This super seedy granola is nut free, so it’s perfect for sharing with anyone who may have allergies. Plus, it’s damn good for you!
Let me be frank, I am a nut lover. However, I was recently on a flight where we were told not to eat anything with peanuts in it, and it got me thinking…what a sad situation this is for those with nut allergies. No peanut butter, no Nutella, no chopped pecans sprinkled in a salad, No Granola! Oh wait, nut free granola does exist, I just always figured, why bother, right?
Wrong!
I set out to make a nut free granola that’s naturally sweetened, plus totally crunchy, and super delicious. Not to mention, easy as pie. Mmmm, pie.
Not only is this nut free, oil free, and crunchy as hell, it’s also super chunky! I love chunky granola, but sometimes depending on the ingredients you use (think shredded coconut), it will burn if you don’t mix it half way through baking it. This one stays chunky by NOT mixing it while baking OR while it’s cooling. That’s key to getting good granola chunks!
I hope you all enjoy this deliciousness. And don’t forget to pat yourselves on the back for enjoying the healthy perks too! Nuts get all the healthy-fat glory, but seeds are pretty incredible for you too.
Chia seeds and flaxseeds are both considered superfoods for their high nutrient content, including protein, fibre, magnesium, calcium, iron, and potassium, along with essential amino acids, and phytochemicals.
Pumpkin seeds are a major source of iron. (Good news for any vegetarians out there!) They also have been shown to be beneficial for prostate health, dudes. And sunflower seeds have more of the phytochemical, tocopherol, than any other seed or nut. Tocopherol has been shown to be protective against cardiovascular disease, so I mean, that’s good, right?
Hemp seeds are a great vegan protein source and they’re great for healthy brain function with their high amounts of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Omega 3s are essential for proper neuron function and structure, and have been shown to be beneficial for those with depression, bipolar depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Fancy that. (Read all about it, here).
Get some of this crunchy goodness in your life, now! (Seriously!) I like it best with a little almond milk and a couple banana slices or raisins. It also makes a great smoothie bowl topping!
When you do, leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! And take a picture and #insightfulbite too! I’d love to see your creation!
Happy crunching!
| Super Seed Granola (nut free) | Print |
- 1½ cups rolled oats
- 1½ cups crisped rice cereal, or sub an additional 1½ cups rolled oats
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed meal
- ⅔ cup pumpkin seeds
- ⅔ cup sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ¼ cup hemp seeds (also called hemp hearts)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a large 12 x 17 baking sheet, or two smaller baking sheets, with parchment paper.
- In a medium sized mixing bowl, mix oats, crisped rice cereal, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, hemp hearts, salt, and cinnamon together.
- In a separate small bowl, mix maple syrup and vanilla extract together.
- Pour maple syrup mixture over oat mixture and stir to combine until everything is equally coated.
- Spread oats onto baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove from oven and let stand until completely cool. Don't mix while it's cooking or cooling, otherwise it won't be chunky!
- Once cooled, gently break apart the granola by hand into small chunks.
- Store in an airtight container for up to three weeks.
