This easy and delicious Nut Free Granola Recipe is made with simple ingredients and contains no dairy, eggs, wheat, or nuts! The sweet vanilla flavor of the granola make it a versatile topping to many foods!
As a parent to children with food allergies, I searched high and low for the perfect nut free granola recipe. But as you know, many granola recipes contain peanuts or tree nuts, or seeds which can be another serious allergy. However, after searching stores I realized it is probably safer and easier to just make my own.
So, here we are.
This recipe is a keeper for many reasons:
- This recipe is top 8 free (meaning there are no peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, eggs, soy, fish, or shell fish.
- It uses simple ingredients (read: no funny or obscure specialty food items)
- No special equipment is required to make these besides a couple bowls and a baking sheet.
- It is flavorful but still basic enough to be versatile, catering to many food palates.
Versatile and Flavorful
This nut free granola recipe boasts a subtle yet flavorful vanilla-cinnamon taste, making it a versatile topping for a variety of foods. Whether you’re sprinkling it over yogurt, adding it to a smoothie bowl, or enjoying it with milk, the gentle sweetness and delightful crunch will enhance your meal without overpowering it. Heck, I even eat it straight out of the freezer.
FYI I have a terrific Pumpkin Spice Granola Recipe that the whole family loves to eat as well, don’t forget to check it out. Perfect for fall and winter 😉
Use Certified Gluten Free Rolled Oats
I buy One Degree Sprouted Organic Rolled Oats, they are gluten free and sprouted to enhance their nutrient profile. They are also made in a peanut free facility. Be sure to pay attention when buying oats as some might not be gluten free. Buying organic rolled oats is also important for you because there are no glyphosates.
Addition of Chia Seeds
If chia seeds aren’t your jam, then you can completely leave them out. However they do add a nice crunch and a bit more diverse nutrition.
Preparation Tips
- Uniform Coating: Ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the wet mixture. This will help the granola bake evenly and ensure each bite is flavorful.
- Even Layer: Spread the granola mixture in a thin, even layer on the baking sheet. Clumping can cause uneven baking.
- Don’t Stir: the granola cooks well in its thin, flattened layer, you do NOT need to mix it up while baking.
- Cooling Completely: Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. It will benefit from setting and form a crisp layer and give it a great crunch.
Storage Tips
One of the great things about this nut free granola recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for future use. For maximum freshness, you can keep your granola in an airtight container at room temperature for one to two weeks. Alternatively, you can store it in the freezer, in a zip top bag, where it will stay fresh for about 3 months.
How to make the best Nut Free Granola Recipe
Line a half sheet pan (approx 17”x12”) with parchment paper, and set aside. Preheat the oven to 300F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, chia seeds, cinnamon and sea salt. Mix well.
In a separate smaller bowl, combine the sugar, syrup, oil, and vanilla. Throughly mix until well combined.
Pour wet ingredients onto the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon until all the oats are coated in the wet mixture.
Pour onto the prepared baking sheet and smooth it out as well as you can. Using a large spatula or flat kitchen tool, smack it really well until it forms a thin even layer. It should over the entirety of your baking sheet.
It is hard to see from the picture, but it is and should be quite thin.
Bake for 23-25 minutes until golden, and crisp. NO flipping or mixing necessary!
Allow to cool on pan for an additional 25 minutes before breaking it up and storing it.
—Break up the large pan of granola by snapping the pieces into smaller pieces, as large or small as desired.
Things that helped in the kitchen for this recipe, and can help you too:
- Glass mixing bowl set – I love how versatile these bowls are and super easy to clean!
- USA half sheet Pan– My favorite cookie sheets for many, many years.
- Organic Rolled Oats from One Degree brand– can also be found at Costco, depending on location.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no cost to you, just like a free Disney travel agent. I’m only here to make suggestions that hopefully help you 🙂
Nut Free Granola Recipe (Vegan, GF, Top 8 Free)
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups rolled oats
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds optional
- 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line a half sheet pan (approx 17”x12”) with parchment paper, and set aside. Preheat the oven to 300F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, chia seeds, cinnamon and sea salt. Mix well.
- In a separate smaller bowl, combine the sugar, syrup, oil, and vanilla. Throughly mix until well combined. Pour wet ingredients onto the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon until all the oats are coated in the wet mixture.
- Pour onto the prepared baking sheet and smooth it out as well as you can. Using a large spatula or flat kitchen tool, smack it really well until it forms a thin even layer. It should over the entirety of your baking sheet.
- Bake for 23-25 minutes until golden, and crisp. NO flipping or mixing necessary!
- Allow to cool on pan for an additional 25 minutes before breaking it up and storing it.
- —Break up the large pan of granola by snapping the pieces into smaller pieces, as large or small as desired.
