Healthy Chunky Granola Recipe (Vegan, Gluten Free) (2024)

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Healthy Chunky Granola Recipe (GF): learn how to make chunky granola with clusters! The best homemade chunky granola—vegan, gluten free & yummy! Super chunky clusters with crispy edges, packed full of nuts & nutrients! Dairy-Free.

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Are you a SUPER CHUNKY Granola fanatic? Like, no, I mean, for real chunky granola clusters fanatic? If so, I’ve got just the healthy chunky granola recipe for you!

If you’ve ever met my sister, Penny, you’d know a couple things about her. Right off the bat. She’s kind, bright and funny, warm and intelligent, puts people at ease (like, instantly)… and has a cheesy, like hella cheesy, sense of humor. And, drumroll please:

She LOVES chunky granola.

Like if the FBI were putting together a dossier or vetting her or some fancy-sounding thing like that, there would be a section, in bright, yellow highlighter saying “LOVES CHUNKY GRANOLA” in the Top Weaknesses section of her, ya know, dossier.

So guess what I’ve been trying to create for years and years and decades and millennia? A homemade and healthy chunky granola recipe with chunky granola clusters that would put an end to all chunky granola cluster recipes. Like, even better than the super cluster-y Homemade Chunky Paleo Granola that she knows, loves, and makes once every few weeks. And this is it, folks.

Call the FBI or the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. or Space, because I’ve got exactly what they need to take Penny down! Or, er, make her super, duper happy!! 😉 LOL.

Healthy Chunky Granola Recipe (Vegan, Gluten Free) (2)

Healthy Chunky Granola Recipe (GF)

Allow me to introduce you to my vegan + gluten free Healthy Chunky Granola Recipe (GF). Here’s what you, Penny and all fellow chunky granola cluster lovers have been looking for all your lives. My homemade chunky granola recipe yields super crispy, BIG, colossal chunks of granola clusters.

It’s just the right amount of sweet, crispy, perfectly spiced, and crunchy as heck (crisp and easy to munch on—not a tooth-breaker ha!). It’s healthy: refined sugar-free, dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free and made with super wholesome ingredients.

And speaking of sweet ‘n’ crunchy granola treats, you absolutelymust try theseHealthy Homemade Coconut Granola Bars! They will nock your socksand your shoes off. 😉

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How to Make Chunky Granola

Learning how to make chunky granola is easy! Add all dry ingredients to a bowl and stir. Add wet ingredients and stir until well coated. Pour the granola mixture onto the sheet. Press and pack it all down into one tightly-packed layer.

Nudge a small divide in the center of that layer and bake. Cool completely, then break apart the granola into your preferred size of cluster. Or, just eat it like one BIG sheet of granola! 😉

The Trick to Super Chunky Granola Clusters

The trick to making my super chunky clusters in this homemade chunky granola cluster recipe? Baking all the granola in one large sheet. With, like, a split right between the middle of that sheet (for a lil’ extra air to come through).

I tested trial after trial, made adjustment after adjustment, until I could bake this healthy chunky granola in one layer—without any soft, chewy texture in the center. You seriously get crispy clusters all the way through.

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Best Tools for ­­­Healthy Chunky Granola Recipe

Here are my favorite tools to use for this homemade chunky granola recipe. Click the links below to explore.

  • Oxo Mixing Bowls: my go-to mixing bowls. I’ve been using them for ages, and love the grippy bottoms and handles.
  • Baking Sheet: I’ve probably used these baking sheets over 1,000 times at this point, and they always get the job done.
  • Unbleached Parchment Paper: a great brand of parchment paper!
  • Coconut Sugar: one of my favorite sweeteners to use. It adds the perfect flavor to this healthy chunky granola recipe.
  • Ground Flaxseed: the flax helps hold together the chunky granola cluster mixture & adds healthy nutrients!

Are you ready for the best healthy chunky granola recipe ever? 🙂 I thought so! You grab the gluten free rolled oats and I’ll grab everything else. Let’s make this! In case I don’t say it enough, thank you. Thank you for stopping by and sharing in these kitchen adventures with me. Is there anything better? ‘Til the next one…

Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️

Click below to Pin

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Did you make this healthy chunky granola recipe? Take a pic & share it on Instagram with the hashtag #beamingbaker & tag @beamingbaker. I’d love to see it!

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Healthy Chunky Granola Recipe (Vegan, Gluten Free) (6)

Healthy Chunky Granola Recipe (Vegan, Gluten Free)

★★★★★5 from 18 reviews
  • Author: Demeter | Beaming Baker
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: about 17 ¼ cup-servings (approx. 4 ½ cups) 1x
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Description

Healthy Chunky Granola Recipe (Vegan, GF): learn how to make chunky granola with clusters! The best homemade chunky granola—vegan, gluten free & yummy! Super chunky clusters with crispy edges, packed full of nuts & nutrients. Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar-Free.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 ½ cups nuts, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • ½ cup gluten free rolled oats
  • ¼ cup ground flaxseed
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
  • 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a medium or large baking sheet with parchment paper or greased foil. Set aside for later.
  2. Add all ingredients except coconut oil and maple syrup to a large bowl. Stir until well mixed.
  3. Add coconut oil and maple syrup. Using a rubber spatula, stir and fold until well mixed.
  4. Pour mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a rubber spatula, press down and pack the granola mixture together to create an even, flat, and very tightly-packed layer, about ½ inch thick. Your granola may not cover the entire baking sheet. Now, nudge the sheet of granola apart in the center (dividing the tightly-packed layer in half), to let air through.

Healthy Chunky Granola Recipe (Vegan, Gluten Free) (7)

  1. Bake for 20 minutes. Rotate baking sheet. Bake for 18-22 more minutes, until granola is a deep golden brown. Mine took 40 minutes total. Do not flip or move granola—it is fragile and needs to crisp up while cooling.
  2. Place baking sheet on a cooling rack. Allow to cool for about 30 minutes, or until completely cooled and firm. Break sheets of granola into clusters. Enjoy! Storing instructions below.

More Healthy Gluten Free Vegan Granola Recipes

  • 4 Ingredient Gluten Free Granola (Vegan)
  • Low Calorie Granola Recipe (Low Carb, Oil-Free)
  • Homemade Chunky Paleo Granola with Clusters (Grain-Free, Paleo)

Notes

Storage notes: Store in an airtight container for 1-2 months at room temperature.

Nutrition Information is an estimate based on the best-selling, most common brands per ingredient. Also, it’s estimated based on 17 servings per recipe.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Category: Breakfast, Healthy Snacks
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 cup
  • Calories: 126
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 2mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: how to make chunky granola, healthy chunky granola recipe, homemade chunky granola cluster recipe

© beamingbaker.com. All content and images are protected by copyright. Please do not use my images or recipe without my permission. Please do not republish this recipe, instead, include a link to this post for the recipe.

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Healthy Chunky Granola Recipe (Vegan, Gluten Free) (2024)

FAQs

What ingredient makes granola clump together? ›

Clumpy Granola Method: Add Egg White

About this method: According to Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen, “Nothing glues like protein.” While there are many granola recipes that include an egg white, I got this tip from the Big Cluster Maple Granola recipe in The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook.

Is gluten-free granola healthy? ›

Gluten-free granola offers a range of benefits, including: Healthier option: Gluten-free granola is often made with healthier ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, making it a nutritious breakfast option.

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 makes granola healthy? ›

Granola provides protein and important micronutrients like iron, vitamin D, folate, and zinc. Serving sizes vary from 1/4 cup to a full cup depending on the type and brand you choose. Granola can also be an excellent source of: Vitamin B.

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 do you keep homemade granola crispy? ›

Whether it's homemade or store-bought, properly storing granola will help extend the shelf life and maintain crunchiness. Store granola in an airtight container or tightly sealed zip-top bag in a dry, dark place away from heat.

What ingredients should you avoid in granola? ›

Check the ingredient list, avoiding products that list sugar or sweeteners —including natural sweeteners like honey — within the first few ingredients. Instead, the first few ingredients should be whole foods, such as oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. You may also want to look for varieties high in protein and fiber.

Why is granola not vegan? ›

Is granola vegan? Not all granola is vegan, despite the fact it contains many fruits and grains. This is because honey can often be used as a sweetener and binder in granola clusters, so if on a plant-based diet, always check the label to see whether it is suitable.

Does homemade granola harden as it cools? ›

Bake in preheated oven 20 - 25 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of tastiness. Stir every 5 - 7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it. NOTE: The granola will clump and harden while cooling - not during baking.

What is healthier than granola? ›

Without anything added to it, muesli is healthier than granola in the sense that it has less fat and sugar. However, if it's prepared with juice or contains a lot of dried fruit, muesli gains the sugar, calories, and carbohydrates that already exist in granola.

What was the downside to granola as a food? ›

On the downside, granola can be high in added sugars, hidden calories, and saturated fat, making some options less healthy.

What helps granola stick together? ›

There are other ways to achieve clumpier granola. You can add more fat (in the form of butter or oil). If you're shooting for a somewhat healthy result, you can add some other binder, like an egg white or applesauce.

What is granola clusters made of? ›

Summary of Homemade Granola Clusters:

Wholesome treat made with oats, almonds, and maple syrup. A little salty and sweet, wonderful maple flavor. Energy-packed snack you'll feel good about eating. Vegan, egg-free, and gluten free if using certified GF oats.

Why does granola fill you up? ›

Because of its fiber content, together with a modest level of protein and healthy fats (largely from added nuts), you may feel full longer after consuming healthy types of granola as compared with other foods like bagels or breakfast pastries.

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