Homemade High Protein Granola

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade high protein granola is the perfect combination of crunch, natural sweetness, and wholesome ingredients. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, it’s an ideal snack or breakfast to keep you energized throughout the day. The mix of oats, protein powder, nuts, and seeds offers a satisfying crunch, while the natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup balance out the flavors. This granola is not only nutritious but also customizable, so you can tweak it to fit your preferences. Whether you’re looking to fuel up after a workout or enjoy a healthy snack, this granola has you covered.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats

• 1 cup vanilla protein powder (whey, pea, or your favorite blend)

• 1/2 cup chopped almonds (or walnuts)

• 1/4 cup hemp seeds

• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (or pumpkin seeds for a crunchier vibe)

• 2 tbsp chia seeds

• 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter (natural, no added sugar)

• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup

• 2 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp sea salt

• 1/2 cup dried cherries or cranberries (add after baking)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, chopped almonds, hemp seeds, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, cinnamon, and sea salt.

3. In a small saucepan, gently melt the coconut oil and almond butter together over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until everything is evenly coated.

5. Spread the granola mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crispy.

7. Once baked, allow the granola to cool completely before mixing in the dried cherries or cranberries.

8. Store the granola in an airtight container for up to a week or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 cups of granola, which should serve about 6–8 people, depending on portion sizes.

• Total Time: 40 minutes (including preparation and baking time)

Variations

• Sweeteners: Feel free to swap honey or maple syrup with agave nectar or date syrup for a different flavor profile.

• Nuts & Seeds: Customize the granola with other nuts like cashews, pistachios, or pecans. You can also add flax seeds or pumpkin seeds for a more nutrient-dense option.

• Dried Fruit: If you prefer other dried fruits, raisins, or blueberries work great as substitutes for the cherries or cranberries.

• Flavorings: Experiment with spices like nutmeg, ginger, or even cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to two weeks.

• Reheating: Granola can be enjoyed straight from the container, but if you’d like to reheat it, simply toss it back in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes to bring back its crispness.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of protein powder?

Yes, you can use any protein powder of your choice. Whether you prefer whey, pea, or a plant-based blend, each will work well in this recipe.

2. Can I make this granola nut-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the almonds with more seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, to make it nut-free.

3. Can I add other dried fruits besides cherries or cranberries?

Yes, feel free to experiment with raisins, apricots, or dried figs to change up the flavor of your granola.

4. How do I prevent my granola from becoming too hard?

Make sure to stir the granola halfway through baking and let it cool completely. This will help it become crisp without turning too hard.

5. Can I use a different oil?

Yes, you can swap the coconut oil for olive oil or avocado oil, depending on your preference.

6. How do I make the granola gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free oats to make this granola completely gluten-free.

7. Is this granola suitable for vegans?

Yes, if you use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure the protein powder is plant-based, this granola is vegan-friendly.

8. Can I make a bigger batch?

Certainly! You can easily double or triple the recipe if you’d like to make more granola. Just adjust the baking time slightly to ensure it bakes evenly.

9. Can I use a different sweetener than honey or maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute honey or maple syrup with agave nectar, coconut sugar, or even date syrup for a different sweetness level.

10. How should I store the granola?

Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to two weeks.

Conclusion

Homemade high protein granola is a delicious and versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary needs. With its combination of crunchy oats, protein-packed powder, nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners, this granola is an ideal snack or breakfast option that keeps you full and energized. Whether you enjoy it with milk, yogurt, or as a snack on its own, this granola is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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