brown and toasted. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Toasted granola on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 7: Cool the granola.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the sheet. It will continue to crisp up as it cools.

Step 8: Add chocolate chips and fruit then store.

Fold in the chocolate chips or dried fruit into the cooled granola. Transfer the nut-free granola to an airtight container for storage.

Homemade nut free granola with chocolate chips in a glass mason jar spilling onto a white plate.

Substitutions and Additions

There are so many different things you can add to this homemade granola recipe. Here are a few of my favorites.

Pumpkin Seeds – They will add a delicious crunch to this granola recipe.
Sunflower Seeds – A great option for those with nut allergies as they add the same texture and flavor as nuts.
Hemp Seeds – These are full of protein and healthy fats, making them a great addition to any granola recipe.
Chia seeds – Known for their high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, chia seeds are a great way to add some extra nutrients to your granola.
Flax Seeds – Another great source of omega-3s and fiber, flax seeds also provide a nice crunch to the homemade granola.
Sweetener – Instead of maple syrup you can use your favorite liquid sweetener. We prefer the flavor of maple but honey or a low-carb sweetener like liquid allulose would work also.

Storage

Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. I keep mine in a clear large Mason jar. You can also freeze it for longer storage, just make sure you let it thaw before eating.

Homemade nut free granola on a white plate with a spoonful of granola on a wooden spoon.

Serve With

This granola can be served in many different ways. It’s great a snack on its own. It’s also delicious when served on top of Instant Pot Yogurt or a smoothie bowl.

Sandra’s Pro Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure that this tasty snack turns out perfectly for you.

If you are melting your coconut oil on the stovetop watch it closely. You don’t want it to come to a boil you just want it melted and smooth.
Try to get your granola in an even layer on your baking sheet. Use two if you need them. The even layer allows it to cook quickly.
Let it sit! When you first take your granola out of the oven it won’t be completely crunchy yet, but as it cools and sits it will continue to crisp up.

Homemade granola made with old-fashioned oats on a white plate.

FAQs

Do you have questions about this homemade nut-free granola? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this recipe.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

No, for this recipe you will need to use old-fashioned oats.

Can I use sweetened coconut flakes?

Yes, technically you can, however, the unsweetened will work best. The sweetened will add too much sugar to your granola.

Can you freeze granola?

Yes, once it has completely cooled, you can store it in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to let it thaw before serving.

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