Granola is healthy….right? Well, if you’ve ever read the ingredient label of a conventional, store-bought granola, you’ll know most of them are loaded with added sugar, and are quite the contrary to a healthy snack. Because of this, you might have wondered how to make granola right from home! Well, let me tell you, it’s simple, easy, and so much better than anything you’ll get off of a store shelf.
This granola goes the extra mile for those of us with food intolerances, being free of added sugar, grains, dairy, gluten, and nuts! Enjoy this protein-rich, sweet snack, knowing you’re doing your body good!
How to Make Granola
Granola is a quick, simple, and fail-proof healthy snack…which is one of the major reasons I love it so much! You really can mix together whatever amount of dried fruit, nuts, seeds, nut butters, cacao, and sweeteners you’d like, and you’re going to get at the very least, a yummy outcome!
Like mentioned above, this granola goes the extra mile for food allergies and intolerances. It is free of added-sugar, nut, dairy, gluten, and grains; an incredibly difficult combination to find in store bought granola. With so much avoided in this recipe, you’re probably interested in what I did use. Keep reading for the ingredients!
Main Ingredients:
Sunflower Seed Butter
If you’ve never tried sunflower seed butter, you’re definitely missing out! Sunflower seed butter is a delicious alternative for those with nut allergies or intolerances, and is the closest nut-free flavor you can get to peanut butter.
Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of an array of vitamins and minerals, and have been studied to help reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and much more. Read more about the benefits of sunflower seeds here!
Coconut Flakes
Coconut flakes are one of the main ingredients in this recipe, and help to replace what might normally be oats, or other grains. Filled with copper, iron, manganese, and more, this versatile food is one I use on a near daily basis!
Pumpkin Seeds
Used as a replacement for nuts in this recipe, pumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants, nutrients, and even have been studied for their anti-parasitic properties! Read more here.
Sunflower Seeds
Like mentioned above, sunflower seeds are full of health benefits! Since we’re using both sunflower seeds, and sunflower butter in this recipe, you’ll reap double the benefit!
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is highly controversial, receiving praise and criticism for the exact same things. Here at Clean Cuisine, we believe coconut oil to be highly beneficial, and a healthy part of a clean diet. Read this article to clear up any confusion.
Green Leaf Stevia
Green leaf stevia is absolutely nothing like the refined, white, processed version you’ll find on store shelves. This type of stevia is best found online (I like this brand from Amazon), and is actual 100% pure stevia straight from the plant.
While I am not at all opposed to healthy sugar alternatives such as honey, maple, and coconut sugar, I also realize this is not an option for everyone. Currently, I myself am following a candida diet to eradicate my chronic SIBO issues. Because of this, I am temporarily refraining from all sweeteners, including fruit!
Throughout these past few months, the need for healthy, sugar-free options (for temporary or long-term health needs) has been brought to my attention. In response, I have been intentionally formulating more of my recipes to offer these types of options to those who need them.
If you’re not avoiding sugar, you are more than welcome to swap the stevia for another alternative. You could experiment with coconut or date sugar, or adjust the sunflower seed butter accordingly, and use a liquid sweetener like honey or maple.
While these are the main ingredients in the recipe, this granola is easily customizable. By adding in dried fruit, chocolate chips, or anything else you prefer, you can make this recipe your own!
How to Use Granola
Granola is very versatile, and easy to use in a variety of ways. It can be eaten dry, used as cereal, sprinkled on top of yogurt or ice cream, and much more! Here are some of my favorite ways to use this granola:
Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream: This clean homemade chocolate ice cream recipe is dairy free and has no refined sugar. Sprinkle this granola on top for some added crunch!
Coconut Yogurt: This homemade Coconut Yogurt Recipe is better than the few store brands you can find. Plus, it’s much healthier and only uses 3 ingredients. Add granola and fruit for extra flavor and texture!
Almond Milk: I love adding this granola to some almond milk and enjoying it like a crunchy bowl of cereal! The most nutritious, delicious and best homemade almond milk recipe is incredibly easy to make using raw almond butter rather than whole raw almonds.
Now since we’ve talked about the ingredients and how to best use this granola, let’s get into the recipe!
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How to Make Granola
Have you ever wondered how to make granola from home? It’s simple, easy, and so much better than anything you’ll get off of a store shelf.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 3/4 cup sunflower seed butter, can swap for nut butter if preferred
- 1 tablespoon green leaf stevia, or equivalent
- 1.5 cups coconut chips
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, can swap for any nut
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, can swap for any nut
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional – chocolate chips, dried cranberries, additional toppings
Instructions
- Begin by preheating oven to 400º f.
- Place coconut oil in a small saucepan on the stovetop, and turn on low/medium heat. Melt until liquified.
- Add in sunflower seed butter, and stir continuously (to avoid burning) until well combined.
- Add in stevia, and stir until well combined.
- Remove from heat, and add in coconut flakes, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and additional desired toppings (if using chocolate chips, wait to add until finished cooking if melting is not desired).
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper, and spread granola out in a single layer.
- Place in the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until mixture is reaching a golden brown color.
- Remove from oven, and set aside to cool.
- Once cool, place in a storage container in the fridge, and allow to chill for at least 3 hours (store in fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze for longer storage).
- Enjoy!
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