Homemade Crunchy Granola (Oil-Free)

This homemade crunchy granola is totally oil-free and made up of 6 simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry! I make it in big batches over the weekend and enjoy it in my smoothie bowls or a yogurt breakfast bowl. This homemade granola is also customizable – add in your favourite nuts and seeds (mine are walnuts and pumpkin!).

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Servings: ~4 1/2 cups

Ingredients

• 3 cups large flake oats
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup raw unsalted walnuts
• 1/4 cup roasted unsalted pumpkin seeds

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• 1 lined baking sheet

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325F.
2. In a small pot on low heat, add the almond butter and maple syrup. Stir with a wooden spoon for a few minutes until well combined, then remove from heat.
3. Add the oats, cinnamon, walnuts and pumpkin seeds to a large mixing bowl and mix well. I like slightly crushing the walnuts in my hands into smaller pieces.
4. Once the maple syrup and almond butter are well combined, mix them into the large mixing bowl with the oats.
5. Add the granola to a lined baking sheet, spreading it out evenly and pressing it down with a spoon.
6. Bake for 10-11 minutes, then remove from the oven and slightly break the granola apart with a spoon or spatula. Mix the granola clusters, then spread them out again and press them back down firmly onto the baking sheet.
7. Bake for another 10-14 minutes, until golden brown. You don’t want it to burn, so I recommend starting with 10 minutes, and checking every couple of minutes from there until it is perfectly golden.
8. Remove from the oven and let sit for 30 minutes (this will allow it to firm up and become crunchy!).
9. Store in jars or containers, then enjoy in a yogurt & fruit breakfast bowl or in a yummy smoothie bowl!

Notes

*You can use any combination of nuts and seeds in this granola, for a total of 3/4 cup nuts & seeds (I just like walnuts and pumpkin seeds the best!).

*Feel free to make a double batch of this granola. When removing the trays halfway through baking, simply switch their spots in the oven (if the trays are on different racks – this will ensure they bake evenly).

*For a gluten-free version, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.