Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe (2024)

By Laura

Posted Feb 17, 2019, Updated Sep 26, 2021

4.96 from 95 votes

171 Comments

Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe is a delicious make-ahead breakfast made with only 6 ingredients in 30 minutes! Plus it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar free, oil free and vegan-friendly.

Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe (2)

This Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe is a tried and true family favorite in our house! We love enjoying it over yogurt or with a splash of almond milk!

This vegan granola recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, oil-free, and refined-sugar free! Perfect for any and all eaters in your life! It’s beloved by everyone who lives in my humble abode, it’s a great make-ahead breakfast for those of us who like to make the mornings as easy as possibly {i.e. sleep as long as we can}!

Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe (3)

Healthy Peanut Butter Granola: Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Oats:I have had great success with both quick-cooking and old-fashioned oats in this recipe! Using the quick-cooking variety produces a chunkier granola (it’s what I used in the batch pictured).
  • Honey: You can easily substitute maple syrup for a vegan option!
  • Peanut Butter:Any nut or seed butter can be used in place of peanut butter. If you use a firmer variety of peanut butter {not a runny, natural kind}, just be sure to melt it completely with the honey before adding the rest of the wet ingredients.

And that’s really it! There’s nothing much to this deliciously healthy peanut butter granola! Serve on top of yogurt, drenched in almond milk, or snack on it pain! There’s no wrong way to enjoy this healthy breakfast!

Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe (4)

How to make Peanut Butter Granola

It is very easy to make this peanut butter granola recipe. Let’s discuss the process.

Begin by melting together the honey and peanut butter over very low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.

Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe (5)

Next add the vanilla and stir then add the dry ingredients & stir to combine.

Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe (6)

Bake

Transfer the peanut butter granola mixture to a greased baking sheet and press it onto the pan and bake.

See! It’s such an easy granola recipe! The only note I have is that if you get to the final stage (before transferring the granola from the saucepan to the baking sheet), and the granola looks crumbly and not wet, add more peanut butter or honey until you reach the consistency pictured below. This is key in achieving clumps!

Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe (7)

How to know when the granola is done baking:

The granola will look slightly golden-brown once it is done baking.

Tip:In order to be extra sure the granola is done, remove a piece or two from the pan and let it cool on the countertop. If it hardens relatively quickly (in 1-2 minutes) then it’s done. If not, continue baking until it is crunchy at room temperature.

Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe (8)

Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely, then break it into chunks and serve or store.

Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe (9)

Store/freeze

Store this granola in an airtight container or glass jar with a lid at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe (10)

Serving suggestions

Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy this peanut butter granola.

  1. On top of yogurt.I recommend eating this served on top of your favorite yogurt with fresh berries! It adds the perfect crunch!
  2. In a bowl with your choice of milk!You can also serve this homemade granola as a cold cereal! Simply use your favorite dairy-free or regular milk and enjoy!
  3. As a snack!Sometimes we like to pack individual containers of this healthy peanut butter granola when we go hiking or to the park as a delicious snack!
Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe (11)

Recipe FAQs

Here are a few commonly asked questions I receive about this peanut butter granola recipe!

How do you make homemade granola crunchy?

Here are a few tips and tricks for ensuring that your peanut butter granola is crunchy (and stays crunchy)…
Bake at a low temperature.This peanut butter granola bakes at 325 degrees F, which a lower temperature than I usually bake most recipes. The low, slow baking process ensures that the granola will dry out sufficiently to stay nice and crunchy.
Use enough wet ingredients.The clumps are what make this peanut butter granola so amazing. Making sure the mixture is sufficiently wet before baking is very important.
How you bake the homemade granola is key.This peanut butter granola needs to be baked in one sheet pressed to the bottom of the pan to achieve maximum crunchiness. The reason for this is that it creates clumps, which are very important to crunchy granola!

How do you store homemade granola?

I recommend storing this peanut butter granola in an airtight, glass container at room temperature.

How long does homemade granola last?

This homemade peanut butter granola lasts 3-4 weeks when stored at room temperature in an airtight, glass container (assuming it has been baked to be crunchy and not soft).

Can you refrigerate granola?

I recommendnot storing this homemade granola recipe in the refrigerator! It’s best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature!

Is eating granola for breakfast healthy?

It absolutely is healthy! Just check out the nutrition facts in the recipe! One serving of this granola contains plenty of protein, fiber and other nutrients!
It also keeps you full for a long time, which helps get you through a mid-morning slump!

How do you re-crisp this homemade granola?

If you dounder bake this healthy peanut butter granola and it becomes soft the next day, no need to worry.
Simply pop it back into the oven for a few minutes to re-crisp it! Just be SUPER careful not to forget you put it back in the oven…Imay have done this on more than one occasion. Whoopsies.

Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe (12)

If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe

Laura

This Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe is a delicious make-ahead breakfast made with only 6 ingredients in 30 minutes! Plus it's gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar free, oil free and vegan-friendly.

4.96 from 95 votes

Course Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 2 Cups Granola

Calories 161

Prep Time5 minutes minutes

Cook Time25 minutes minutes

Total Time35 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease a large cookie sheet and set aside.

  • In a small bowl, mix together oats, salt and cinnamon. Set aside

  • In a microwave safe dish or on the stovetop, melt the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) together until smooth.

  • Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

  • Stir in dry ingredients and mix until well combined.

  • Spread mixture on prepared cookie sheet.

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until granola is lightly browned, stirring the granola once gently half way through. (A great way to test for doneness is to remove a small portion of the granola from the pan and set it on the counter. If it hardens as it cools the rest of the granola is done)!

  • Remove from oven and let sit until cooled.

  • Once cooled, break apart and eat!

Video

Notes

*Nutritional information is calculated based on a serving size of 1/4 cup!

Store/freeze

Store this granola in an airtight container or glass jar with a lid at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Oats:I have had great success with both quick-cooking and old-fashioned oats in this recipe! Using the quick-cooking variety produces a chunkier granola (it’s what I used in the batch pictured).
  • Honey: You can easily substitute maple syrup for a vegan option!
  • Peanut Butter:Any nut or seed butter can be used in place of peanut butter. If you use a firmer variety of peanut butter {not a runny, natural kind}, just be sure to melt it completely with the honey before adding the rest of the wet ingredients.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25cup | Calories: 161kcal | Carbohydrates: 22.8g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Sodium: 81mg | Potassium: 57mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12.4g | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe (15)

A great make-ahead breakfast!

Yes it’s true. I am not a “hot breakfast every day” mom. We eat lots of muffins, smoothies, breakfast bars, baked oatmeal, and yogurt with granola…..all of which have been made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Oh and I can’t forget…we even eat….cereal {gasp}… 😉

I like to make breakfast as easy and desirableas possible for my kids. Theyalmost always get tochoose their breakfast in the mornings.

This is why I think it’s important to have abunch of nutritiousoptions, like this Healthy Peanut Butter Granola, on hand and ready to be chosen by hungry little tummies.

More healthy breakfast recipes (with peanut butter)

  • These healthy breakfast bars are my all-time favorite recipe.
  • Start your day with aChocolate Peanut Butter Green Smoothie is so good, it’s like drinking a peanut butter cup (but it’s full of healthy ingredients)
  • Who doesn’t love Blender Peanut Butter Banana Waffles that are healthy?!
  • These peanut butter overnight oats are so yummy, and they’re a great meal prep recipe!
  • Chocolate peanut butter baked oatmeal tastes like dessert but it’s healthy enough for breakfast!
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bran is quick, easy, delicious and healthy!

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine!

Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is homemade granola healthy for weight loss? ›

High-fiber foods, like the oats and whole grains found in granola, fill you up and keep you feeling fuller longer. Dietary studies have found eating a high-fiber diet can help you lose weight. Dried fruit and nuts also contain antioxidants, like vitamin E, which can lower inflammation in the body.

What is a healthy amount of granola to eat? ›

The serving size for granola can differ by brand, but a typical portion of granola is 1/3 cup, says Sass, “about the size of one-third of a tennis ball.” That means sitting down to a big bowl of granola for breakfast is excessive.

What is a substitute for peanut butter in granola? ›

5 Nut-Free Alternatives to Peanut Butter
  1. Tahini. Created from sesame seeds ground into a paste with salt and oil, the nut-free alternative tahini is a common element in many Middle Eastern cuisines. ...
  2. Sunflower Seed Butter. ...
  3. Coconut Butter. ...
  4. Soy Nut Butter. ...
  5. Granola Butter.

What makes homemade granola stick together? ›

Add an egg white.

The whites act as a kind of glue that binds the ingredients together. To ensure that the egg whites coat all the ingredients, I beat them with a whisk until foamy and increased in volume, which makes it much easier to fold into the granola.

Can I eat homemade granola everyday? ›

Yes, granola can be eaten daily. As part of a balanced diet and if the portions are checked. Go for healthier options with less added sugars and saturated fats to get the most out of it.

Is granola good to lose belly fat? ›

The Bottom Line. So, is granola good for losing weight? Yes, it can aid in weight loss. However, you need to control your portion size to make sure you get all the nutrients, and it keeps you full for a longer time.

Is granola better for you than Oatmeal? ›

Which One Is Better for Breakfast? Both oatmeal and granola make for a healthy, nutritious breakfast, but the winner for us is granola—the added nuts, seeds, and dried fruits give you a source of fiber and healthy fats that oatmeal can't quite compete with.

Is Nature Valley granola healthy? ›

Honestly, a lot of Nature Valley's granola bar products are packed with added sugar, which is totally OK to enjoy once in a while, but be sure to check the nutrition label if you're looking for something less sugary to enjoy on the daily.

Is Greek yogurt and granola healthy? ›

High Fiber, Nutritious Oats Keep Your Gut Happy

Things like oatmeal and granola provide that signature contrast of fiber and crunch when it comes to choosing the perfect pairing for yogurt. Fiber helps to slow everything down in the body during digestion, preventing a blood sugar spike after eating.

Why are homemade granola not crunchy? ›

Bake low and slow.

Cook at 300 degrees F slowly for about 30 minutes or until it is golden brown and toasty. Cooking at too high of a temperature will likely burn the honey coating, the oats, and the nuts. A lower temperature ensures even baking for crispy, crunchy granola.

What nut butter is closest to peanut butter? ›

Sunflower butter is a decent substitution for peanut butter. It's made of sunflower seeds instead of any sort of nut. I recommend getting a salted variety rather than an unsalted one, only because the salt really changes the taste and, in my opinion, makes it richer.

What is better than granola? ›

Without anything added to it, muesli is healthier than granola in the sense that it has less fat and sugar.

What is the best binder for granola? ›

Chia seeds are often praised for their binding powers. In fact, they secure ingredients so well that they can even be used as an egg replacer. Adding just a spoonful of chia seeds to your favorite granola bar recipe will make a huge difference in its texture.

How can I get my homemade granola to clump? ›

Clumpy Granola Method: Bake at Low Temperature and Don't Stir. About this method: This straightforward method, recommend by several sources, including Alexandra Cooks, relies on a very low oven temperature (275°F, which is lower than most granola recipes) and an hour-long bake time, with absolutely no stirring.

What are the benefits of homemade granola? ›

Granola is a significant source of important vitamins and minerals. It is typically made from oats, which contain micronutrients like Vitamin E, folates, zinc, iron, selenium, copper, manganese, choline and more. These all play crucial roles in the human body. Vitamin E is vital for immune function and skin health.

How many calories in a bowl of homemade granola? ›

Homemade Granola
  • Calories 298.
  • Total Fat 15g 19%
  • Saturated Fat 2.4g 12%
  • Trans Fat 0g.
  • Polyunsaturated Fat 4.8g.
  • Monounsaturated Fat 6.7g.
  • Cholesterol 0mg 0%
  • Sodium 16mg 1%

What is the healthiest way to eat granola? ›

Smoothie with Granola

Try adding it to your favorite smoothie to give it an extra boost of fiber from the whole grains, healthy fats and added flavor. It's also an easy way to increase calories in a smoothie. Personally, I think it would be a delicious addition to my Strawberry Peanut Butter Smoothie!

Is Nature Valley granola good for weight loss? ›

• Nature Valley Oats 'n' Honey granola bar

Yes, granola bars are healthy (when made of real grains, nuts, and fruit), but they're for energy, not weight loss. In fact, you could be gaining weight if they're your go-to snack.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Maia Crooks Jr

Last Updated:

Views: 6080

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Maia Crooks Jr

Birthday: 1997-09-21

Address: 93119 Joseph Street, Peggyfurt, NC 11582

Phone: +2983088926881

Job: Principal Design Liaison

Hobby: Web surfing, Skiing, role-playing games, Sketching, Polo, Sewing, Genealogy

Introduction: My name is Maia Crooks Jr, I am a homely, joyous, shiny, successful, hilarious, thoughtful, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.