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WFPB GRANOLA

BEST HEALTHY GRANOLA RECIPE: OIL-FREE & GLUTEN-FREE

This homemade 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!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8 cups (approx.)

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.