Vegan Vanilla Granola (GF)

Ingredients and substitutions

Nothing but the best in here! A basic granola recipe has simple, yet healthy ingredients so you know you can indulge in some at any time. The recipe is completely flexible, so go ahead and make any changes or add fun treats to the mix if you like.

This is what I love to use in my vegan granola:

• Rolled oats - Old fashioned rolled oats are best. Use certified gluten free oats if you need the granola to be gluten free.
• Nuts and seeds - My favorites are sliced almonds and pepitas but you can use pecans, walnuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, or peanuts instead. For a nut free version, use only seeds!
• Coconut flakes - Try to use unsweetened if you can.
• Cinnamon - For a nice warm flavor.
• Salt - Don’t skip this! A pinch of salt brings balance to the mixture.
• Coconut oil - Melted coconut oil brings all of the ingredients together and is necessary for helping it crisp up. If you don’t have coconut oil, use olive oil or extra virgin olive oil instead.
• Maple syrup - For a touch of natural sweetness. Agave syrup also works.
• Vanilla extract - For flavor and some sweetness.
• Optional add-ins - Once it's is done baking, you can stir in fun add-ins like chocolate chips, raisins, dried cranberries, apple chips, banana chips, or orange zest!

How to make homemade vegan vanilla granola

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients: Add the oats, nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, cinnamon, and salt to a bowl. Mix until combined.

Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients: Stir the coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla together in a separate bowl. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir until everything is coated.

Step 3: Bake it: Spread mixture onto a baking sheet. Bake until it’s fragrant, crispy, and slightly brown.

Step 4: Customize and store: Let the finished granola cool completely on the baking sheet. Afterward, transfer it to an airtight jar or use it right away!

Air fryer directions

Making granola in the air fryer is easy, quick, and always gives you extra crispy results. Work in batches of 1 ½ cups at a time so it all cooks evenly:

Step 1: When the mixture is ready, pour it into the air fryer basket in an even layer.

Step 2: Set the air fryer to 350ºF and cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Shake the basket every few minutes.

Step 3: It's ready when it’s fragrant and golden brown. Let it cool completely, then store it away.

How to use

There are endless ways to enjoy easy vegan granola. It’s a great breakfast food, an easy snack, and can add a nice crunch to desserts too. Use it in these suggestions and more:

• Sprinkle some on a bowl of vegan yogurt.
• Make it a part of a custom smoothie bowl.
• Actually, it’s delicious on all kinds of smoothies and smoothie bowls!
• Pour some into a bowl with dairy free milk (like cereal).
• It’s delicious in a berry parfait.
• Take some on a hike for an energizing snack.
• Mix it into your oatmeal.
• Sprinkle some on top of a baked apple or two.

Expert tips

• Line the baking sheet with parchment paper so it doesn't doesn’t stick.
• Certain mix-ins, like pretzels and dried fruit (if you're using), should be stirred in until AFTER it’s done baking.
• DO NOT stir after it comes out of the oven. Letting it cool completely first helps everything stick together and you end up with delicious granola clusters.

Frequently asked questions