Grain Free Maple Cinnamon Granola with Nuts and Seeds

Prep: 15 minCook: 35 min1 batchmediumAmerican
Grain Free Maple Cinnamon Granola with Nuts and Seeds

A crunchy, naturally sweetened granola made entirely without grains, featuring a medley of chopped walnuts, almonds, and cashews combined with pumpkin seeds, chia, and flax. Lightly sweetened with maple syrup and fragrant with cinnamon and vanilla, this wholesome breakfast or snack option delivers healthy fats and protein. Perfect for those following paleo, keto, or gluten-free diets, it pairs beautifully with fresh berries, yogurt, or eaten by the handful as an energy-boosting snack.

Ingredients

Yield: servings
  • 3 cup walnuts, chopped
    pecans1:1nut-free

    similar texture and richness

    Full guide →
  • 2 cup almonds, chopped
  • ½ cup cashews, chopped
  • 1 cup golden raisins
  • 1 cup pumpkin seeds
  • ¼ cup chia seeds
  • ¼ cup flax seeds
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup
    honey1:1vegan

    slightly different flavor profile

    Full guide →
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup coconut flakes
  • 3 tbsp coconut oil
    avocado oil1:1coconut-free

    neutral flavor

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees

  2. 2

    Chop walnuts, almonds, and cashews into medium-sized pieces using a knife or food processor, avoiding over-processing

  3. 3

    Combine all nuts and seeds in a large bowl

  4. 4

    Combine cinnamon, vanilla, maple syrup, and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl

  5. 5

    Microwave oil mixture until coconut oil is liquid, being careful not to burn

  6. 6

    Add oil mixture to nuts and seeds, mixing well to coat all dry ingredients

  7. 7

    Line a large oven-safe pan with parchment paper

  8. 8

    Spread granola evenly onto the prepared pan

  9. 9

    Bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes

Tips

Tip 1

Use a food processor to quickly chop nuts to uniform size, but pulse carefully to avoid making nut butter.

Tip 2

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks to maintain crunchiness and prevent rancidity.

Tip 3

Stir every 10 minutes during baking to ensure even browning and prevent burning around edges.

Good to Know

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks

Make Ahead

Can be made up to 1 week ahead and stored in airtight containers

Serve With

Serve with fresh berries, yogurt, or milk, or enjoy as a snack

Common Mistakes

Watch

Chop nuts to uniform medium size to avoid burning smaller pieces

Watch

Stir every 10 minutes during baking to prevent uneven browning

Watch

Watch coconut oil mixture carefully when microwaving to avoid burning

Substitutions

Vegan Options

maple syrup
honey1:1vegan

slightly different flavor profile

Full guide →

Nut-Free Alternatives

walnuts
pecans1:1nut-free

similar texture and richness

Full guide →
coconut oil
avocado oil1:1coconut-free

neutral flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this granola oil-free?

Yes, you can omit the coconut oil and increase the maple syrup slightly, though the texture will be less crispy and more crumbly.

How long does homemade granola keep?

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature, or freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.

Can I substitute other nuts or seeds?

Absolutely! Try pecans, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, or hemp hearts in place of any listed nuts or seeds using equal amounts.