Looking for an easy paleo granola recipe? This gluten-free low carb granola is made from nuts and seeds, has no refined sugar, and is filled with clusters. Store bought granola can be filled with sugar and oil but this easy homemade healthy granola recipe is made with wholesome ingredients.
Do you like granola with big clusters? Do you like it a little sweet and a little salty? Do you like it made with minimal ingredients that are almost completely plant based? If you answered yes, well then this chunky paleo granola is for you.
Why is this the best homemade paleo granola recipe?
The base for any paleo granola is nuts, and many of the recipes I've seen keep the nuts whole, but I used a food processor in order to get them pretty fine. I wanted to get those big sheets of clusters, and that is exactly what I did.
The result is a perfectly cluster filled granola with just the right amount of sweetness coming from the honey, a little bit of saltiness, and just the right amount of crunch.
You can change up any of the nuts or seeds that you want and I truly think that is the best part. Only have cashews, almonds and sunflower seeds? Perfect! Want to make this completely seed based? No problem.
It's a very easy granola to make with ingredients that you most likely have at home. The best part about this granola is that it is very crunchy, but it also is slightly soft on the inside.
Why is this paleo granola healthy?
The simple ingredient line up on this recipe makes it so perfectly healthy. We've got heart healthy fats coming from all of the different nuts and seeds, plus natural sugar from the honey. This granola is also completely grain free and dairy free, making it perfect for someone who is following the paleo diet.
The nut and seed ingredients are flexible, too. So if you don't have something, go ahead and skip it and add in more of something else.
Tips for making paleo granola:
Cook low and slow
That's right, we turn the temperature down to 325F in order to get a nice golden brown on the granola. This will help ensure an even cooking time so the edges don't burn faster than the middle.
Blend until fine
Make sure you blend your nuts and seeds until small chunks, but not into a flour like consistency. You want it to be slightly fine with some bits and pieces, but enough that when you add the coconut oil, honey, vanilla, and spices that it holds together nicely.
Press down into baking sheet
When it's time for the granola to bake, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use your hands to then press the granola down into the baking sheet on a flat layer.
You want it to be flat, however all touching. Do not leave any space in between the granola. The ultimate goal is to get clusters!
Let cool completely
Letting the granola cool completely before eating is key for getting the perfect size clusters and chunks. Once it is ready from the oven, pull it out and let it cool completely for about an hour or so before using your hand to break into chunks.
How to store chunky paleo granola:
In an airtight ziplock bag or tupperware container in your pantry! The paleo granola will stay good for up to 2-3 weeks in your closet, but I can't promise it will last that long before you eat it all!
What should I eat this granola with?
The best way to serve this granola is to do everything from serve it on top of yogurt, crushed up and with almond milk and eat it like a cereal, or stick your hand straight in and enjoy the clusters right from the bag.
I like to put it on top of my peanut butter overnight oats and banana whipped oatmeal. The crunch with the smooth oatmeal base tastes amazing!
It's also really good on top of smoothies! Yum!
Paleo Chunky Gluten Free Granola
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 325F
- In a food processor, blend all nuts + seeds, coconut flakes, cinnamon, and salt until fine (about 3-5 seconds). Nuts will be very small pieces but not powder.
- Pour nuts into bowl, add in chia seeds, oil, vanilla, and honey. Stir till combined.
- Place on parchment lined baking sheet, and press down flat until about half inch thick. Everything should be tightly packed in order to get big clusters.
- Bake in oven for 22-26 minutes or until golden brown.
- LET COOL COMPLETELY - this is the most important step! It will be too soft at first.
- Break into clusters once completely cooled. Store at room temperature.
Deb says
Hi there! I've made your recipe before and it's fantastic! While it's definitely hard to keep from eating all at once, can it be frozen? My eldest is cuckoo for it and I'd like to have some ready for the next time she visits. Thanks!
Erin says
Hi Deb, so happy everyone loves it and yep, in an airtight container! 🙂
Stacey says
RUN don’t walk to the store and get these ingredients!!! This came together so easy and it is delicious!! So yummy!!
This will be on repeat
Erin says
Hi Stacey, so glad you loved it so much! 🙂
Janet Tracy says
OMG, I LOVE this! I used 1/2 the honey as it is still delicious! With almond milk it is so fulfilling..or to eat as small bars! I am so excited! I posted your link to my Facebook...so spreading the word! Thank you!
Erin says
Hi Janet, so glad you loved it and made it your own! 🙂
Heather says
Do you have a coconut oil substitute you like to use? I have a coconut allergy
Erin says
Hi Heather, yep you can use any other oil! Let me know how your granola comes out!
Morgan says
So delicious!! Perfect mix of sweet and salty, and I love the mix of crunch outside but slightly softer inside. Loved it as a topping on oatmeal and yogurt and on its own! Will definitely continue to make this one.
Erin says
Hi Morgan, so glad you loved it!! Thanks for sharing!!
Whit G says
I made this granola the other day and love it! It was my first time ever making granola. It was easy to make and great tasting. I did end up also adding some dried cranberries for a pop of tart, but otherwise stuck to the recipe. I ended up burning it around the edges because I apparently can’t read and set my oven to 375 rather than Erin’s very-obviously-stated 325, but even when a bit crispy, the granola is still lovely! I did notice that it was a bit oily after cooking but it was better after cooling and storing in the fridge. Since I didn’t bake it correctly, I’m chalking that up to it being my issue and will be making again - at the right temp, this time!
Erin says
Hi Whit, thanks for sharing!! I am so glad it still came out well and great addition with the cranberries! 🙂
Katie says
Where has this been hiding??? I love this recipe. My family loves this recipe. Hardest part is waiting for it to cool! I have always had trouble finding tasty granola for my kids to put in their yogurt- always too much sugar added! The search is over now!
Erin says
Hi Katie, thanks for the kind words! I am so glad everyone loved it!
Katie says
Wow, just wow. This is by far the best granola I’ve ever had in my life. I never thought a recipe this flexible could have this sort of magical taste, but it does. I literally added every random nut in my pantry and it was INCREDIBLE. I have a slight sensitivity to oats so when I saw this I was super excited to make it. This is now the only granola recipe I am using from now on☺️
Erin says
Hi Katie, I am so glad you enjoyed it so much! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Kristy says
Do you think I could add oats to this? (Mainly to get more bang for my buck...)
Erin says
Hi Kristy, yes that'd be great! Let me know how it comes out!
Shawna says
Hi! Can you use maple syrup instead of honey for this recipe?
Erin says
Hi Shawna, yes that should be fine! Let me know how it comes out for you!
Lidia Becerra says
Paleo gluten free granola...Delicious!!!
I didn’t have some of the ingredients but it still is delicious!!! Now my fear is I will eat it all in one sitting!!
Can’t wait to try it with all the ingredients 😉
Erin says
Hi Lidia, so happy you loved it and made it your own with what you had. Hope you can make it again soon!
Cristi Rodriguez says
Hi, 2 questions. Hope you're ok.
1. What can i put instead of coconut flakes?
2. Sunflower seeds afect the recipe if i don't put it?
Please let me know, thanks!
Erin says
Hi Cristi, thank you so much! You can omit both of those and have similar results. Let me know how your granola comes out! 🙂
Jess L says
Wow!! Do not sleep on this recipe! I have never made homemade granola before and it was so easy and SOO amazing. My husband and I had a hard time waiting for it to cool so we snuck in a few bites and then once it was cool we ate it for dessert. Cannot wait to top my yogurt. Your recipes never disappoint! Always amazing!
Erin says
Hi Jess, so happy you both loved it so much! 🙂
Bailey Saponaro says
This is the new family favorite snack! Simple, nutritious, delicious. I mix it up with whatever nuts I have on hand and it's always SO yummy!
Erin says
Hi Bailey, so happy you love it!!
TC says
Such a simple but delicious staple! Better than any store bought granola with quality ingredients!
Erin says
Hi, I am so happy you loved it!
Hannah says
First time making this and it will not be my last! It was my favorite snack and topping all week! Your recipes are the best and super simple to fit into a busy schedule. I am always blown away after making something of yours, but I think this one just jumped to the top of my list of favorites!
Erin says
Hi Hannah, that makes me so happy. Thank you SO much for sharing! 🙂
Morgan says
You guys.... I am not kidding when I say this is the best granola that I have ever had, EVER!! I hate how much added sugar is in regular store made granolas so when I came across this I was beyond excited. I literally make this once a week to add to yogurt or to snack on. It is seriously so good and so addicting!!!!
Erin says
YAY Morgan!! Thanks for sharing. I'm so glad you are liking it!!
Rachel says
Made this yesterday, and I’m having it for breakfast today with some almond milk & berries!!! SO FREAKIN DELICIOUS!!!! I could literally eat this for all three meals every day until I die, and I would be so so happy. Love your recipes Erin!!!
Erin says
Day made over here!!! SO glad you love it! I can't get enough either...so crunchy!
Ashlee says
Love this post! I will definitely have to make the mug cake and popsicles! ? What do you guys think about the popular bars trending in the health market like Squarebars, Rxbars, and Macrobars? Also, what are some of your favorite granola, yogurt, and nut butter brands?