Healthy Chunky Granola Recipe (GF): learn how to make chunky granola with clusters! The best homemade chunky granola—vegan, gluten free & yummy! Super chunky clusters with crispy edges, packed full of nuts & nutrients! Dairy-Free.
Are you a SUPER CHUNKY Granola fanatic? Like, no, I mean, for real chunky granola clusters fanatic? If so, I’ve got just the healthy chunky granola recipe for you!
If you’ve ever met my sister, Penny, you’d know a couple things about her. Right off the bat. She’s kind, bright and funny, warm and intelligent, puts people at ease (like, instantly)… and has a cheesy, like hella cheesy, sense of humor. And, drumroll please:
She LOVES chunky granola.
Like if the FBI were putting together a dossier or vetting her or some fancy-sounding thing like that, there would be a section, in bright, yellow highlighter saying “LOVES CHUNKY GRANOLA” in the Top Weaknesses section of her, ya know, dossier.
So guess what I’ve been trying to create for years and years and decades and millennia? A homemade and healthy chunky granola recipe with chunky granola clusters that would put an end to all chunky granola cluster recipes. Like, even better than the super cluster-y Homemade Chunky Paleo Granola that she knows, loves, and makes once every few weeks. And this is it, folks.
Call the FBI or the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. or Space, because I’ve got exactly what they need to take Penny down! Or, er, make her super, duper happy!! 😉 LOL.
Healthy Chunky Granola Recipe (GF)
Allow me to introduce you to my vegan + gluten free Healthy Chunky Granola Recipe (GF). Here’s what you, Penny and all fellow chunky granola cluster lovers have been looking for all your lives. My homemade chunky granola recipe yields super crispy, BIG, colossal chunks of granola clusters.
It’s just the right amount of sweet, crispy, perfectly spiced, and crunchy as heck (crisp and easy to munch on—not a tooth-breaker ha!). It’s healthy: refined sugar-free, dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free and made with super wholesome ingredients.
And speaking of sweet ‘n’ crunchy granola treats, you absolutely must try these Healthy Homemade Coconut Granola Bars! They will nock your socks and your shoes off. 😉
How to Make Chunky Granola
Learning how to make chunky granola is easy! Add all dry ingredients to a bowl and stir. Add wet ingredients and stir until well coated. Pour the granola mixture onto the sheet. Press and pack it all down into one tightly-packed layer.
Nudge a small divide in the center of that layer and bake. Cool completely, then break apart the granola into your preferred size of cluster. Or, just eat it like one BIG sheet of granola! 😉
The Trick to Super Chunky Granola Clusters
The trick to making my super chunky clusters in this homemade chunky granola cluster recipe? Baking all the granola in one large sheet. With, like, a split right between the middle of that sheet (for a lil’ extra air to come through).
I tested trial after trial, made adjustment after adjustment, until I could bake this healthy chunky granola in one layer—without any soft, chewy texture in the center. You seriously get crispy clusters all the way through.
Best Tools for Healthy Chunky Granola Recipe
Here are my favorite tools to use for this homemade chunky granola recipe. Click the links below to explore.
- Oxo Mixing Bowls: my go-to mixing bowls. I’ve been using them for ages, and love the grippy bottoms and handles.
- Baking Sheet: I’ve probably used these baking sheets over 1,000 times at this point, and they always get the job done.
- Unbleached Parchment Paper: a great brand of parchment paper!
- Coconut Sugar: one of my favorite sweeteners to use. It adds the perfect flavor to this healthy chunky granola recipe.
- Ground Flaxseed: the flax helps hold together the chunky granola cluster mixture & adds healthy nutrients!
Are you ready for the best healthy chunky granola recipe ever? 🙂 I thought so! You grab the gluten free rolled oats and I’ll grab everything else. Let’s make this! In case I don’t say it enough, thank you. Thank you for stopping by and sharing in these kitchen adventures with me. Is there anything better? ‘Til the next one…
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️
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Did you make this healthy chunky granola recipe? Take a pic & share it on Instagram with the hashtag #beamingbaker & tag @beamingbaker. I’d love to see it!
Homemade Chunky Granola & Granola Bar Recipes
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- Low Calorie Granola (Low Carb, Low Sugar, Low Fat)
- Homemade Chunky Paleo Granola with Clusters (Vegan, GF, Paleo)
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Healthy Chunky Granola Recipe (Vegan, Gluten Free)
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: about 17 ¼ cup-servings (approx. 4 ½ cups) 1x
Description
Healthy Chunky Granola Recipe (Vegan, GF): learn how to make chunky granola with clusters! The best homemade chunky granola—vegan, gluten free & yummy! Super chunky clusters with crispy edges, packed full of nuts & nutrients. Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar-Free.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups nuts, roughly chopped
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- ½ cup gluten free rolled oats
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a medium or large baking sheet with parchment paper or greased foil. Set aside for later.
- Add all ingredients except coconut oil and maple syrup to a large bowl. Stir until well mixed.
- Add coconut oil and maple syrup. Using a rubber spatula, stir and fold until well mixed.
- Pour mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a rubber spatula, press down and pack the granola mixture together to create an even, flat, and very tightly-packed layer, about ½ inch thick. Your granola may not cover the entire baking sheet. Now, nudge the sheet of granola apart in the center (dividing the tightly-packed layer in half), to let air through.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Rotate baking sheet. Bake for 18-22 more minutes, until granola is a deep golden brown. Mine took 40 minutes total. Do not flip or move granola—it is fragile and needs to crisp up while cooling.
- Place baking sheet on a cooling rack. Allow to cool for about 30 minutes, or until completely cooled and firm. Break sheets of granola into clusters. Enjoy! Storing instructions below.
More Healthy Gluten Free Vegan Granola Recipes
Notes
- Storage notes: Store in an airtight container for 1-2 months at room temperature.
- Nutrition Information: is an estimate based on the best-selling, most common brands per ingredient. Also, it’s estimated based on 17 servings per recipe.
- Category: Breakfast, Healthy Snacks
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 126
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: how to make chunky granola, healthy chunky granola recipe, homemade chunky granola cluster recipe
© beamingbaker.com. All content and images are protected by copyright. Please do not use my images or recipe without my permission. Please do not republish this recipe, instead, include a link to this post for the recipe.
First time reviewing recipes ever , I just have to do it ! Because it’s ssoooo good ! My picky eater loves it for breakfast/snack !
★★★★★
Wow what an honor! 😊 I’m just so pleased that the granola is such a hit with your fam. Nothing beats the approval of a picky eater!
Sorry, but migh be a silly question. What do you mean by nudge it, like split it in half😬. Can I use regular old fashion oats. I don’t have gluten free. Help. Thanks.
No such this as a silly question here! Yep, once it’s packed gently split it in half. And non-GF old fashioned oats are fine. 🙂 Happy baking!
I have made this recipe several times with nut variations. It’s the granola recipe I’ve been searching for! Have you ever made any variation with dried fruit? I wanted to add some but afraid to disturb the granola during cooking and lose those amazing chunks.
★★★★★
Hi Whitney, I’m so glad you’re enjoying my recipe. 🙂 The easiest way to incorporate dried fruit is to allow the granola to cool completely, break it into chunks, and simply fold it in. 🙂
Hi! I don’t have any flaxseed; can it be omitted? Thanks!
Hi G, unfortunately, I wouldn’t recommend it. If you have ground chia seed, that would work as well. Good luck!
This was absolutely the BEST granola I have ever had!!! As someone who has food allergies, I want to whole heartedly thank you for sharing your recipes!!!
Hi Penny!! 🙂 Oh wow, what an amazing compliment. It truly warms my heart that you’re able to find a yummy treat that takes into consideration your food allergies. Whoop whoop! Happy baking & eating!
I made this granola this morning as a first time attempting to make granola. I still can’t believe I had success this fast as I usually have to try a few time before it’s satisfactory. My husband said it was amazing, and he is a picky eater.
I also appreciate the entertaining introduction to your recipes.
Thanks!
★★★★★
Oh wow, I’m so happy to hear this, Lynn! It’s always my hope that the first time’s the charm with my recipes. 😉 Here’s to you and your hubby enjoying all the homemade granola goodness! Thank you for your kind words. Hugs!
My 9 year old granddaughter is on a competitive cheerleading squad. I was looking for a healthy snack that would have the protein & carbohydrates needed after a long, intense practice. I made a double batch, using vanilla coconut sugar, almonds, walnuts & pecans. I handed her the bag after practice and she responded, “ Nana, do I have to share”? Thank you for the recipe. It is so easy to make and is delicious.
★★★★★
Patti, your comment absolutely made my day. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know. Just the thought of your granddaughter saying that makes my heart melt! Btw, she is so, so lucky to have an amazing grandma that makes her healthy homemade goodies. Hugs!
I don’t have any coconut sugar, could I just omit it or should I sub it out? Super excited to make this for easy to-go breakfasts!
Hi Amanda, that *might* just work! I haven’t tried it before, so you’ll have to let me know how it turns out. Good luck! 🙂
I made mine with brown sugar and it worked 🙂
Currently have my fourth batch in the last three weeks in the oven (my apartment smells incredible!), and have shared this recipe with friends and family who have all started making it as their “go-to” granola recipe. It is AMAZING! Perfectly chunky every time, delicious, and can easily be customized. Thank you for this one! Definitely a winner.
★★★★★
This is so wonderful to hear!!! Omigosh, I bet your apartment smells fantastic, Sarah! Thank you for sharing my recipe with others & for taking the time to let me know. 🙂 Happy granola-making!
Can I omit the flax seed meal if I do not have any? Or substitute for something else?
Hi Janis! Try ground chia seeds instead. I wouldn’t recommend omitting it. Good luck!
Hi looks nice and delicious. I want to try it.Can I use honey instead of maple syrup
Hi Zehra! I haven’t tried it, but that should be fine. Let me know how it goes!
Looks so delightful! I love homemade and healthy recipes like this, can’t wait to give this a try!
★★★★★
Healthy and homemade is the best! . Hope you enjoy Melanie!
I could snack on this healthy treat all day! I love that this will fit everyone lifestyles.
★★★★★
Exactly! Thanks Des!
So easy and delicious! Love homemade granola!
★★★★★
Same here! There’s just something about homemade that just tastes .
These granola chunks look so inviting. I should try it for my afternoon snack!
★★★★★
Oh trust me, this is amazing to snack on!
Why I have never before made my own granola is a mystery to me….. That was a nice simple recipe with terrific results. Thank you.
★★★★★
Haha must have just been waiting for this one! . So glad you enjoyed it Chrissie!
If granola isn’t in huge chunks then in my opinion it’s not worth my time! Loooove a good homemade granola recipe and this one looks fantastic!
LOL agreed! .. I think you’ll really love this one Ashlyn!
it is soo heralthy and easy to make
thanks for sharing Demeter
Anita
You are so very welcome Anita! .
what was the size of pan that you use for this granola?
Hi Patricia! I used a medium baking sheet, but you might be able to use a small one. Hope this helps! 🙂
This was really amazing! My kids really loved it!
★★★★★
Woohoo! I’m thrilled to hear it Toni!
I made this the other day and it turned out so good. The kids loved it and I loved the fact it was so healthy for them! Saving to make this recipe again. Much better than any store version!!!!
★★★★★
Oh that’s so wonderful to hear Heidy! .
Love it! Like granola bar bites! I love that it’s gluten free too! So many recipes and store bought granola have gluten in them!
★★★★★
Oh I know! I’m so happy that you enjoyed them Michelle! .
I don’t think I knew how much I need chunky granola in life until this recipe. I have to try this like right now!
★★★★★
LOL your life will never be the same after you try this! .
Great start of a new day of a new week 🙂 Delicious granola that looks crunchy, yum and I am sure is absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to try it.
★★★★★
Couldn’t agree more Danielle! . It’s seriously soo good, I know you’re gonna love it!