Table of Contents
Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe packs nutty warmth and crunchy oats into golden clusters bound by creamy peanut butter and studded with seeds and dried fruit. This Simple Granola Recipe fuels both weekend brunches and busy mornings with heart-healthy fats, fiber-rich oats, and plant-based protein—making it a go-to High Protein Granola Recipe. Easily adapt it for Nut Free Granola or Homemade Granola Bars No Peanut Butter when needed.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe
- Ultimate Crunch Factor: Each cluster stays crisp thanks to a low-temperature bake that locks in the peanut-butter goodness.
- Protein-Packed Power: Delivers 8–10g protein per serving from peanut butter, oats, and seeds—perfect for post-workout refueling.
- Kid-Friendly Dinner Boost: Doubles as a playful topping for yogurt bowls or smoothie bowls, making it a fun treat at Kid Friendly Dinners.
- Versatile Snack Solution: Enjoy as an Evening Snack, sprinkle over Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal, or stir into chia pudding for extra texture.
- Customizable Mix-Ins: Swap dried berries, cacao nibs, or coconut flakes to transform it into endless flavor variations.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Breakfast / Snack |
| Cuisine: | Healthy |
| Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 25 minutes |
| Total Time: | 35 minutes |
| Dietary: | Vegetarian, Optional Nut-Free |
| Serves: | 8 |
| Best Served: | Room Temperature |
Ingredients For This Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats – Rich in beta-glucan fiber for heart health and sustained energy (Oats and Beta-Glucan).
- 1 cup natural peanut butter – Provides monounsaturated fats, protein, and antioxidants (Health Benefits of Peanut Butter).
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup – Natural sweetener with trace minerals and lower glycemic index than refined sugar (Maple Syrup Nutritional Facts).
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted – Medium-chain triglycerides that support healthy metabolism.
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds – High in magnesium, iron, and plant protein.
- ½ cup sunflower seeds – Source of vitamin E and healthy fats.
- ⅔ cup chopped almonds – Adds extra protein, fiber, and crunch.
- ½ cup dried cranberries – Tart sweetness and antioxidants.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances sweetness and aroma naturally.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt – Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
Healthy Peanut Butter Granola
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine oats, seeds, and chopped almonds. Stir well.
- Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients and fold until evenly coated.
- Spread mixture in an even layer on prepared sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring gently halfway through.
- Remove from oven, stir in dried cranberries, and return to oven for 2–3 minutes.
- Cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a container.
Notes
How to Make the Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe
Crafting this Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe involves gentle mixing and low-temperature baking for perfect clusters.
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir oats, seeds, and almonds to combine evenly.
Step 4: Bind & Toss
Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients. Use a spatula to fold gently until every bit of oat mix is coated.
Step 5: Bake Low & Slow
Spread mixture onto prepared sheet in an even layer. Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring gently at the 12-minute mark to encourage cluster formation.
Step 6: Add Fruit
Remove pan from oven, stir in dried cranberries, then return to oven for an additional 2–3 minutes.
Step 7: Cool & Store
Allow granola to cool completely on the baking sheet—clusters will firm up as they cool. Transfer to airtight container.
Pro Tips for Making the Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe
- Cluster Hack: Press granola down firmly with the back of a spatula before baking to encourage larger chunks.
- Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with sunflower-seed butter and omit almonds for a Nut Free Granola version.
- Flavor Boost: Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or ½ teaspoon ground cardamom for warm spice notes.
- Sweetness Control: Adjust maple syrup by 1–2 tablespoons to suit your taste without compromising texture.
- Batch Scaling: Double or triple ingredients easily—just ensure even baking by using multiple sheets and rotating halfway.
How to Serve Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe
Enjoy this granola in numerous delicious ways that fit into every meal and snack moment:
- Spoon over Greek yogurt topped with fresh berries for a Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe parfait.
- Stir into Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal for extra crunch and protein.
- Pack in small bags as a grab-and-go Evening Snack during movie night.
- Sprinkle on smoothie bowls alongside tropical fruits for a nutrient boost.
- Mix with melted chocolate and press into molds for Homemade Granola Bars No Peanut Butter alternative.
- Top smoothie-jar salads or chia puddings for added texture.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit and nut-butter drizzles for a healthy brunch board.
- Combine with trail-mix ingredients for on-the-go hiking fuel.
- Use as cereal—pour your favorite milk or milk alternative over a bowl of granola.
- Garnish chia-seed pudding topped with mint and citrus zest for a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
•Airtight Preservation: Store in sealed glass jars at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
•Flavor Retention: Keep out of direct sunlight to preserve oils and prevent rancidity.
•Humidity Shield: Use desiccant packets if living in humid climates.
•Portion Control: Pre-portion into small containers for quick snacks without overindulging.
Freezing
•Freezer Bags: Freeze in zip-top bags for up to 3 months—squeeze out excess air before sealing.
•Thawing: No need to thaw—serve straight from freezer for extra crispness.
•Batch Prep: Make double batch and freeze half immediately to lock in peak freshness.
•Separation: Freeze in single layer on sheet before bagging to maintain cluster form.
Reheating
•Oven Revive: Spread on baking sheet, warm at 300°F for 5 minutes to regain crunch.
•Air-Fryer Shortcut: Air-fry at 325°F for 2–3 minutes, shaking basket halfway.
•Microwave Caution: Quick 15-second burst—avoid extended microwaving which ruins texture.
•Refresh Add-Ins: Toss with a pinch of extra salt or spices after warming to reawaken flavors.
FAQs
What are the health benefits of oats and peanut butter?
Oats supply soluble fiber (beta-glucan) that supports healthy cholesterol levels and digestive regularity, while peanut butter delivers plant protein and monounsaturated fats linked to heart health and sustained energy (Is Granola Healthy?).
Can I substitute peanut butter with another nut or seed butter?
Yes—almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower-seed butter all work. For Nut Free Granola, sunflower-seed butter offers similar binding and flavor without allergens.
How can I reduce sugar without affecting texture?
Use a 2:1 ratio of peanut butter to maple syrup; reduce syrup by up to 25% and increase vanilla extract or cinnamon to maintain sweetness perception without altering cluster formation.
Can I meal prep Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe?
Absolutely—this granola is ideal for batch prep. Store in airtight containers for weeks or freeze portions for grab-and-go snacks and toppings that elevate your Healthy Habits Aesthetic effortlessly.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Recipe embodies the perfect blend of nourishing ingredients and crave-worthy crunch, making it a staple for breakfasts, snacks, and even dessert alternatives. Its versatility shines through endless serving possibilities—from Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal to nighttime Evening Snacks—while delivering protein, fiber, and healthy fats in every bite. Crafted with simple pantry staples, it supports clean-eating commitments and adapts gracefully for nut-free or high-protein variations. Elevate your kitchen routine with these golden clusters that celebrate wholesome goodness and inspire lifelong healthy habits.
