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This homemade healthy granola is crunchy, easy to make, and packed with nutritious ingredients. Naturally sweetened and oil-free, it’s the perfect plant-based breakfast or snack!
There’s something so satisfying about making your own granola—it fills your kitchen with the most comforting smell and makes breakfast feel extra special.
This Healthy WFPB Granola is one of my go-to recipes for crunchy, lightly sweet, and nourishing without oils or refined sugars.
It’s made with rolled oats, crunchy nuts, seeds, and is naturally sweetened with maple syrup and applesauce.
Mix in your favorite dried fruits or sprinkle in some coconut or spices for a fun twist. Whether served with plant milk, yogurt, or just enjoyed as a snack, this granola always hits the spot!
WHAT ALLERGENS/INGREDIENTS IS THIS RECIPE FREE FROM?
This Recipe is vegan and:
✅ Dairy-Free
✅ Egg-Free
✅ Gluten-Free (if using certified GF oats)
✅ Refined Sugar-Free
✅ Oil-Free
✅ Soy-Free
✅ Nut-Free Option Available
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS AND WHY IS IT GOOD FOR YOU
This granola recipe uses real, whole-food ingredients—nothing artificial or processed. The oats provide fiber, the nuts and seeds add healthy fats and plant-based protein, and the flaxseed boosts omega-3s.
It’s gently sweetened with pure maple syrup and applesauce instead of sugar or oil, making it a feel-good, super flavorful, and crunchy option.
It’s also shelf-stable and perfect for meal prep!
HOW TO PREPARE THIS HEALTHY GRANOLA
📌(Please read the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes)
This recipe is easy! Mix the dry ingredients with the wet, spread everything on a baking sheet, and bake until golden. This is a beginner-friendly recipe made with pantry staples you probably already have!
Let’s explore kitchen tools, the required ingredients, and the steps with helpful pictures if needed.
USEFUL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
Find all my plant-based kitchen’s essential tools and ingredient staples in my Amazon Storefront.
To make this recipe, you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls – To combine the dry and wet ingredients
- Whisk – To blend the wet mixture smoothly
- Spatula – Ideal for folding and spreading the mixture
- Baking Sheet – For even roasting
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat – To prevent sticking and help with cleanup
Now, let’s review the list of ingredients and potential substitutions in some cases.
INGREDIENTS NOTES
Here’s what you’ll need to make this granola and why each one matters:
Dry Ingredients:
- Rolled Oats – The heart of the granola, providing fiber and structure
- Raw Nuts – Walnuts, almonds, or pecans add healthy fats and a crunchy bite
- Raw Seeds – Pumpkin or sunflower seeds bring texture and a mineral-rich crunch
- Ground Flaxseed – Binds and adds omega-3s
- Cinnamon – For warm, cozy flavor
- Salt (optional) – Enhances all the flavors
Wet Ingredients:
- Unsweetened Applesauce – Adds moisture and natural sweetness
- Maple Syrup – A natural sweetener with a rich, caramel-like flavor
- Vanilla Extract – Rounds out the sweetness with depth
After Baking:
- Unsweetened Dried Fruit – Raisins, chopped dates, or cranberries for chewy contrast
Optional Add-ins:
- Shredded Coconut – Adds a light tropical flair
- Chia or Hemp Seeds – Extra nutrition and texture
DIRECTIONS
To prepare this recipe, follow these steps:
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.
In another bowl, whisk together applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla. Pour over the dry ingredients and mix well.
Spread onto a baking sheet and press down with a spatula.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway for even baking. For chunky granola, stir only once or not at all.
Let’s cool completely before adding dried fruit and optional extras.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
RECIPE TIPS & VARIATIONS
- Want big clusters? Press the mixture down and don’t stir too much during baking.
- Add flavor twists with orange zest, nutmeg, or cardamom.
- Nut-free? Use extra seeds or coconut instead.
- Serving ideas: Over smoothie bowls, with plant milk, or as a topping for nice cream.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This granola is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch and enjoy all week.
How do I store leftovers?
Store it in an airtight jar or container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Can I freeze this granola?
Absolutely! You can freeze it in a sealed container for up to 3 months—just let it come to room temperature before eating.
What can I serve with this granola?
It’s great with plant milk, yogurt, smoothie bowls, or even sprinkled on baked fruit!
MORE DELICIOUS OAT-BASED BREAKFAST RECIPES TO TRY!
WATCH THE STEP-BY-STEP VIDEO!
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PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD
BEST HEALTHY GRANOLA RECIPE: OIL-FREE & GLUTEN-FREE
Equipment
- 2 mixing bowls
- 1 Whisk
- 1 spatula
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 4 cups rolled oats (360g rolled oats, Organic and GF if needed)
- 1 cup raw nuts (120g raw nuts: walnuts, almonds, or pecans, chopped)
- 1/2 cup raw seeds (65g raw seeds sunflower or pumpkin seeds)
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (120g)
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (80ml)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
After Baking:
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (80g unsweetened dried fruit: raisins, cranberries, chopped dates, or apricots)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (20g)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds (or hemp seeds)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, chopped nuts, seeds, flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt.
- Whisk the wet ingredients—applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla—in a smaller bowl. Pour this over the dry mix.
- Combine well until every bit of oat and nut is lightly coated.
- Spread the mixture onto your baking sheet in an even layer. Gently press it down with a spatula—this helps form those crunchy clusters!
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway. For chunkier granola, stir only once or skip stirring.
- Cool completely on the baking sheet. It crisps up as it cools—don’t skip this step!
- Add dried fruit and any optional extras after baking.
- Store in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- For chunkier granola, stir very minimally during baking or skip stirring altogether.
- If you like extra crunch, bake a few minutes longer—but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Customize by adding orange zest, cardamom, or nutmeg for a fun flavor twist.
- Make it nut-free by replacing nuts with extra seeds or coconut.
- Always let the granola cool completely before storing to keep it crispy.
