Granola is a breakfast and snacking staple in my kitchen. This homemade version is an easy, gluten-free, nut-free alternative to many pre-packaged brands—perfect for paleo-ish eaters who want something simple, customizable, and wholesome.
This recipe is balanced and flavorful without being overly sweet. It isn’t fussy, so you can adapt quantities and mix-ins to suit your taste. After trying many commercial granolas that felt too processed and sugary, I developed this recipe to be healthier, less processed, and genuinely delicious.
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Here’s why you’ll love this granola recipe:
- It comes together quickly and easily.
- It stores well in the pantry for several weeks when kept in an airtight container.
- It’s highly customizable—enjoy it plain, as a snack, or over dairy-free yogurt, ice cream, or fruit.
- It’s gluten-free, nut-free, and gently sweetened with maple syrup—no refined sugar required.
Paleo-ish, Nut-Free Granola
Strict Paleo followers may object to the inclusion of gluten-free oats, and that’s fine. I follow a flexible approach to Paleo—moderation and what works for your body are key. For me, gluten-free oats fit into my mostly-Paleo diet and feel good for digestion and energy.
Years ago I set a health goal to return to my wedding-day weight for an anniversary trip. With a trainer and nutritionist guiding me, I followed a mostly-Paleo plan with selected non-Paleo items like gluten-free oats. Tracking my progress, consistent workouts, and weekly weigh-ins helped me reach that goal—and that experience taught me what foods and routines work best for me.
Granola fits well into a balanced diet
I still rely on the diet and exercise habits that helped me reach my goal, though life sometimes interferes. Travel, family events, and holidays can throw routines off, but remembering how I felt when I was consistent helps me get back on track. This granola is one of the foods that supports that balance: it satisfies a sweet craving without excess refined sugar and keeps you feeling satisfied.
Satisfying, tasty granola
This granola is substantial, slightly crunchy, and very tasty. I love it over coconut yogurt with a drizzle of honey and fresh fruit. Use the mix-ins you enjoy to make it your own.
Recipe: Easy Gluten-free, Nut-Free Granola
Equipment
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- large mixing bowl
- small bowl or measuring cup for whisking wet ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free oats
- ½ cup hemp hearts
- ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
Mix-ins (optional)
- Dried fruit such as figs, cranberries, or cherries
- Raw honey for drizzling
- Fresh fruit like nectarines, cherries, blueberries, or strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, hemp hearts, shredded coconut, and cinnamon.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, vanilla, and melted coconut oil until smooth. Pour the mixture over the dry ingredients.
- Stir with a wooden spoon until the wet ingredients evenly coat the oats and coconut mixture.
- Spread the mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn. Stir once or twice if desired for more even browning.
- Remove from the oven and allow the granola to cool on the baking sheet. It will crisp up as it cools.
- Once cool, stir in dried fruit if using, then store in an airtight container. Serve by the handful, over dairy-free yogurt, or with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey.
Notes
- Nutrition information does not include optional mix-ins.
- This recipe is inspired by and adapted from Balanced Berry-style granola ideas.
If you make this granola, leave a comment and rating—feedback is appreciated. Tag @kickassbaker on Instagram so I can see your creations!