This super easy grain-free granola is delicious, crunchy and just how you want granola to taste! Made with whole and simple ingredients like dates, nuts and dried cranberries, this granola is healthy and wholesome. Whether you sprinkle this on yogurt or eat it like cereal, this easy grain-free granola is a filling and protein dense breakfast or snack.
Why Grain-free?
Cutting grains out of your diet is not for everyone. But if you are gluten-free or grain-free or even just curious about reducing grains, this easy grain-free granola recipe is nice to have in your arsenal. Grains can cause some people inflammation in their body. I have two close family members who experience symptoms of inflammation when consuming gluten/grains and who have early onset celiac’s disease. It can be hard when you want to eat “normal” foods but you can’t. It can also be hard to find grain-free alternatives or really expensive! I often do a “reset” with my diet which usually looks like a Whole 30 or Paleo type of model. It helps to get me back on track eating whole foods and reduce processed as much as possible. This is a great article to check out by Dr. Andrew Weil on the link with grains and inflammation in some people.
Whole Raw Ingredients
In this recipe, I’m using the simplest ingredients in their whole and raw form. Whole raw nuts that have not been roasted are best because often, roasted nuts have been treated with oils that are less than desirable. Also, I find that if you use already roasted nuts, they will taste burnt because we are baking them again. You can use a sweetener such as raw honey or pure maple syrup, but in this recipe, the sweetness will be coming from the dates. Soaking and blending these ingredients together are going to make a chunky “paste”, creating little clusters that will toast up nicely in the oven!
What you will need for this easy grain-free granola:
- Food Processor
- Large, rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper or non-stick silicone mat
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup raw walnuts
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup pitted medjool dates
- 5 oz unsweetened dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup almond butter (you can use any kind of nut butter you perfer)
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 1 tsp cinnamon or pie spice
- 1/8 tsp orange extract (Optional)
- pinch of salt
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Directions:
- Pour the nuts and dates into a large bowl and cover with water. Let soak for at least an hour.
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees
- Drain the nuts and dates that had been soaking and transfer them into a food processor.
- To the food processor, add pinch of salt, cinnamon, and orange extract.
- Pulse until it forms a chunky paste.
- Transfer mixture into a medium bowl and add in the almond butter, coconut flakes, and oil.
- Stir together until well combined.
- Spread mixture evenly onto a rimmed and lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes, checking and stirring the mixture half way through.
- Set granola out and let cool completely. (This also helps it to dry out and get crunchier)
- Add in the cranberries. (You can also use chopped dried apricots or raisins too!)
- Transfer your easy grain-free granola to an airtight container and enjoy up to two weeks.
Grain-Free Granola
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup raw walnuts
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup pitted medjool dates
- 5 oz unsweetened dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup almond butter (you can use any kind of nut butter you perfer)
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 1 tsp cinnamon or pie spice
- 1/8 tsp orange extract (Optional)
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Pour the nuts and dates into a large bowl and cover with water. Let soak for at least an hour.
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees
- Drain the nuts and dates that had been soaking and transfer them into a food processor.
- To the food processor, add pinch of salt, cinnamon, and orange extract.
- Pulse until it forms a chunky paste.
- Transfer mixture into a medium bowl and add in the almond butter, coconut flakes, and oil.
- Stir together until well combined.
- Spread mixture evenly onto a rimmed and lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes, checking and stirring the mixture half way through.
- Set granola out and let cool completely.
- Add in the cranberries.
- Transfer your easy grain-free granola to an airtight container and enjoy up to two weeks.
Notes
You can also use chopped dried apricots or raisins too!
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