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This honey almond granola is the latest addition to my super healthy recipe bag of tricks, using almond butter and raw honey instead of the usual oil and refined sugar.
Granola has a reputation for being a healthy, smart choice for breakfast or snacking, but many of us have already figured out that commercially-made granolas are usually just packed with oils, fats, and sugars, and are really not so healthy and wholesome at all. Homemade granola is a great option, and surprisingly easy to make, but a lot of the recipes you’ll find online can have the same issue with a lot of extra sugar and refined oils. If you’re sticking to a healthy diet, either by choice or by doctor’s orders, most traditional granola recipes are out of the question. And that’s why I love this recipe that uses simple, minimally processed, “safe” ingredients in place of some of the typical offenders in other granolas like refined sugars and artificial sweeteners, to achieve the same crunchy, satisfying results, complete with the big, crispy clusters that make homemade granola so amazing. Give this crumbly, nutrient-packed honey almond granola a try if you’ve been looking for an ultra health-concious granola substitute.
More healthy recipes for delicious baking: Honey Banana Bread With Almond Flour
Ingredients Needed for the Almond Granola Recipe
You’ll need:
- Oatmeal (I use this gluten-free oatmeal)
- Raw honey
- Almond butter
- Sea salt
- Chopped raw almonds
- Pumpkin seeds
Use rolled-oats, quick-cooking oats, or any other type of oatmeal that you have for this recipe. In my experience, they all work beautifully for making granola.
The ingredients for this recipe really couldn’t be simpler, but they bake up together to create something really cozy and comforting. I like to take the big chunks of granola along for snacks or lunches when we’re away for work or soccer. This granola also works beautifully with a splash of almond milk or a bowl of yogurt.
Method for Preparing the Healthy Granola
In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free oats, salt, chopped almonds, and pumpkin seeds. Stir to combine, then set aside.
In a double boiler, or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of boiling water, combine the nut butter with the raw honey. Stir the mixture continuously for three to five minutes, until you have a smooth, even, slightly liquified mixture than can be poured.
Pour the honey/almond butter mixture over the granola and stir everything together. Continue folding and stirring until every last oat is coated and the oatmeal, nuts, and seeds stick together slightly when pressed with a spoon.
Turn the granola out onto a Silpat or parchment-lined baking sheet and press it down into an even layer about 1/4 inch thick with a rubber spatula. Rimmed baking sheets work best in case you have any oats that don’t get fully pressed in.
Bake in a 350° oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly browned and toasted. Allow the granola to cool completely on the cookie sheet.
When the granola has cooled, break it up into large chunks or crumble it more finely for cereal and transfer it to an airtight container.
I often like to break my granola into cookie-sized chunks to take along for snack. They make lovely little nibbles when you’re on the go and are a great alternative to store-bought granola bars.
Healthy Granola Recipe Variations
There’s really no limit to how you use the base recipe for this granola and your only limit is your creativity. Try adding in crispy rice cereal, sunflower seeds, shredded coconut, walnuts, flax seed, or pecan pieces in place of the almonds and pepitas.
Dried fruit makes a great addition as well, just be sure to mix it in after the baking process. Dried blueberries, cranberries, and raisins all make lovely add-ins, or try sliced dried apricots or dried banana slices for something different.
Here’s the full, printable recipe. Use it on your phone or tablet, or print it out for your recipe binder. Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest so you have it for later!
This honey almond granola is the latest addition to my super healthy recipe bag of tricks, using almond butter and raw honey instead of the usual oil and refined sugar.
- 1 1/2 cups Oatmeal
- 1/2 tsp Coarse sea salt
- 3 large tbsp Almond butter
- 3 large tbsp Raw honey
- 1/4 cup Chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup Pumpkin seeds
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In a large bowl, combine the oatmeal, sea salt, almonds, and pumpkin seeds, and set aside.
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In a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over boiling water, combine the honey and the almond butter. Stir continuously until they melt together and become pourable, about three to five minutes.
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Pour the honey/almond butter mixture over the oatmeal mixture and stir until everything is coated and the oatmeal holds together slightly.
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Turn the granola out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread it out evenly. Press the granola down firmly with a rubber spatula until it's about 1/8" thick.
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Bake in a 350° oven for about 18 minutes, or until the edges started to brown.
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Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet, then break it up into large chunks, or crumble it up more finely for cereal. Store in an airtight container and enjoy often for breakfast or as a snack.
Courtenay Hartford is the author of creeklinehouse.com, a blog based on her adventures renovating a 120-year-old farmhouse in rural Ontario, Canada. On her blog, Courtenay shares interior design tips based on her own farmhouse and her work as founder and stylist of the interior photography firm Art & Spaces. She also writes about her farmhouse garden, plant-based recipes, family travel, and homekeeping best practices. Courtenay is the author of the book The Cleaning Ninja and has been featured in numerous magazines including Country Sampler Farmhouse Style, Better Homes and Gardens, Parents Magazine, Real Simple, and Our Homes.