Healthy Peanut Butter Granola is a simple homemade recipe filled with chunky clusters of whole, healthy ingredients. Made completely gluten and dairy-free, and ready in 30 minutes or less!
The best homemade peanut butter granola recipe you'll ever make
When I say that the only homemade granola recipe you'll ever need is this one, you can trust me on that. This healthy peanut butter granola comes with great flavor and core nutrients, making it a recipe with multiple benefits.
I've been making my own granola for as long as I can remember. It's always been one of my favorite snacks! And while I do still buy it occasionally, I almost always have a batch of homemade on hand. Making my own allows me to control exactly what's included, right down to the amount of sweetness or the level of crunchiness.
Just like my Healthy Chocolate Granola and Cinnamon Toast Granola, this recipe is extremely easy to make, allowing it to be a pantry staple.
Ingredients in healthy peanut butter granola
I've been making this healthy peanut butter granola for about ten years now. Over that time, it's seen a lot of tweaks, switched up ingredients, and various methods. But now, I can make it from memory, and let's just say the recipe has been perfected! Here's everything you'll need:
- Old fashioned oats: First up is 3 cups of old fashioned oats. These are going to serve as the base of the granola.
- Salt: Granola will taste bland without salt, so be sure to include ¼ tsp!
- Chia seeds: Add some protein to the granola with 2 tablespoon of chia seeds.
- Cinnamon: Next, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon adds yummy flavor.
- Natural peanut butter: Next up is the peanut butter! Use ½ cup of a natural brand. If preferred, other nut butters (or sunflower seed butter!) will work just as well.
- Honey: Add ⅓ cup of honey to make the granola a bit sweeter.
- Melted coconut oil: ¼ cup of melted coconut oil will help the granola take shape. It will also help it crisp up!
- Vanilla extract: Last but not least, be sure to include 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Tools used to make the best peanut butter granola
In terms of tools, you'll need a baking sheet, parchment paper, a mixing bowl, a mixing utensil, and the following measuring cup sizes: ¼ tsp, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, ¼ cup, ⅓ cup, ½ cup, and 1 cup.
How to make granola
This granola recipe is a very forgiving one with many ingredients that can be easily swapped out for other products that you may have. It's easy to make too! All you need to do is mix all of the ingredients together in one bowl, lay it flat on a baking sheet, and bake. Once completely cooled, you will be able to break the granola up into desirable size clusters. Here's the full how-to:
To start, preheat the oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix the oats, salt, chia seeds, and cinnamon.
Stir in the peanut butter, honey, coconut oil, and vanilla.
Once fully combined, press the granola mixture into an even layer on the prepared baking sheet and spread flat.
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until it starts to turn golden brown.
Let the granola cool completely before breaking it apart into your desired sized pieces.
Enjoy on yogurt, ice cream, or in a bowl with milk!
Healthy granola recipe add-ons
My favorite part of this recipe is adding all of the different mix-ins once the granola has cooled. This is when the creativity comes out, and when the true flavor magic happens! Sometimes I'm in the mood to eat the granola as-is, and other times I prefer to load it up with as many goodies as I can find!
You can add chopped chocolate bars, dried cranberries or fruit, peanut butter chips, marshmallows, chocolate chips, graham crackers, almond slivers, and more. It's a blank canvas!
How this recipe is healthier
There are only a few very simple ingredients in this granola, all of which are healthier alternatives to what you'll find in store-bought granola. Those are filled with preservatives and aren't the best choice health-wise. Here are some ingredients I use that make this recipe a better option!
Rolled oats: Oats are a wonderful granola ingredient because they provide fiber and healthy fats. I highly recommend using rolled oats for this recipe. They will work better than steel cut or quick oats.
Natural peanut butter: Natural peanut butter is the way to go! This is one of those ingredients where you always want to choose the organic, natural version. It's also a great granola ingredient because it provides protein. I love the Whole Foods and Trader Joe's brands because they only contain peanuts and salt. If preferred, feel free to use cashew butter or almond butter.
Honey: Honey is one of my favorite natural sweeteners to use! It helps to gather the ingredients and create the beautiful chunky clusters that taste delicious in yogurt. You can also use maple syrup for an equally delicious flavor.
Chia seeds: Chia seeds provide some of the granola texture while also supplying healthy Omega-3s.
Coconut oil: Coconut oil keeps the granola moist and will also help to crisp it up in the oven. You can use any oil you'd like, but I love the natural coconut flavor that this type provides. If you don't like the flavor of coconut, be sure to use refined coconut oil, as it has no taste.
Recipe Tips
Why is my granola not crunchy?
Be sure to bake your granola for at least 18-22 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Underbaking can prevent it from getting crunchy enough. Additionally, be sure to use the correct measurement of coconut oil. This recipe calls for ¼ cup. Too much can create a softer result.
Is it ok to snack on granola?
Of course! This granola uses healthier ingredients and is a very nutrient-dense and protein-rich snack.
Storing leftovers
Healthy peanut butter granola can be stored in a Ziploc bag or an airtight container on the counter. It will last for about 2 weeks!
If you liked this recipe, you'll want to try these!
Here are some more delicious healthy recipes that have been recently added to the blog! All of these ideas are crazy delicious and feature simple ingredients just like this recipe.
- Healthy Pretzel Freezer Fudge
- S'mores Banana Bread
- Healthy Raw Brownie Bites
- Healthy Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by The Mindful Hapa
If you tried this recipe or any other recipes on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Follow @erinliveswhole on Instagram and tag me in any of the recipes you make so I can repost them!
Peanut Butter Granola
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 325F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together oats, salt, chia seeds, and cinnamon.
- Stir in peanut butter, honey, coconut oil, and vanilla.
- Once fully combined, press onto lined parchment paper - spread into flat layer.
- Baked for 18-22 minutes or until starting to turn golden brown.
- Let COMPLETELY cool before breaking apart.
- Store in airtight container on the counter.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use old fashioned rolled oats — not steel cut or quick oats. This is important for getting the right texture and those gorgeous chunky clusters. Other types of oats won't give you the same result.
- Let it cool completely before breaking it apart. I know it's tempting to dig in right away, but the granola continues to crisp up as it cools. Break it apart once it's fully cooled for the best clusters!
- Don't overbake, and watch your coconut oil measurement. Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden — not longer. And stick to the ¼ cup of coconut oil called for; too much oil actually results in softer, less crunchy granola.
Nico says
I LOOOVE this recipe! Making it as little take home gifts for the fam this thanksgiving in jars with some ribbon ☺️ no stress recipe!
Nico says
I also add chocolate chips!!
Erin says
Great idea!!
Erin says
Hi Nico, so glad you loved it and what a great idea!!
Elizabeth says
This was so easy and so delicious! Perfect w/ greek yogurt to switch up my breakfast routine. I didn't have parchment paper on hand, so used foil w/ a little bit of cooking spray and it worked well.
Erin says
Hi Elizabeth, so glad you loved it! 🙂
Lynsey says
Can I make this with gluten free rolled oats?
Erin says
Hi Lynsey, yep that should work! Let me know how it comes out!
Natalie Peterson says
I've been buying an expensive peanut butter granola at the stores for years because I couldn't find a clone recipe. I think I found it. SO good! I didn't use chia seeds but will be making as a staple!
Erin says
Hi Natalie, so glad you loved it so much!!
Sheila says
How do you think it would be if I sub unsweetened applesauce for the oil? I know it won't be crunchy, but I'd be okay if was chewy. Your thoughts?
Erin says
Hi Shelia, the granola will be too soggy. Sorry!
Kristen says
Hi! What can i use as a substitute for Coconut oil? One of our family members has an allergy to Coconut. Thanks!
Erin says
Hi Kristen, you can use another oil like avocado oil! Let me know how your granola comes out!
Rilynn says
I've made this a few times now, one of our favorites, love it on greek yogurt or for desert on vanilla ice cream. Just to let you know last time I didn't have peanut butter so I substituted almond butter, added unsweetened coconut and some cranberries and it was amazing (completely different taste but just as yummy)
Erin says
Hi Rilynn, so happy you loved it so much and made it your own!! 🙂
Erica says
Hi Erin! Any concern if I don’t have parchment paper on hand? Would you recommend adding some oil (coconut oil maybe?) to the baking sheet? Thanks!
Erin says
Hi Erica, yeah that would help a little. It could be ok- how did it come out?
Mary Anderson says
So good and easy to make, thank you! I didn't have chia seeds so I added about 2 ounces finely chopped pecans.
Erin says
Hi Mary, so happy you loved it and made it your own!!
Kim says
Hi Erin,
Just wondering how many days/weeks approximately would you keep this for?
Thanks
Erin says
Hi Kim, this will stay good for up to two weeks!
Laura says
So easy and so yummy! Tastes like a store bought one in the best way
Erin says
Hi Laura, so happy you loved it!!
Julie says
This receipt looks delicious. Ok to add almonds or cashews pieces? Thank you
Erin says
Hi Julie, thanks and yes of course!! Let me know how your granola comes out!
Sarai W says
One of my favourite recipes that I try to make each Sunday to last me through the week for a quick breakfast or snack! Absolutely delicious and love the healthy ingredients!
Erin says
Hi Sarai, so glad you loved it so much!!
Niki says
I made this just now! It tastes amazing, and it clusters together really well. All of the other granola recipes I tried were not clumpy at all and were really dry! Thanks for this great recipe!
Erin says
Hi Niki, so glad you loved it!
Deb says
I keep finding reasons to get out a cup of yogurt, so I can also reach for this yummy granola. So yummy!
Erin says
Hi Deb, so glad you love it so much! 🙂
Debra says
Could I make with sesame oil?
Erin says
Hi Debra, yes that should work! I haven't tried this recipe with that sub before, so let me know how it comes out!
Alyssa says
I’ve made this probably 50 times and love it every time. Since I discovered it, I try to have a batch made at all times 😋
Erin says
Hi Alyssa, so happy you love it so much! 🙂
Dana S. says
Hands down THE BEST granola I have ever made. Look no further, this is incredible. Most important (& difficult part) make sure you WAIT until is is cool- the crumble and crunch is real & 100% worth it! The flavor is amazing and just the right touch of sweetness and perfect peanutbuttery taste.
Erin says
Hi Dana, so glad you loved the granola so much! 🙂
Lindsay B says
I started making this granola last year and have started making it every 2 weeks since then. It’s addicting. It’s the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy! I usually add some extra cinnamon, but it’s such a great recipe!!
Erin says
Hi Lindsay, I love hearing that! Thanks for sharing!
Kim says
Could I make this without the honey or maple syrup? Looking for no sweetener added recipe.
Erin says
Hi Kim, sorry but you need the honey, it helps stick together!
Dana says
Finally found a peanut butter granola that TASTES like peanut butter, is crunchy & so easy to make!
Erin says
Hi Dana, so glad you loved it!!