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Home By Meal Snacks

Chunky Paleo Granola

★★★★★ 10 Reviews Recipe Print
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By: Erin3/12/21

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Paleo Granola Recipe
Paleo Granola Recipe

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.

paleo granola in bowl

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.

paleo granola on tray

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

making paleo granola

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.

making paleo granola

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 granola in bowl
paleo granola in bowl
★★★★★ 5 from 10 reviews

Paleo Chunky Gluten Free Granola

Looking for an easy recipe for paleo granola? This gluten-free low carb granola is made from nuts and seeds, no refined sugar, and has tons of clusters. Store bought granola is filled with sugar and oil but this easy homemade recipe is healthy and made with wholesome ingredients. 

Prep: 5Cook: 20Total: 25 minutes
Yield 4 cups 1x
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

Any combination of nuts + seeds will work! Just make sure it totals ~3 cups. I used:

  • 1 cup cashews, unsalted
  • 1 cup almonds, unsalted
  • 1/2 cup pecans, unsalted
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, unsalted
  • 1/2 cup coconut flakes
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 Tbsp chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup honey

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325F
  2. 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.
  3. Pour nuts into bowl, add in chia seeds, oil, vanilla, and honey. Stir till combined.
  4. 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.
  5. Bake in oven for 22-26 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. LET COOL COMPLETELY – this is the most important step! It will be too soft at first.
  7. Break into clusters once completely cooled. Store at room temperature.
Author: Erin MorrisseyCategory: snack, gluten free, paleo
paleo granola in bowl

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

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There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

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Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love seeing what you made!

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Janet Tracy says

    Posted on 11/22 at 10:35 am

    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!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 11/22 at 2:42 pm

      Hi Janet, so glad you loved it and made it your own! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Heather says

    Posted on 5/31 at 5:42 pm

    Do you have a coconut oil substitute you like to use? I have a coconut allergy

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/1 at 4:26 pm

      Hi Heather, yep you can use any other oil! Let me know how your granola comes out!

      Reply
  3. Morgan says

    Posted on 3/22 at 10:17 pm

    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.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/23 at 12:05 am

      Hi Morgan, so glad you loved it!! Thanks for sharing!!

      Reply
  4. Whit G says

    Posted on 3/9 at 10:02 am

    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!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/10 at 12:07 am

      Hi Whit, thanks for sharing!! I am so glad it still came out well and great addition with the cranberries! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Katie says

    Posted on 3/7 at 2:35 pm

    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!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/7 at 10:36 pm

      Hi Katie, thanks for the kind words! I am so glad everyone loved it!

      Reply
  6. Katie says

    Posted on 3/3 at 6:40 am

    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☺️

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/4 at 12:19 am

      Hi Katie, I am so glad you enjoyed it so much! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Kristy says

    Posted on 2/28 at 8:29 pm

    Do you think I could add oats to this? (Mainly to get more bang for my buck…)

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/28 at 9:09 pm

      Hi Kristy, yes that’d be great! Let me know how it comes out!

      Reply
  8. Shawna says

    Posted on 2/26 at 3:20 pm

    Hi! Can you use maple syrup instead of honey for this recipe?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/27 at 12:24 am

      Hi Shawna, yes that should be fine! Let me know how it comes out for you!

      Reply
  9. Lidia Becerra says

    Posted on 2/25 at 2:28 pm

    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 😉

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/26 at 1:26 am

      Hi Lidia, so happy you loved it and made it your own with what you had. Hope you can make it again soon!

      Reply
  10. Cristi Rodriguez says

    Posted on 2/22 at 10:20 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/26 at 1:30 am

      Hi Cristi, thank you so much! You can omit both of those and have similar results. Let me know how your granola comes out! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Jess L says

    Posted on 2/22 at 8:04 pm

    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!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/24 at 11:35 am

      Hi Jess, so happy you both loved it so much! 🙂

      Reply
  12. Bailey Saponaro says

    Posted on 1/11 at 8:02 pm

    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!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/12 at 10:59 pm

      Hi Bailey, so happy you love it!!

      Reply
  13. TC says

    Posted on 1/3 at 3:27 pm

    Such a simple but delicious staple! Better than any store bought granola with quality ingredients!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/4 at 1:30 pm

      Hi, I am so happy you loved it!

      Reply
  14. Hannah says

    Posted on 9/18 at 6:30 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/20 at 11:12 am

      Hi Hannah, that makes me so happy. Thank you SO much for sharing! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Morgan says

    Posted on 4/14 at 7:18 pm

    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!!!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/15 at 3:48 pm

      YAY Morgan!! Thanks for sharing. I’m so glad you are liking it!!

      Reply
  16. Rachel says

    Posted on 4/4 at 9:49 am

    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!!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/4 at 4:25 pm

      Day made over here!!! SO glad you love it! I can’t get enough either…so crunchy!

      Reply
  17. Ashlee says

    Posted on 2/27 at 6:24 am

    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?

    Reply

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I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

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