Granola used to lure me at the grocery store. Attractive, smartly packaged bags in assorted flavors promised that if I bought them (and casually ignored their less-attractive price tags), I’d be fit, healthy, and sure to live the kind of active life I associate with REI commercials. One look at the back of those same bags reveals a different story. Most store bought granolas contain an excess of added sugar and oil. Sure, store bought granola is delicious, but 99% of the time, when I choose to eat granola, it’s because I want to snack on something that is both delicious and healthy. That’s where DIY gluten free granola comes in! This recipe is a spinoff of my core, go-to healthy granola recipe.
This homemade gluten free granola recipe is:
Ridiculously Easy to Make. Can you stir a few things together in a bowl, and then spread them onto a baking sheet? GOOD. You can make granola. Good for You. 100% whole grain goodness, plus healthy fats. This recipe is also refined-sugar free. Easy to Adapt to Any Diet. As written, this granola recipe is gluten free and dairy-free. I’ve also included notes to make it vegan. Need nut free granola? Just leave out the nuts, and add more seeds or other mix-ins of choice. OUTRAGEOUSLY DELICIOUS. Either plan to share it with everyone in the house or hide the container for yourself…I actually had to hide it from myself to get the batch to last more than a few days.
Ingredients in Gluten Free Granola
Oats. I recommend rolled oats (also called old fashioned oats) for the best texture. Quick oats are more pulverized and not as conducive to giving your granola a fabulous, crunchy texture. Steel cut oats will be too tooth-crackingly hard. Rolled oats are the best for homemade granola. Flaxseed Meal. Hello, omega-3s and vital nutrients! Be sure to use GROUND flaxseed meal, not whole flaxseeds, as your body needs the flaxseed ground to absorb the nutrients (or you can grind it yourself). Pumpkin Pie Spice. In my baking lately, instead of individually measuring out cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and the other spices pumpkin pie spice contains, I’ve been using the classic blend. It’s a stellar shortcut that I wish I would have tried even earlier. This granola does not taste like actual pumpkin spice (it’s more classic). For a true pumpkin experience, check out my Pumpkin Granola recipe instead. Coconut. The secret to this gluten free granola’s addictive properties. When toasted with the oats, it’s obsessively good. Pure Maple Syrup or Honey. It was important to me that this be a gluten free granola with no sugar (the refined kind). If you are looking for the most budget-friendly option, gluten free granola with honey is less expensive. If you love maple, or you want the gluten free granola recipe vegan as well, use pure maple syrup. Coconut Oil or Light Olive Oil. Both are fantastic. 1/3 cup is the magic amount. Egg White. My secret to using less oil and still ending up with delightfully crunchy granola with crispy clusters. (I’ve also included a vegan gluten free granola option in the recipe below.) Pure Vanilla Extract. A generous pour. Mix-ins. Any kind you like! See below for ideas.
Best Gluten Free Granola Mix-ins.
Homemade granola is a great way to use up the odd bits of nuts, dried fruit, and other items you have lurking in your pantry. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Nuts. Be sure to use raw nuts, as they will toast in the oven with the oats, and you don’t want them to burn. A mix of almonds and pecans is my favorite. Dried Fruit. Wait to add this until the end so that the fruit doesn’t burn. If the fruit is small (like dried cranberries or raisins) you can leave it whole. If you are making gluten free granola with dates, or another larger dried fruit like apricots, chop the fruit into smaller pieces first. Seeds. Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are both sooooo yummy in granola. Add them with the nuts. Chocolate Chips. Obviously. Be sure to let the granola cool completely before adding them so that it doesn’t burn.
Ingredient Intelligence: Are Oats Gluten Free?
Yes, oats are gluten free. The oat grain, on its own, does not contain gluten. What causes gluten issues with oats is that there is often cross contamination in factories where the oats are produced. If you are making this gluten free granola for someone who cannot have any gluten whatsoever (someone with celiac, for example), be sure you are using certified gluten free rolled oats like these
Storing Gluten Free Granola
One of the best things about making a big batch of granola is how long it lasts! If you can keep your hands off of it anyway.
To Store: Your gluten free granola will keep for 1 to 2 weeks, if placed in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot. To Freeze: This granola can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Place it in a resealable freezer bag, and push out any excess air before placing in the freezer.
More Fantastic Homemade Granola Recipes
Crock Pot Granola Gingerbread Granola Looking for gluten free granola bars? Try these yummy no bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars.
Crispy, crunchy, and sweet, but not too sweet, this stellar gluten free granola is here for healthy, happy snacking! Enjoy it for breakfast with yogurt, sprinkle it over ice cream for dessert (it’s phenomenally good on top of Baked Peaches), and be sure to snitch generous handfuls in between meals.
