This is seriously the best under-30-minute healthy peanut butter granola recipe - it's chunky, naturally sweetened with maple syrup, and made without oil. An easy gluten-free, refined sugar-free, vegan meal prep snack or breakfast.
The best secretly healthy peanut butter granola recipe
We love peanut butter in our household, from these peanut butter overnight oats to this healthy peanut butter bread. And his granola recipe is hands-down the best thing that's ever happened to breakfast (or snack time, or anytime, really). First off, the flavor is out of this world. The granola is so peanut buttery. Secondly, it's healthy! There is no oil or refined sugars, and this granola is gluten-free and vegan.
But my favorite part is the chunky peanut butter granola clusters. It's the kind of granola that doesn't just sit there; it practically begs to be nibbled on. It's so chunky, crunchy, crispy, and easy to make.
I love that there are no sneaky added sugars here. We're talking wholesome ingredients, like pure maple syrup or honey, natural peanut butter, roasted peanuts, rolled oats, and vanilla.
This recipe is fully customizable, so you can toss in your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to make it your crunchy masterpiece. I cannot wait to hear what you think of this classic healthy peanut butter granola recipe - it has been on my site for over three years, so I decided to update the pictures!
Why you'll love this recipe:
- Quick & Easy: This homemade peanut butter granola is ready in under 30 minutes.
- Delicious Flavor: Nutty, sweet, and satisfying taste.
- Healthier Choice: Wholesome, low in sugars, and oil-free.
- Customizable: Add your favorite nuts and fruits.
- Chunky Texture: The peanut butter granola has so many crunchy clusters.
- Cost-Effective: Budget-friendly homemade option.
- Long Shelf Life: Stays fresh for weeks.
- Kid-Friendly: Loved by children.
- No Refined Sugars: Sweetened naturally.
- Gluten-Free & Vegan: Fits everyone's diets.
- Try these delicious 3 ingredient peanut butter oatmeal balls or this healthy apple pie granola next!
Ingredients needed
This chunky peanut butter granola recipe calls for six simple ingredients. You need old-fashioned rolled oats, all-natural people butter, vanilla extract, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared:
- Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for this homemade peanut butter granola for best results. You can use regular or gluten-free certified oats.
- Roasted Peanuts: Roasted peanuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to this granola. This is optional, but I am obsessed.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy unsalted peanut butter adds rich peanut flavor and helps bind the granola together since this recipe has no oil. Using all-natural peanut butter without added sugars or preservatives is a healthier choice.
- Cinnamon: To flavor the granola - trust me, it is so good!
- Salt: Just a tiny pinch to create that perfect sweet and salty combination that many people enjoy in granola.
- Maple Syrup: To naturally sweeten this healthy peanut butter granola and help it stick together when baked. Maple syrup helps make the granola extra chunky and refined sugar-free.
- Vanilla Extract: For a little flavor. I love the taste of vanilla.
Kitchen tools needed
Here is a list of kitchen utensils you need to make this healthy, chunky peanut butter granola.
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Spatula
- Oven
- Measuring Tools: ½ teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, 1 tablespoon, and ⅓ cup.
How to make homemade peanut butter granola
The oil-free healthy peanut butter granola only takes 25 minutes to make - this is the easiest and quickest homemade granola recipe ever! Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level cook can make them. The full recipe and ingredient measurements are in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
Step 1:
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Then, combine the rolled oats, chopped peanuts, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3:
Whisk together the creamy peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a smaller bowl until it's smooth.
Step 4:
Pour the peanut butter mixture into the large bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until the oats and nuts are evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture.
Step 5:
Transfer the mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out into a flat, even layer. THIS IS IMPORTANT!
Step 6:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 - 18 minutes. I recommend stirring the granola halfway through baking BUT make sure to press the granola back down into a flat layer again.
Step 7:
Remove the granola from the oven and let it COMPLETELY cool for at least 30 - 45 minutes before breaking apart.
Store your homemade peanut butter granola in an airtight container on the counter. It should stay fresh and delicious for 1 to 2 weeks.
Expert tips for chunky peanut butter granola
- Cool Without Disturbing: This is my #1 tip to ensure your peanut butter granola is super chunky with cluster. Allow the baked granola to cool completely on the baking sheet without stirring or breaking it apart for at least 30 minutes. This cooling period is essential for the granola to harden and form chunks.
- Press it down: This is my #2 tip for chunky granola. After spreading the granola mixture onto the baking sheet, press it down firmly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. This compacts the mixture, helping it stick together and form clusters.
- Use Rolled Oats: Rolled oats work best for chunky granola. They have the right texture to create those satisfying clusters. Avoid quick oats and steel-cut, which tend to result in a less chunky texture.
- Stir Only Once: If you want extra-large clusters, stir the granola mixture just once during baking, about halfway through the baking time. Then, press it down again before continuing to bake.
- Make it ahead of time. I love that you can meal-prep peanut butter granola for a quick weekday breakfast or snack. You can even enjoy it as a dessert with milk or ice cream.
Recipe variations:
This healthy peanut butter granola recipe is very customizable! Here is a detailed list of different flavor variations you can try.
- PB&J: Swirl in some fruit preserves or jelly into the granola mixture before baking.
- Coconut: Add ¼ cup of shredded coconut to your granola mixture before baking.
- Chocolate Chip: Add ⅓ cup of chocolate chips to your peanut butter granola after it has cooled and you have broken up the chunks.
- Dried Fruit: Add ⅓ to ½ cup of your favorite dried fruit to your healthy granola after it has cooled. I love raisins, blueberries, apples, pineapples, and cranberries.
- Banana Nut: Incorporate half a large mashed ripe banana to the oat mixture before baking.
- Trail Mix: Add ⅓ cup of mini M&M's to your peanut butter granola after it has cooled.
- Coffee-Flavored: Add finely 2 tablespoon of ground espresso or coffee beans to the peanut butter mixture for a caffeinated kick.
- Protein Packed: Add ¼ cup of ingredients like chia seeds, hemp seeds, and flax seeds into the granola mixture for added protein and nutrition.
Ingredient substitutions:
Here is a list of the best ingredient substitutions for this healthy peanut butter granola. I only recommend swapping 1 - 2 ingredients, so the original recipe doesn't completely change.
- Maple Syrup: You can also use honey.
- Peanut Butter: Almond butter, cashew butter, or any other nut butter are great substitutes for peanut butter. Choose a creamy, unsalted version for best results.
- Nut-Free: For a nut-free option, consider using sunflower seed butter or tahini.
- Cinnamon: You can use pumpkin pie spice to make pumpkin spice granola.
- Roasted Peanuts: Customize your granola by substituting peanuts with your choice of nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans, or cashews. You can also use seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Gluten-Free: This peanut butter granola is gluten-free, but always check that all the ingredients you use, including oats and any mix-ins, are certified gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this peanut butter granola healthy?
This peanut butter granola recipe is healthy for many reasons. Here are a few: (1) there is no oil in it, (2) it calls for six simple and wholesome ingredients, (3) it is refined sugar-free since it is sweetened with maple syrup, (4) it is vegan and gluten-free, and (5) it is high in fiber and whole grains.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit more texture in your granola.
Can I use quick oats?
I do not recommend using quick oats for homemade granola.
Can I use steel-cut oats?
No, do not use steel-cut oats for homemade granola.
Can I use peanut butter spread, not all-natural peanut butter?
You can easily make this granola recipe nut-free; just omit the nuts.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this granola recipe is 100% gluten-free. Just make sure you use gluten-free certified rolled oats.
Is granola vegan?
Not all granola is vegan since many recipes call for honey as the sweetener. However, this peanut butter granola recipe is 100% vegan since we use maple syrup to sweeten it.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with honey in this granola recipe.
Can I double the recipe?
You can easily double the peanut butter granola recipe by doubling all the ingredients. Use a larger baking sheet or bake it in batches to ensure even cooking.
Does granola go bad?
This peanut butter granola lasts 2 – 3 weeks if stored correctly in an airtight container or bag. If stored incorrectly, homemade granola can go bad. If it is soft, sticky, or has a weird smell, throw it away.
How do I know when the granola is done baking?
The granola bakes fast, usually in less than 25 minutes. You will know when it is done baking when it is golden brown. Keep an eye on it while baking; if it gets too brown too quickly, take it out of the oven. Remember to let it sit without touching it for about 30 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps it become chunky.
How to store and freeze peanut butter granola:
Storing: Store your homemade peanut butter granola in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 - 3 weeks.
Freezing: Add your granola to a sealable freezer bag and freezer for up to 3 months.
If you love this recipe, try these next!
- Air Fryer Granola
- Healthy Apple Pie Granola
- Healthy Nutty Granola
- Frozen Yogurt Granola Bars
- 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
- Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Muffins
- Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Healthy Peanut Butter Granola
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats, gluten-free certified if needed
- ⅓ cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup creamy unsalted peanut butter, I prefer all-natural
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped peanuts, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until it's smooth.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture into the large bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until the oats and nuts are evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture.
- Transfer the mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out into a flat, even layer. THIS IS IMPORTANT!
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 - 18 minutes. I recommend stirring the granola halfway through the baking time, BUT make sure to press the granola back down into a flat layer again.
- Remove the granola from the oven and let it COMPLETELY cool for at least 30 - 45 minutes before breaking apart.
- Store your homemade peanut butter granola in an airtight container on the counter. It should stay fresh and delicious for 1 to 2 weeks.
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
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Rachel Lee says
Recipe name says it all!!! The best granola ever!! so easy to make I love it so much
Valeria Hirsch says
the best granola for greek yogurt
Anne Hale says
Love this recipe. I make it weekly!
Tati Chermayeff says
Thanks, Anne! I love this granola recipe too.