Homemade Vegan Granola Recipe – Sandy’s Nutritious Plant-Based Breakfast
Looking for a nutritious, delicious, and plant-based way to start your day? Discover Sandy’s Homemade Vegan Granola! This granola recipe is a breakfast go-to, packed with whole grains, seeds, and naturally dried fruits for a satisfying and nutrient-dense meal.
What’s great about this recipe is its versatility. It’s full of wholesome ingredients like oats, shredded coconut, pumpkin seeds, and dried fruits, all sweetened with apple cider and maple syrup. Plus, it’s free from processed sugars and animal products, making it perfect for a vegan, plant-based diet!
Why Choose Homemade Granola?
Store-bought granola often contains hidden sugars, oils, and preservatives. Making your own granola allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the recipe to your taste and dietary needs. This homemade version is naturally sweetened, high in fiber, and rich in essential vitamins and minerals, making it a great way to start the day!
Ingredients
The bolded ingredients are the essential backbone of the recipe - you could make it with only these if you want or add everything. Feel free to play around with other nuts, dried fruit, or spices to give it some variety.
1/4 cup sugar-free shredded coconut
4 cups rolled oats
1 cup flaked cereal – (we recommend using Nature’s Path Heritage Flakes or another whole grain cereal)
1/4 cup ground flax seed
1/2 cup unsalted pumpkin seeds
3/4 cup sliced almonds
1 cup apple cider
1/4 cup maple syrup (or another plant-based sweetener like agave syrup)
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp sea salt (optional)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup dried cranberries (without added sugar or oil)
1/2 cup dried black mission figs – diced
1/2 cup dried apricots – diced
Directions
Toast the Coconut: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the shredded coconut on a baking sheet and toast for about 7 minutes, or until golden brown. Set aside.
Prepare the Apple Cider Mixture: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until it’s reduced by half. Stir in the maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, flaked cereal, ground flax seed, pumpkin seeds, and sliced almonds.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Pour the apple cider mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until well coated. Divide the mixture in half between two baking sheets.
Bake the Granola: Bake for about 40 minutes, stirring every 15-20 minutes to ensure even browning. The granola should be golden and crisp when done.
Add the Dried Fruit: While the granola is baking, chop the dried figs and apricots, and mix them with the toasted coconut and dried cranberries. If the cranberries are too firm, soak them in warm water for a few minutes, then pat dry.
Combine and Store: Once the granola has cooled, mix in the dried fruit and coconut. Transfer to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete, plant-based breakfast, serve this homemade granola with fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Top with a splash of almond milk, coconut yogurt, or any plant-based milk for a satisfying and nutrient-rich start to your day.
Customize Your Granola
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized! While the oats, seeds, and dried fruits are the backbone, feel free to experiment with other ingredients:
Swap in chopped walnuts, pecans, or cashews for a different nutty flavor.
Try adding dried cherries, golden raisins, or goji berries for added variety.
Play around with different spices like ginger, cardamom, or even a dash of cocoa powder for an added twist.
Homemade granola is a simple and rewarding way to enjoy a wholesome breakfast. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – perfect as a cereal, a topping for smoothie bowls, or even as a snack. With Sandy’s recipe, you’ll have a delicious, vegan, and plant-based breakfast ready to power you through the day!
