Ultimate Homemade Maple Cinnamon Granola: Easy, Crunchy, Vegan & Gluten-Free Breakfast Bliss
Imagine waking up to the comforting aroma of warm cinnamon filling your kitchen, promising a delightful breakfast. This easy Cinnamon Granola recipe is your passport to that perfect morning! More than just a snack, it’s a crunchy, nutty, and subtly sweet dream, designed to elevate your breakfast routine or provide a satisfying treat any time of day. Crafted with wholesome ingredients, this vegan and gluten-free delight offers an irresistible texture and a burst of cozy flavor that will quickly become a cherished family favorite. Forget store-bought granola; making your own means you control every delicious, healthy morsel. Prepare to unlock the ultimate crispy, flavorful experience with every handful of this homemade maple cinnamon granola!
Warm up your mornings with some exciting, spicy, crunchy flavor! This simple granola recipe is loaded with nutty, crispy, chewy, and sweet flavors that will drive your taste buds wild! A few things you will love about this flavorful snack are:
- Family Favorite Flavor – This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to a shared moment of culinary joy. The warm, spicy cinnamon, combined with rich maple and wholesome nuts, creates a flavor profile that truly appeals to all ages. My little one can’t get enough of its delightful crunch and comforting taste, and I’m confident your family will embrace it with the same enthusiasm. It’s the kind of breakfast or snack that brings smiles and happy memories, making it a staple in any household.
- Effortlessly Vegan & Wholesome – Embracing a plant-based lifestyle has never been easier or more delicious! This recipe stands as a testament that vegan eating doesn’t require complex ingredients or intricate steps to be incredibly satisfying and utterly irresistible. Made with natural, plant-derived components, this granola is not only kind to animals but also packed with nutrients, providing sustained energy to fuel your day. It’s a wholesome choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor or convenience.
- Cool Weather Comfort in Every Bite – As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of warm, spiced granola. The inviting aroma of cinnamon and maple makes this snack an ideal companion for cool autumn mornings or cozy winter evenings. It evokes feelings of warmth and coziness, perfectly complementing a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of plant-based milk. It’s comfort food at its finest, offering a delightful crunch and a warming embrace.
- Personalized Perfection with Unlimited Options – One of the greatest joys of making homemade granola is the freedom to customize it to your heart’s content. While this maple cinnamon base is spectacular on its own, I adore experimenting with different add-ins to keep the flavor profile exciting and unique every time. From various nuts and seeds to an array of dried fruits and even different types of chocolate, the possibilities are endless. This versatility ensures that your granola experience is always fresh, fun, and perfectly tailored to your cravings.
- Versatile Delight for Any Occasion – The beauty of this cinnamon granola extends far beyond a simple breakfast cereal. It’s an incredibly versatile treat that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Sprinkle it generously over your morning yogurt or a vibrant smoothie bowl for added texture and flavor. Use it as a delightful topping for fruit salads or even a decadent ice cream sundae. Pack it as a wholesome snack for work or school, or create beautiful jars of it to gift to friends and family. Its applications are limited only by your imagination!
🎥 Video
🥘 Ingredients
Rolled Oats – The foundation of any truly great granola, rolled oats (also known as old-fashioned oats) are essential for achieving that satisfyingly chewy yet crisp texture. These oats are steamed and then rolled flat, which helps them cook evenly and absorb flavors beautifully without turning mushy. They are not only a fantastic source of earthy flavor but also packed with fiber, B vitamins, and essential minerals like magnesium, contributing to heart health and sustained energy. Be sure to opt for rolled oats over instant or quick oats, as the latter can result in a less desirable, often powdery, texture in granola. The thicker flakes of rolled oats create those coveted clusters and a more substantial bite.
Kosher Salt – A seemingly small detail, but a pinch of kosher salt plays a crucial role in balancing and enhancing all the other vibrant flavors in this granola. It doesn’t make the granola salty; instead, it deepens the sweetness of the maple syrup, brings out the earthiness of the oats, and amplifies the rich, nutty notes. This subtle addition transforms good granola into truly exceptional granola, creating a more complex and well-rounded taste experience.
Cinnamon – The star spice of this recipe, ground cinnamon provides the comforting, warm, and slightly spicy flavor that defines this granola. Its aromatic qualities fill your kitchen as it bakes, promising a cozy treat. Beyond its delightful taste, cinnamon is known for its antioxidant properties and ability to add a subtle sweetness without extra sugar. It’s the unifying ingredient that brings all the diverse elements of this granola into perfect harmony, making every bite a fragrant pleasure.
Almond Slivers – These pre-cut, blanched almonds are incredibly convenient and perfect for adding a delicate, sweet almond flavor and a satisfying crunch. You’ll typically find them in the baking aisle, ready to be incorporated directly into your mix. Almonds are a wonderful source of healthy fats, protein, and Vitamin E, making this granola not just delicious but also more nutritious and filling. Their thin shape ensures they toast beautifully alongside the oats without being overly hard.
Pine Nuts – Adding a unique, buttery texture and a rich, slightly resinous flavor, pine nuts are a fantastic addition to this granola. These small, creamy nuts are surprisingly high in protein, iron, and monounsaturated fats, which contributes to making this granola particularly filling and energy-boosting. They toast beautifully, becoming even more fragrant and nutty, and their soft texture provides a lovely contrast to the crunchier oats and almonds.
Desiccated Coconut – This finely shredded, dried coconut adds a wonderful texture and a hint of tropical sweetness to your granola. It comes in both unsweetened and sweetened varieties. Since this recipe already includes maple syrup for sweetness, unsweetened desiccated coconut is often preferred to allow the natural flavors to shine. However, if you have a sweeter palate or simply love an extra sweet treat, the sweetened version can be a delightful choice. It crisps up beautifully in the oven, adding another layer of crunch and a fragrant aroma.
Coconut Oil – This healthy, plant-based fat is essential for achieving that perfectly toasted, golden-brown granola with irresistible clusters. Coconut oil contributes a subtle richness and helps bind the ingredients together, ensuring an even bake and a beautifully crisp result. If coconut oil isn’t your preference, you can easily substitute it with other cold-pressed vegetable oils like olive oil, avocado oil, or even melted vegan butter. Choose an oil that complements the overall flavor profile you desire.
Maple Syrup – Nature’s candy, sticky sweet maple syrup is the ideal natural liquid sweetener for this granola. Its distinct, rich flavor pairs exceptionally well with cinnamon and adds a depth of sweetness that refined sugars can’t match. It also plays a key role in creating those desirable granola clusters. If you prefer, or have on hand, other liquid sweeteners such as agave syrup, brown rice syrup, or even a touch of date syrup, feel free to use them as an equal swap, adjusting for sweetness to taste.
Dark Chocolate Chips – For a touch of decadence and an extra layer of flavor, dark chocolate chips are a must-add once the granola has cooled. The bittersweet notes of dark chocolate beautifully complement the warm cinnamon and sweet maple. Dark chocolate also offers antioxidant benefits, making this treat even more appealing. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate; white chocolate chips or milk chocolate chunks can be used for a sweeter profile, or for a less sweet, more intense cocoa flavor, cacao nibs make an excellent substitute.
Dried Cranberries and Raisins – The combination of tart dried cranberries and sweet, chewy raisins provides the perfect fruity finish to this delectable granola. The cranberries offer a bright, tangy contrast that cuts through the richness, while the raisins add a soft, sweet chewiness. Together, they create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Don’t hesitate to customize this element; if you have a favorite dried fruit, like chopped dried apricots, golden raisins, dried blueberries, or even finely diced dates, feel free to swap or combine them to create your ultimate mix.
See the recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Instructions
Step One: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: rolled oats, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, almond slivers, pine nuts, and desiccated coconut. Ensure everything is thoroughly mixed so that the spices and nuts are evenly distributed, laying the groundwork for a uniformly flavorful granola.
Step Two: Gently melt the coconut oil in a small pan or microwave-safe bowl. Once liquid, stir in the maple syrup until well combined. This liquid mixture will bind your granola. Pour this sweet, fragrant syrup evenly over the dry oat and nut mixture in the large bowl. Mix meticulously with a sturdy wooden spoon or rubber spatula, ensuring every single oat flake and nut piece is coated. This thorough coating is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy texture and delightful clusters during baking.
Step Three: Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread the granola mixture onto the prepared sheet in a single, even layer. Avoid piling it up too high, as a thin, even spread promotes uniform baking and maximum crispiness. Bake in your preheated oven at the specified temperature (284 °F / 140 °C convection or 320 °F / 160 °C top/bottom heat) for approximately 30 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Halfway through baking, you might gently stir it once if you prefer a looser granola, but for larger clusters, leave it undisturbed.
Step Four: Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling period is absolutely vital for the granola to crisp up and form those wonderful clusters. Resist the urge to add the chocolate chips or dried fruit until the granola is entirely cool to the touch. Once cooled, sprinkle in the dark chocolate chips and the dried cranberries and raisins. Toss gently to combine. Adding them after baking and cooling prevents the chocolate from melting into a mess and keeps the dried fruit soft and flavorful.
🥜 Substitutions
- Funky Fruit – The world of dried fruit is vast and exciting! While cranberries and raisins offer a classic sweet-tart balance, feel free to get creative. Consider adding chewy dried cherries for a deeper tartness, vibrant goji berries for an exotic twist, or even chopped dried figs or apricots for a rich, earthy sweetness. Golden raisins can offer a milder, sweeter note, and dried blueberries bring a lovely pop of color and flavor. Tailor the fruit to your personal preference for a truly unique batch of granola.
- New and Nutty – Diversifying the nut profile can significantly change the granola’s character. Instead of just almonds, try adding chopped hazelnuts for a rich, buttery flavor, crunchy pecans, or earthy walnuts. For a truly luxurious touch, macadamia nuts add a creamy texture. You can also mix and match several types of nuts to create a more complex flavor and textural experience. Ensure any large nuts are roughly chopped to distribute evenly throughout the mix.
- Sensational seeds – For an added nutritional boost and a different kind of crunch, swap out or supplement the pine nuts with various seeds. Pumpkin seeds (pepitas) offer a distinct green hue and a slightly sweet, earthy flavor. Sunflower seeds provide a classic, mild nutty taste, while chia seeds or flax seeds can be mixed in for extra omega-3s, though they won’t add much crunch. Sesame seeds can also bring a subtle, toasty note.
- Autumn Spice – If you’re a fan of seasonal flavors, transform this cinnamon granola into an autumn masterpiece by swapping the single spice for a fragrant blend. Replace the ground cinnamon with an equal amount of pumpkin pie spice, which typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This simple change will infuse your granola with all the warm, cozy essence of fall, perfect for pairing with a pumpkin spice latte or enjoying during the holiday season.
- Crunchy Cookie-Inspired Treat – For those moments when you crave something truly indulgent, yet still wholesome, try taking inspiration from your favorite cookies! If you’re a Biscoff biscuit enthusiast, consider tweaking this recipe to incorporate crumbled Biscoff cookies or Biscoff spread into the liquid mixture. This creates a golden, caramel-spiced granola that captures the magic of those buttery biscuits in a crunchy, satisfying form. It’s a delightful twist that proves healthy doesn’t have to mean boring!
🍽 Equipment
Large Mixing Bowl and Wooden Spoon (or Rubber Spatula) – A spacious mixing bowl is crucial for comfortably combining all the ingredients without spills. A sturdy wooden spoon or a heat-resistant rubber spatula is highly recommended. The natural properties of wood often prevent the sticky oat and maple syrup mixture from clinging too much, making mixing easier. However, a good quality rubber spatula works just as effectively for folding and ensuring every ingredient is perfectly coated.
Small Pan – You’ll need a small saucepan or a microwave-safe dish to gently melt the coconut oil and combine it with the maple syrup. A non-stick pan is ideal for this step, as it prevents the sticky syrup from adhering too much and makes for easy cleanup. This step ensures that the liquid binders are evenly distributed before mixing with the dry ingredients.
Lined Baking Tray – The final, crucial step for achieving perfectly baked granola involves a baking sheet. Using a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a reusable silicone baking mat is essential. This not only prevents sticking but also ensures easy removal and cleanup. The parchment paper or silicone mat creates a non-stick surface that allows the granola to crisp up without burning to the pan, and helps those desirable clusters form.
🌡 Storage
Proper storage is key to maintaining the delightful crunch and freshness of your homemade granola. Once completely cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or a sealed food storage container works perfectly. Store it in a cool, dark place, such as your pantry or a kitchen cupboard, away from direct sunlight or heat, which can cause it to lose its crispness. When stored correctly, this delicious maple cinnamon granola will stay fresh, crunchy, and flavorful for up to one month, making it an excellent make-ahead snack or breakfast component.
💭 Top tips
- Spread Evenly for Perfect Crunch: Achieving uniformly crispy granola is all about proper spreading. Before baking, ensure your granola mixture is spread in a single, thin, and even layer across the entire baking sheet. Overcrowding the pan or creating thick piles will result in uneven cooking, with some parts turning soft or chewy while others burn. An even layer guarantees that every piece gets properly toasted to golden perfection.
- Patience is Key: Cool Completely for Clusters: This is perhaps the most important tip for getting those satisfying granola clusters! Resist the temptation to break up or eat the granola immediately after taking it out of the oven. It will still be soft. Allow it to cool *completely* and undisturbed on the baking sheet. As it cools, the maple syrup and coconut oil will harden, binding the ingredients together and forming those coveted crunchy clusters. Adding chocolate chips or dried fruit before it’s fully cooled will lead to a melted, messy result.
- Repurpose Leftover Almond Slivers into Delicious Treats: Don’t let any leftover almond slivers go to waste! They are incredibly versatile. You can easily turn them into another delightful snack like haystack cookies by mixing them with melted chocolate and other crunchy elements, or sprinkle them over salads for extra crunch. They also make a fantastic topping for oatmeal or a garnish for baked goods.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: As mentioned above, giving your granola enough space on the baking sheet is crucial. If you have a particularly large batch, consider dividing it between two baking sheets or baking it in two separate rounds to ensure air circulation and even toasting. A crowded pan steams the granola rather than bakes it, leading to a less crispy result.
- Customize to Your Heart’s Content: This recipe provides a wonderful base, but don’t be afraid to make it your own! Adjust the spice levels, experiment with different nuts or seeds, try various dried fruits, or even add a pinch of other warming spices like nutmeg or ginger alongside the cinnamon. Homemade granola is all about personal preference, so have fun with it!
🙋🏻 FAQ
The sparkling combination of cinnamon, maple, and wholesome oats in this homemade granola is incredibly versatile and will certainly get your mouth watering! For a classic morning meal, enjoy it in a bowl with your favorite plant-based milk – oat milk or almond milk are fantastic choices. Elevate your breakfast by sprinkling it generously over a vibrant smoothie bowl, adding both crunch and flavor. This granola also shines in yogurt parfaits, layered with fresh fruit, or as a delightful crunchy topping for a fruit crisp. Don’t forget it as a topping for ice cream sundaes, or simply by the handful as a satisfying snack. The possibilities are truly endless, limited only by your culinary imagination!
Unfortunately, while this homemade cinnamon granola is incredibly delicious and packed with healthy fats and protein, it’s not typically considered suitable for a strict ketogenic diet. The combination of oats, maple syrup, and dried fruits results in a higher carbohydrate count than is allowed on most keto plans. However, it remains an excellent choice for a plant-based, gluten-free, and high-protein snack that provides sustained energy from whole food ingredients.
Absolutely! This yummy recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Oats themselves are inherently gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur during processing. By choosing certified gluten-free rolled oats, you ensure this delicious granola is safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, offering a fantastic source of plant-based energy without any gluten concerns.
While individual preferences vary, the typical serving size for granola is about ⅓ cup. Based on our recipe, which yields approximately 16 servings, you’ll find that a ⅓ cup portion provides a satisfying and flavorful start to your day or a perfect pick-me-up snack. This portion size allows you to enjoy the delicious crunch and wholesome goodness without overdoing it.
While coconut oil is essential for achieving the best crispy texture and helping form clusters, you *can* attempt to make it oil-free by increasing the amount of maple syrup slightly and potentially adding a bit of nut butter (like almond butter or cashew butter) to help bind the ingredients. However, be aware that the texture will be softer and less crispy, and you might get fewer large clusters. It will still be delicious, but it won’t have the same classic granola crunch.
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📖 Recipe
Gluten-free Maple Cinnamon Granola
Nora
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Equipment
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Mixing bowl
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Small pan
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Wooden spoon
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Parchment Paper
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Baking tray
Ingredients
- 1 cup Rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 cup Almond slivers
- ½ cup Pine nuts
- 2 tablespoon Desiccated coconut
- 4 ½ tablespoon Coconut fat
- ¼ cup Maple syrup
- ½ cup Dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup Dried cranberries and raisins
Instructions
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Mix 1 cup Rolled oats, ½ teaspoon Kosher salt, ½ teaspoon Cinnamon, 1 cup Almond slivers, ½ cup Pine nuts, and 2 tablespoon Desiccated coconut in a bowl.1 cup Rolled oats, ½ teaspoon Kosher salt, ½ teaspoon Cinnamon, 1 cup Almond slivers, ½ cup Pine nuts, 2 tablespoon Desiccated coconut
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Melt 4 ½ tablespoon Coconut fat in a pan, add ¼ cup Maple syrup, and pour the mixture over the dry mix.4 ½ tablespoon Coconut fat, ¼ cup Maple syrup
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Mix well with a wooden spoon.
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Spread on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake at 284 °F / 140 °C convection oven (or 320 °F / 160 °C top/bottom heat) for approx. 30 minutes.
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Once the granola has cooled, add ½ cup Dark chocolate chips, and ½ cup Dried cranberries and raisins.½ cup Dark chocolate chips, ½ cup Dried cranberries and raisins
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Store in a well-sealed container and enjoy with yogurt or milk.
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
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- Apple Yogurt Breakfast Granola
- Easy Biscoff Granola Recipe
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⛑️ Food Safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
For further information, check Safe Food Handling – FDA.