Delicious and Nutritious Gluten-Free Granola Recipe
Welcome to my gluten-free granola recipe! I am thrilled to share this delicious and nutritious recipe with you. Whether you have celiac disease or you simply want to include more healthy ingredients in your diet, this granola is the perfect gluten-free solution.
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I know how important it is to choose healthy ingredients that nourish our bodies. The problem with many store-bought granolas is that they are loaded with added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial flavors. This recipe is different. It is made with easy-to-find ingredients that are simple and wholesome, yet provide a burst of flavor in every bite.
The best part about this granola is that it is not only gluten-free but also dairy-free, making it suitable for those who have multiple dietary restrictions. It can be enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack or topping for yogurt, or even as a crunchy addition to your favorite smoothie bowl.
I guarantee that once you try this recipe, you won’t go back to store-bought granola again. So without further ado, let’s get started on making the perfect gluten-free granola!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When it comes to starting the day off right, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of delicious homemade granola. And if you’re looking for a granola recipe that’s both gluten-free and dairy-free, then you’ve come to the right place. This Perfect Gluten Free Granola is just what you need to make sure that every day begins with something tasty and healthy.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s so easy to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or rare ingredients – just a few simple staples that you can find at any grocery store. All you need is some certified gluten-free oats, your favorite nuts and seeds, some sweeteners like maple syrup or brown sugar, and a few key flavorings like vanilla extract or cinnamon. Just mix everything together in a large mixing bowl, spread it out on a baking sheet, and bake until it’s golden and crispy.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the combination of flavors and textures. With crunchy nuts and seeds, chewy raisins, and sweet coconut chips all mixed together with the rich flavors of nut butter and maple syrup, it’s a taste sensation that your taste buds won’t be able to resist. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable – you can mix and match different nuts, seeds, and spices to create your own unique blends.
And perhaps best of all, this Perfect Gluten Free Granola is also incredibly healthy! Made with all-natural whole food ingredients and no artificial preservatives or processed sugars, it’s a guilt-free way to start your day. Whether you’re following a gluten-free or dairy-free diet, or just looking for an easy and healthy breakfast option, this recipe has got you covered.
So why not give it a try today? With its unbeatable combination of taste and nutrition, this Perfect Gluten Free Granola is sure to become a staple in your morning routine.
Ingredient List
Gluten-Free Rolled Oats: The base of this recipe is certified gluten-free rolled oats. Be sure to use this specific type of oats to ensure that the granola is completely gluten-free. Using old fashioned rolled oats will give your granola that classic texture.
Nuts and seeds: This recipe calls for a variety of nuts and seeds including sliced almonds, raw walnuts, pecans, slivered raw almonds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds (pepitas). Feel free to customize the nut and seed mix to your preference or based on what you have on hand.
Sweeteners: For sweetness, we use a combination of maple syrup and brown sugar. Maple syrup adds a rich, deep flavor to the mix while brown sugar offers that caramelized crunch at the end.
Oil and margarine: To bring all these dry ingredients together we use margarine and a neutral oil like grapeseed oil or coconut oil. Half a cup of margarine gives the granola that extra nutty taste and helps the clusters form.
Sea salt and vanilla: A pinch of sea salt adds depth of flavor and brings out the sweetness while one teaspoon of vanilla extracts brings balance by adding an aroma that will make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Dried fruit: Lastly, for chewiness and fun textures, we add raisins halfway through baking time. But feel free to experiment with other dried fruits like dates, cranberries, or apricots.
Note: If you’re allergic to peanuts or prefer not to use them, you can easily swap in almond butter or cashew butter for peanut butter.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
To start, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This ensures that the granola will cook at an optimal temperature and get that perfect crunch.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup of slivered almonds, 1 cup of pumpkin seeds, 1 cup of sunflower seeds, 1 cup of shredded unsweetened coconut, ½ cup of sesame seeds, ⅓ cup of flax seed and a pinch of sea salt.
The combination of nuts and seeds give this gluten-free granola a crunchy texture.
Step 3: Mix wet ingredients in another bowl until smooth.
In another bowl, mix together peanut butter (½ cup), water (½ cup), sugar (¼ cup), vanilla extract (1 tsp), maple syrup (⅔ cup) and melted margarine or coconut oil (¼ cup). Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Pour wet ingredients mixture over dry ingredients mixture.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry mixture while constantly stirring until everything is well coated.
Step 5: Spread the mixture evenly onto a baking tray.
Spread the granola mixture evenly onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Make sure that there are no clumps in the mixture as they will not bake properly and remain soggy.
Step 6: Bake for around 25-30 minutes.
Bake the gluten-free granola for around 25-30 minutes. Open the oven every ten minutes to stir the mixture to ensure even baking. Doing so also allows you to check on your Granola.
Step 7: Add raisins or other dried fruits after baking.
Once out of the oven, add raisins or other dried fruits such as cranberries, cherries or blueberries for added sweetness and nutritional value.
Step 8: Allow the granola to cool completely.
Allow the granola to cool completely before moving into a container or it could become soggy.
Step 9: Enjoy!
Now that your perfect gluten-free granola is complete, enjoy it as a healthy snack, a cereal alternative, or mix it with yogurt and fruits for your morning breakfast parfait!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you ready to add your own touch of personality to the recipe? Have no fear! Here are some amazing substitutions and variations that will allow you to tailor this gluten-free granola so it fits your unique taste buds.
Some people may prefer to substitute the maple syrup in the recipe for honey, agave nectar, or brown rice syrup. These sweeteners provide a unique different kind of sweetness that really complements the nuts and seeds in this dish.
If you are allergic to peanut butter or simply don’t like it, use almond butter instead. It’s an amazing nut butter that provides a similar consistency while mixing with the oats and creating clusters together.
Sunflower seeds can also be substituted for pumpkin seeds or any seed of your choice such as chia seed, flaxseed or hemp seed, and achieve a similar crunchy texture when baked into the granola.
To add some more crunchiness, throw in a cup of chopped dates, dried cranberries, cherries, or other fruits like pineapple pieces.
If you want an extra boost of protein and omega-3 fats in the diet, sprinkle some hemp hearts into the mix. The best part is that they won’t change the flavor profile of the granola – bonus points!
For those trying to cut back on sugar intake, substituting brown sugar with coconut sugar is desired. Unlike brown sugar which is made by combining white sugar with molasses (refined sugars), coconut sugar is unrefined and has a lower glycemic index than regular sweeteners like white sugar making it a healthier option.
In conclusion, making granola offers endless possibilities regarding substitutions and variations on ingredients based on preference or dietary restrictions without compromising flavor. Get creative! Put all the ingredients together and experiment until you land on your perfect custom-made granola recipe!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made this delicious gluten-free granola, let’s talk about the best ways to enjoy it. First of all, you can serve it as a breakfast cereal by adding your favourite milk or yoghurt on top of a small serving. You can even add some fresh fruit like bananas, strawberries, blueberries or raspberries for an extra sweet taste.
You can also use this granola as a topping for smoothie bowls and oatmeal. The crunchy texture will bring a perfect combination to the smoothness of these recipes. Another way to include this granola is in trail mix recipes, adding some raisins and nuts will make it more nutritious and flavorful.
For pairing, I recommend drinking iced coffee, cold brew or any kind of iced tea. The freshness and the sweetness from the granola will balance with the slight bitterness of soda or coffee beverages.
This recipe also makes an excellent snack by itself! Just pack up some portions in resealable bags or containers for whenever you need a quick and healthy snack on-the-go.
Enjoy your homemade gluten-free granola in versatile ways and discover new flavors according to your preferences!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
After making a big batch of this delicious gluten-free granola, you may be wondering how to properly store it to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Fortunately, this recipe is perfect for making ahead of time and storing for later.
To begin with, make sure your granola is 100% cooled before storing it. Otherwise, the moisture produced by the warm granola will create a damp environment that encourages the growth of bacteria and molds.
Once cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container or a mason jar with a sealable lid. If you’re planning on storing the granola for more than a month, consider freezing it. This will prevent staleness or moisture buildup that causes spoilage.
For reheating your granola during breakfast time, simply warm up some dairy-free milk in the microwave or on stove top until it’s hot. For an extra touch add some fresh berries and a spoonful of coconut yogurt on top.
This recipe should last up to 2-3 weeks stored at room temperature or 3-4 months when frozen. Furthermore, by following these storage and reheating tips you can make sure your healthy homemade gluten-free granola stays crunchy and delicious for longer!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have everything you need to make the perfect gluten-free granola, there are a few tips that will ensure your granola is both delicious and healthy. Here are some essential tips for the perfect results:
Firstly, make sure you use certified gluten-free oats. Some people with celiac disease may have a reaction to oats due to cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains during processing. So, it’s essential to choose labeled gluten-free ingredients, especially when using oats.
Secondly, use raw nuts and seeds whenever possible. Not only are they healthier than roasted or salted varieties, but they also give the granola a nice crunch. When using nuts like almonds or pecans, consider chopping them into small pieces. It will help prevent large clusters from forming in your granola.
Thirdly, always toss your dry ingredients well before adding the liquid ingredients to ensure even distribution of flavor.
Fourthly, spreading out the granola during baking is crucial. To get crispy clusters, put some space between them when spreading out the mixture on baking sheets. Avoid overcrowding them to avoid steaming.
Fifthly, make sure you let granola cool down before storing it so that it does not become moist and lose its crunchy texture.
Sixthly, store your homemade granola cereal in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to three months.
Lastly, do not hesitate to experiment with different variations of this recipe; feel free to mix things up! Try substituting peanut butter for almond butter or using maple syrup instead of honey. You could even add dried fruit or tigernut granola for an extra crunch!
By following these tips, you will produce a delicious and healthy gluten-free granola that tastes just as good –if not better- than conventional brands bought in stores while maximizing its benefits for your wellbeing!
FAQ
Before we conclude this article, let’s address some frequently asked questions about gluten-free granola. Whether you’re a granola enthusiast or a beginner to healthy gluten-free cooking, you may still have some doubts or concerns about this recipe. In this section, I will provide helpful answers to the most common questions regarding the ingredients, process, and storage of this tasty granola recipe. So, let’s dive in and clear up any misconceptions so that you can enjoy every bite of your perfect gluten-free granola with confidence!
Can people with celiac disease eat granola?
For individuals with celiac disease, it’s important to note that oats can contain a protein known as avenin, which can lead to an immune reaction similar to gluten. Therefore, it’s essential to avoid oats unless they have been specifically labeled gluten-free, which includes products like granola bars and granolas. However, if you can tolerate oats, it’s crucial to ensure that they are labeled accordingly to avoid any negative reactions.
How can granola be gluten-free?
Although oats themselves are naturally gluten-free, some manufacturers of granola may use machinery that also processes gluten-containing grains such as wheat and barley. This can result in cross-contamination and potentially render the granola unsafe for those with gluten sensitivities.
What is gluten free granola made of?
When it comes to creating gluten-free granola, it’s essential to use old-fashioned rolled oats that are certified gluten-free. Purity Protocol gluten-free oats from Bob’s Red Mill are a great option to ensure you’re starting with a safe base. Don’t forget about the importance of adding just the right amount of salt – it can elevate the flavors in ways you might not expect.
Why is my homemade granola not crunchy?
When it comes to making granola, it’s important to avoid high temperatures as they can burn certain ingredients such as nuts and seeds without allowing them to dry and crisp up properly. To ensure that your granola turns out crispy, it’s best to cook it slowly at a low temperature, stirring it frequently to ensure even exposure to heat, and allowing it to cool before serving.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this gluten-free granola recipe is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a healthy and tasty breakfast or snack option. With its easy-to-follow instructions, use of healthy ingredients, and variety of substitutions and variations, this recipe is perfect for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, as well as anyone who wants to enjoy a nutritious and delicious granola without unhealthy additives. This granola recipe also allows for experimentations with different nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or flavors.
If you want to boost your energy in the morning or during the day, I highly recommend giving this granola recipe a try. Healthy food does not have to be bland or boring – with the right ingredients and techniques, you can create something that gives you the nutrients you need without sacrificing taste. Remember to use certified gluten-free oats and other ingredients labeled free of gluten, and avoid cross-contamination if you’re sensitive to gluten.
Overall, I hope this granola recipe inspires more people to consider healthier eating choices while still enjoying their favorite treats!
Perfect Gluten Free Granola for Me Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats, gluten free (I use Bob's Red Mill brand)
- 1/8 cup sesame seeds, raw
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, raw
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/8 cup water
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter, natural
- 4 tablespoons margarine, dairy and soy free (I use soy-free Earth Balance)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- DO NOT preheat oven!
- Put almonds, rolled oats, sesame seed, sunflowerseeds, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix sugar, water, peanut butter, margerine, and vanilla.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients.
- Spread on a stoneware cookie sheet, or a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Put in a cold oven.
- Turn oven on at 350* F.
- Bake 15 minutes (do not double recipe, it will interfer with the baking time and consistancy of the granola).
- Add raisins.
- Stir and bake about 5 minute more, watching cafefully so as not to burn.
- When it is golden brown, remove and cool.
- Granola may seem too wet and sticky when you remove it from the oven, but it will get crunchy as it cools.
- Enjoy with a milk substitue and fresh berries!