Crunchy Protein Granola
This protein granola recipe is a yummy way to fuel your body while keeping you full and satisfied. It’s jam-packed with whole grains, nuts, seeds, and vanilla protein powder. This crunchy granola can be a healthy breakfast or a filling snack.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
We also love this Vanilla Almond Granola and this yummy Honey Nut Granola recipe. For more inspiration, check out all of our healthy Snack Recipes.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Like this High-Protein Granola recipe, homemade recipes are 100 times better than anything on the store shelves. When you make your own granola, you control the quality and freshness of the ingredients.
- This granola boasts 10 grams of protein per serving.
- It stores well and is great for meal prep.
- This recipe is naturally dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free, and free from refined sugars. Bonus!
Ingredients
Find the complete ingredient list, with measurements, in the recipe card below.
- Rolled Oats – This is the main base of homemade granola, adding a chewy texture.
- Vanilla Protein Powder – This adds the staying power that keeps you full. We recommend using Ora So Lean So Clean because of its non-toxic ingredient list.
- Cinnamon – Gives the recipe a toasty, cozy flavor.
- Salt – A pinch of fine sea salt brings out the taste of all the other ingredients.
- Ground Flax – Adds a nice boost of dietary fiber.
- Nuts – For that much-needed crunch! I use pecans and cashews in this recipe.
- Coconut Oil – Helps to make the granola crisp and rich.
- Maple Syrup – Natural sweetness as well as helping to make crunchy clumps.
- Natural Peanut Butter – For even more protein and added nutty flavor, use creamy peanut butter or chunky, but make sure the label only lists peanuts.
- Dried Cranberries – Dried fruit is optional but adds a pop of sweetness.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl – We use a large bowl for easy mixing.
- Medium Saucepan – This is for combining the wet ingredients.
- Baking Sheet – A large rimmed baking sheet works best for this recipe.
- Parchment Paper – A must for easy cleanup. We recommend using unbleached parchment paper.
- Free of PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, lead, cadmium, and other toxic materials that can leach into your food.
- Can withstand oven temperatures up to 550ºF.
Instructions
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the FULL recipe details.
Step 1
Start by preheating your oven to 300 and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
Next, add the dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl and give them a good stir to blend everything together.
Step 3
Then, melt the maple syrup, coconut oil, and peanut butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth.
Step 4
Next, pour the peanut butter mixture over the protein and oats in the large bowl and stir everything well.
You want everything to be coated with the mixture.
Step 5
Then, dump the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
Spread it in an even layer and pop it in the heated oven to bake.
Step 6
Give it a stir halfway through baking to ensure everything is crisping up evenly. Take it out of the oven and press in the dried cranberries if you are using them.
Allow it to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes, then break it into yummy granola clusters.
Expert Tip!
Press down firmly on the freshly baked granola with a flat spatula. This helps the clusters to hold together after cooling.
Substitutions
- Substitute honey as the sweetener instead of maple syrup – it just won’t be considered vegan.
- Use your favorite nuts – we love pecans and cashews, but walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts are also super delicious.
- Substitute the ground flax for other seeds such as pumpkin, hemp, or sunflower seeds.
- Almond butter, cashew butter, or pecan butter can be used instead of peanut butter. Try sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free version.
Recipe Variations
- Add cocoa powder and coconut flakes for a sweet chocolatey version.
- Give it a tropical vibe using dried pineapple, mango, and toasted macadamia nuts.
- Make it cozy and warm with a tablespoon of pumpkin spice and a handful of pumpkin seeds before baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Pour the protein granola into a bowl, add hemp milk, and enjoy as cereal.
- Mix the granola into Greek yogurt to boost the protein even more. Layer it with fresh fruit or swirl in some strawberry chia jam for a delicious parfait.
- Sprinkle a handful on your morning oatmeal for added texture and flavor.
- Mix it into a smoothie bowl to add crunch.
- Enjoy it by the handful for an easy snack and equally easy energy boost. Add a few dark chocolate chips and raisins for a treat.
- Make a supercharged protein dessert by adding it to this Protein Ice Cream.
FAQS
Yes! Vegans can rejoice in this one as we use a plant-based protein powder. I recommend the Ora brand – So Lean So Clean in vanilla flavor.
For allergy concerns, ensure the oats’ label reads certified gluten-free, and you are good to go.
Storage Tips
To Store: This granola can be stored at room temperature in a sealed, airtight container for up to a week.
More Healthy Protein Powder Recipes
**This recipe was originally posted on April 2, 2023. Updated on June 21, 2024, with new recipe notes, writing, and photos.**
If you’ve tried this homemade protein granola, please rate it and let me know how it turned out by leaving me a comment below. I’m always interested in feedback!
Be sure to follow me on social media! I love pinning to Pinterest, sharing on Facebook, and posting pics on Instagram. See you there. 🙂
Want to Save This Recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week.
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Honour System
Protein Granola Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups oats
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup ground flaxseeds
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts *this recipe uses pecans and cashews
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup natural peanut butter *this recipe uses chunky
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 300 °F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats, protein powder, cinnamon, ground flaxseeds, and chopped nuts. Set this bowl aside.
- Over medium-low heat in a small saucepan, melt together the maple syrup, coconut oil, and peanut butter. Stir until smooth.
- Remove from the heat and pour the peanut butter mixture over the oats mixture in the large mixing bowl. Stir to combine and coat everything well.
- Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet into an even layer.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then stir the granola. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden.
- Remove the granola from the oven and sprinkle the dried cranberries on top. Using a flat spatula, press firmly down on the warm mixture.
- Let the granola cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then break into clusters.