Maple Vanilla Granola (Oil-Free, Vegan)

Maple Vanilla Granola is a versatile breakfast option that is oil-free, refined sugar-free, vegan, gluten-free, and delicious! This crunchy aquafaba granola makes a great snack or breakfast for busy days.

Maple vanilla granola bursting with dried fruit and sunflower seeds is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert! Eat it like cereal, or use it to top your favorite vegan yogurt, chia pudding, or a bowl of steel cut oatmeal. 

Step up your breakfast game even further and sprinkle it over pumpkin chia pudding, vegan protein powder waffles, or oatmeal blender pancakes!

If you have a big family with various needs, customize the granola after baking. That way, each person can have their special version of the granola. 

Have fun with it!

This recipe is a great way to use different ingredients in your pantry while testing your favorite flavor combinations. 

You can swap sunflower seeds with pumpkin or chia seeds. Or you could use dried apricots instead of cranberries.

Add popped quinoa for an extra crunch like in the recipe for granola with quinoa.

If you have a sweet tooth, add chocolate chips! 

Whatever you choose, this maple vanilla granola will not disappoint. It comes out of the oven toasty and delicious, bringing cozy vibes to your home and your next breakfast. Everyone is sure to love.

Ingredients

You'll need these simple ingredients for this maple vanilla granola recipe:

• Maple Syrup - This natural sweetener has antioxidant properties, meaning it is more nutritious and has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar.
  • Could also use other liquid sweeteners like agave nectar or date syrup.
• Rolled Oats - Gives bulk to granola, could also use quinoa flakes.
  • If you are gluten-free or have celiac disease, buy certified gluten-free oats to ensure no cross-contamination.
• Sea Salt, Cinnamon, and Vanilla - Add to the overall flavor, making this granola super tasty.
• Flax Seeds - Help the granola hold together and adds extra nutrients.
  • Could alternatively use chia seeds.
• Aquafaba - Our secret ingredient! If you don’t know, aquafaba is the liquid from a can of chickpeas. It works as an oil substitute to achieve a crispy granola!
  • A neutral oil like coconut oil also works if not oil-free.
• Seeds or Nuts - Sunflower seeds were used in this recipe.
  • Other seeds, nuts, or popped quinoa works as well.
• Dried Fruit - We used dried cranberries in this recipe, but other dried fruit of choice can also be used.
  • Dried fruit is often high in sugar and should be used sparingly, as a little goes a long way. These dried cranberries are sweetened using fruit juice.
  • Make sure to read the labels when buying dried fruit to ensure that it is unsweetened or sweetened with juice. Dried mango and apricot usually aren't sweetened at all. Of course, fresh fruit is delicious on top too!

Directions

Here's how to make maple vanilla granola:

1. In a large bowl, stir the oats, sea salt, cinnamon, and flax seeds.
2. Whisk together the aquafaba, maple syrup, and vanilla in a small bowl. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to coat the oats fully.
3. Spread the granola onto a baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until golden brown and fragrant.
4. Cool on the baking sheet. Then add seeds, nuts, or dried fruit if desired.

Ways to Serve Maple Vanilla Granola

• As a cereal with plant-based milk.
• Sprinkled on top of vegan yogurt or almond butter chia pudding along with fresh berries.
• Over a jar of pumpkin spice overnight oats or banana bread overnight oats to add some crunch.
• Granola is delicious on kale salad with apples and drizzled with maple-balsamic vinaigrette. 
• On top of maple pecan roasted pears and plant-based ice cream for a decadent and satisfying dessert.
• And, of course, there's never any shame in eating it right out of your hand for a quick snack in the middle of the day, either!

No matter how you choose to eat this, you'll love it!

FAQ