An easy, healthy Nut and Seed Granola recipe with walnuts, chia, flax, and sunflower seeds. Made with warm flavors of maple, cinnamon, and vanilla. Plus naturally sweetened and protein-rich! (Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free.)
This nut and seed granola is so quick and simple to prepare! Plus it's naturally sweetened, oil-free, and protein-rich.
It combines a healthy medley of nuts and seeds which provide a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and other nutrients.
Then we warmly flavor it with maple, cinnamon, and vanilla. The raisins add a perfect touch of chewy sweetness!
It's such a great make-ahead meal to have on hand for breakfast, snacks, or after workouts.
Ingredients for Seed Granola
For this recipe you will toss together then bake in the oven:
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Be sure to use gluten-free oats if needed.
- Almond flour: Either natural/unblanched or blanched flour works fine. This adds extra protein and fiber, plus a slightly "buttery" taste and texture to the oat mixture.
- Walnuts: I use raw, unsalted walnuts. I like to break them into smaller pieces with my hand before adding to the granola mix. Or you can use a mortar and pestle if you have one.
- Sunflower seeds: Again, I use raw, unsalted seeds. But you can simply use whatever you have on hand.
- Chia seeds
- Ground flax seeds: This is also known as flax meal. Most often I use golden flax meal, but regular brown works great too.
- Ground cinnamon: I use Ceylon cinnamon which is known as true cinnamon. Be sure your pantry spices are fresh (not expired) for best flavor.
- Pure maple syrup: This works great as a natural sweetener, plus it adds such delicious maple flavor.
- Applesauce
- Pure vanilla extract
- Raisins: We will stir these in after the granola mixture bakes. It's the perfect finishing touch for delicious, chewy sweetness!
Customizing
Dried fruit: Instead of raisins (or in addition to) you can stir in dried cherries, dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, etc.
Flavors: In place of cinnamon, feel free to add pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal variation. You can also include a tiny amount of almond extract to the wet ingredients. (Start small because it's strong.)
Nuts + seeds: Change these up as you see fit. Add more or less of what you enjoy. Shelled hemp hearts, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), pecans, or peanuts would be great additions as well.
Other add-ins: In addition to the raisins or dried fruit, you can also sprinkle in vegan chocolate chips, unsweetened coconut flakes, or anything else that sounds good. These are added after baking.
Serving
Granola is a classic choice for breakfast enjoyed with plant-based milk. But it's also an energizing snack, a protein-rich meal after workout, or crunchy topper for vegan ice cream, yogurt, chia pudding, and smoothie bowls!
Storing
Be sure to let it cool completely first. Then store in an airtight container or glass jar either in the refrigerator or pantry. We find it keeps well for up to a couple weeks. (Any storage time past that I'm not sure.)
Want more homemade granola? Try this oil-free Peanut Butter Granola or Pumpkin Spice Granola!
For more inspiration, also browse all vegan breakfast recipes or walnut recipes.
Nut and Seed Granola
Ingredients
For the dry ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free if desired)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 2/3 cup walnuts, chopped (I use raw, unsalted)
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 2 Tbsp. chia seeds
- 2 Tbsp. ground flax seeds
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
For the wet ingredients:
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (or up to 1/2 cup)
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract
Stir-in:
- 1/3 cup raisins (or other dried fruit)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper (or Silpat). Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients.
- In a small bowl, combine wet ingredients. Stir to combine.
- Add wet ingredients to dry. Stir very well to thoroughly coat.
- Spread out granola evenly on the lined pan.
- Place in oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool. (It will gradually harden as it cools.) Then stir in raisins or other dried fruit of choice.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)
Sodium content: This is omitted as I cannot provide an accurate number. I encourage you to calculate your own to provide a much more precise reading based on the exact ingredients, brands, and amounts you're using.
If you are enjoying this nut and seed granola with chia and flax, also feel free to check out:
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Helen says
This was amazing and SO EASY to make!! Love that it's oil free too... just what we were looking for!
Kaitlin says
Wonderful to hear, Helen! Thanks for giving it a try and sharing your kind feedback.