Oil Free Granola: 5 Ingredients & Vegan

Oil free granola is a delicious quick, healthy snack or breakfast that will satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s easy, made with 5 ingredients, and made in under 30 minutes. In addition to being oil free, this healthy granola is gluten free, vegan, and refined sugar free.

This easy oil free granola recipe needs just 5 ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and is ready to eat in just 30 minutes.

You can use this healthy, vegan granola to top everything from yogurt, to flaxseed pudding, to smoothies, to oatmeal, or simply just enjoy the large crunchy clusters as a yummy snack.

Besides the simple nature of this recipe, the best part has got to be the texture! Even though there’s no oil in this granola it still manages to be super crunchy, with delicious warm, toasty flavors. You absolutely will be addicted to these crunchy cluster.

HOW TO GET CRUNCHY GRANOLA WITHOUT OIL

The trick is using pure maple syrup! Not only will this sweeten the granola without adding refined sugar, but it will also achieve super crunchy clusters without any oil because the sugars in the syrup caramelize and harden when baked.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS OIL FREE GRANOLA

• Only 5 ingredients needed
• Made without any oil
• Healthy and refined sugar free
• Ready in 30 minutes
• Vegan, gluten free, and paleo
• Bakes into the BEST large, crunchy clusters

WHAT YOU NEED FOR OIL FREE GRANOLA

• Oats: The best kinds of oats to use are old fashioned or rolled oats. Steel cut will not work
• Almonds: Almonds are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They also help support cardiovascular health!
• Coconut: I like to use unsweetened coconut shreds or unsweetened coconut chips
• Maple syrup: The syrup acts as the binder to hold the granola together and make it super crunchy. Be sure you’re using pure maple syrup, the fake syrup won’t work
• Spices: You will need vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to get those warm, toasty flavors

HOW TO MAKE HEALTHY GRANOLA WITHOUT OIL

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. In a medium sized mixing bowl combine the oats, chopped almonds, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well until everything is well mixed
3. Pour the maple syrup and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Again, stir until everything is well coated with the syrup
4. Spread the oil free granola out in an even layer onto the parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until it is dark golden brown and smells toasted
5. Carefully pull the tray out of the oven and let the granola  cool completely before breaking it into clusters

EXPERT TIPS

• Use gluten free certified oats to make sure this granola is also gluten free
• Chop your own almonds, or buy them from the grocery store
• Make this with unsweetened coconut shreds to be refined sugar free
• Once you start to smell the granola toasting in the oven keep an eye on it
• The middle may not cooked, but don’t worry, it hardens as it cools
• Don’t break the granola into clusters until it’s fully cooled for best results

INGREDIENT VARIATIONS AND ADDITIONS

Variations:

• Almonds: Use pistachios, cashews, or hazelnuts instead
• Coconut: Substitute with added nuts or leave it out entirely
• Maple syrup: You can use honey instead, but it won’t be vegan

Additions:

• Hemp seeds, chia seeds, or flax seeds
• Pumpkin or sunflower seeds
• Dried fruit- this should be added after baking
• Chocolate chips or cocoa nibs- also added after baking
• Sprinkles

STORING TIPS

You can store homemade granola in an airtight container for up to 1 month. I like to use a large Mason Jar to keep mine.

Additionally, if you store it in the fridge it will last for closer to 2 months, but I can’t remember a time that a batch has ever lasted longer than 2 weeks in my house!

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

You can use this granola as a yummy crunchy topping or enjoy it as a simple snack! A few of my favorites uses are:

• Yogurt parfaits
• Mixed into smoothies
• As a topping to oatmeal
• Sprinkled over nice cream

FAQs

What is the purpose of oil in granola?

Typically, the purpose of oil in granola is to add a fat that will coat the dry ingredients. As it cooks, the oil will toast granola and get it golden brown and crunchy. Once done cooking, the oil will cool and harden so you can break it up into delicious clusters.

Is this gluten free?

Yes, technically oats are gluten free. If you want to be completely sure, use Bob’s Red Mill CERTIFIED Gluten Free Oats.

Can I make this granola nut free?

Absolutely! Substitute the almonds with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a delicious nut free option. You could also mix in chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds, they’re smaller in size but still powerhouses of nutrition.

Did you make my healthy oil free granola? If so, I would greatly appreciate you leaving a comment and star rating down below. Additionally, follow me on Instagram and tag me if you make this or any other of my easy snack recipes.

Print