By With just 5 minutes of hands-on work, this protein granola is the perfect topping for your yogurt parfait or as a quick snack. Ingredients like cashews and hemp seeds keep the protein and fiber high without protein powder. And maple syrup and cinnamon keep it sweet and delicious!
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I'm a sucker for good granola, but let me tell ya - the price of it in the stores is wild. Also, the ingredient list isn't great, nor is the protein content, even for so-called protein granolas that use added protein powder.
So, I started making my own! This protein granola uses many of the same ingredients as our viral protein balls without protein powder, but this time, we bake it! So, let's get cracking!
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how to get BIG CLUSTERS (aka the best part)
Don't stir after baking! This is the golden rule. Once it's out of the oven, let it cool completely without touching it. That's how you lock in those crispy clusters. You can even press it down with a spatula before baking to help the clumps form.
ingredient notes & substitutions
All substitutions are a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted. See the recipe card for quantities.
- Rolled oats: The hearty base of our granola-skip the quick oats or steel cut, they won't bake the same.
- Cashews: Add crunch, flavor, and a little extra protein.
- Salt and vanilla extract: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Hemp hearts: Tiny but mighty protein bombs (10g per 3 tbsp!).
- Coconut oil: Helps the granola crisp up and adds a subtle richness.
- Maple syrup: Natural sweetness that caramelizes perfectly when baked. Feel free to use honey or agave.
- Nut butter: Binds everything and adds a creamy, nutty flavor. Cashew butter is mellow and dreamy, but peanut or almond butter works too!
- Cinnamon: A cozy spice that makes this granola totally addictive.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
high protein ingredient spotlight: hemp hearts
Hemp hearts are a plant-based protein powerhouse, offering about 10 grams of protein in just 3 tablespoons. They have a mild, nutty flavor and blend seamlessly into both sweet and savory recipes. You can add them to gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, blend them into protein pesto, or (our favorite) bake them into granola!
here's how to make protein granola
Be sure to scroll to the recipe card for the full protein granola recipe!
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a sheet tray with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
- Mix together all the ingredients in a large bowl.
- Bake on the tray for 20-25 minutes. Remove and let cool without touching (this preserves the yummy clusters).
- Enjoy it with Greek yogurt, fruit, or on its own.
quick recipe video
expert tips
- Press it down before baking: For those classic granola clusters, press the mixture flat with a spatula before it goes in the oven.
- Watch closely in the last 5 minutes: Ovens vary, and granola can go from golden to burnt quickly so be sure to keep an eye on it for the last few minutes.
common questions
Yes-as long as you use certified gluten-free oats.
Yes! To make this granola nut-free, remove the cashews for seeds, like pepitas or sunflower seeds. Also, swap out the nut butter for seed butter such as sunflower seed butter.
variations
This granola recipe is a great starting point for any flavor you like! A few I like are:
- Chocolate chips: Stir these in after the granola has cooled.
- Tropical: Add dried pineapple and coconut shreds to the mixture.
- Fall: Swap cashews for pecans and cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice.
- Mixed berry: Add in dried mixed berries before baking.
storage tips
This granola is great to have on hand to use for various purposes. Check out how to store it below:
- At room temperature: This granola can be stored in an airtight container or jar at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Freezer: Let it cool completely and then freeze in an airtight container for 3 months.
eat up!
Obviously, this granola is delicious as a snack or with yogurt, but it's also tasty with:
- Chia Seed Pudding: Enjoy it on top of protein chia seed pudding. This is a delicious way to get lots of fiber and protein!
- With a Smoothie: You can use a chocolate peanut butter smoothie recipe as a smoothie bowl base or our protein acai bowl and then top it up with granola for a crunchy finish.
Recipe
protein granola recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats (quick oats or steel cut won't work!)
- ¾ cups cashews
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup hemp hearts
- ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
- ⅓ cup maple syrup (or honey or agave)
- ½ cup nut butter (cashew butter is preffered)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Before you start!
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Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper or a silicon mat.
- Mix all the granola ingredients in a large bowl.
- Spread it into an even layer on the sheet tray and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before touching it. This is how you get those clusters! Let it be! Press the stirred granola down with your spatula to create a more even layer for extra-clumpy granola. The granola will further crisp up as it cools.
Video
Notes
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- At room temperature: This granola can be stored in an airtight container or jar at room temperature for up to two weeks.
-
- Freezer: Let it cool completely and then freeze in an airtight container for 3 months.
Looking for more information?
Additional substitution information can be found above in the substitution section of this post.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and for informational purposes only.
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