The Best Gluten-Free Granola

This post was originally published on April 30, 2019. It was updated with new recipe information on January 29, 2024.

Although it's easy to buy granola at the store, it's often expensive or way too sweet. My gluten-free granola is not only more delicious, but it has added health benefits from the flaxseed and chia seeds! I like adding chia and flax because both are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, keeping my body energized and satisfied!

Gluten-Free Granola Ingredients

• Gluten-free oats. Use gluten-free rolled oats, or gluten-free old-fashioned oats for this recipe. My favorite gluten-free oats are from Bob's Red Mill and Stoked Oats.
• Nuts. We're using a combination of chopped almonds and unsweetened coconut flakes for texture and flavor.
• Seeds. Sunflower seeds, ground flaxseed, and chia seeds add delicious flavors as well as healthy fats.
• Maple syrup. This healthy granola is only sweetened with maple syrup, so it's refined sugar-free!
• Oil. Use a neutral flavored oil like avocado oil, refined coconut oil, or grapeseed oil.
• Vanilla. Use pure vanilla extract or vanilla paste for the best flavor.
• Salt. A little bit of salt brings out the flavors of the ingredients, while also balancing out the sweetness.
• Cinnamon. Adds a warm sweetness to this granola recipe.

Mix-in Variations

• Dried fruit. Dried cranberries are my favorite, but raisins, figs, apricots, and blueberries would also be delicious! It's best to add dried fruit after the granola's finished baking, as they burn easily and can get rock hard when baked.
• Freeze-dried fruit. After the granola's baked and cooled, you can also add freeze-dried berries for some fruity sweetness!
• Chocolate chunks. If you want to make your granola more decadent, chop your favorite chocolate bar and add it after your granola's cooled completely!

How to Make Gluten-Free Granola

Step 1: Prep. Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Mix. In a large bowl, add the maple syrup, oil, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk together until combined. Add the oats, sunflower seeds, chopped almonds, ground flaxseed, and chia to the bowl and stir until everything is coated in the maple mixture.

Step 3: Bake. Pour the mixture onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Prep the coconut. While the granola is baking in the oven, add the coconut flakes to the bowl and toss to coat with the leftover maple mixture.

Step 5: Add the coconut. Take the granola out of the oven, add the coconut onto the baking sheet, toss, and spread into an even layer once again. Bake for another 30 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes. Let it cool completely before serving.

Tips for Making the Best GF Granola

Don't burn the coconut. Coconut tends to toast quicker than other nuts, so if you keep it in the oven for the full 40 minutes, it'll be too dark and bitter. The coconut should be left on the side until all the other ingredients have had at least a 10-minute headstart in the oven.

Toss the granola. Take the granola out of the oven and toss it every 10 minutes. This step helps the granola bake evenly so don't skip it! Once the granola is finished baking, give it one last toss and let it cool completely.

Let it cool completely. This gluten-free granola smells amazing when it comes out of the oven, and I'm sure you'll be tempted to eat it right away, but the nuts stay chewy while they're hot. It's best to wait until the granola cools completely so you can enjoy its delicious crunchy texture.

Is Granola Gluten-Free?

Yes, but not all are. Some granolas are made with non-gluten-free oats and include wheat and/or other sources of gluten. If you're buying granola, always check the packaging and look at the list of ingredients. And if in doubt, make this gluten-free granola recipe instead to be safe!

Are Oats Gluten-Free?

Oats themselves are gluten-free, but some are processed in the same facility as gluten-containing products and therefore have a risk of cross-contamination. Always check the package to make sure your oats are labeled gluten-free. It's important to note that some people with celiac disease are also sensitive to the protein in oats, and can't tolerate them.

Can I Turn These Into Granola Bars?

No, this recipe can't be turned into granola bars. If you love oats in a soft bar form, try my banana oat bars.

What Brand of Gluten-Free Oats Should I Use?

I use Bob's Red Mill's gluten-free organic old fashioned rolled oats or Stoked Oats' rolled oats which is also both gluten-free and organic. You can use any old-fashioned oats that are certified gluten-free.

What Can I Use to Substitute Chia Seed and Flaxseed?

If you want to try this gluten-free granola with flaxseed and chia seed but don't like the flavor of flax and chia, or just don't have them on hand, you can substitute them with equal amounts of oats, sunflower seeds, nuts, or pumpkin seeds.

FAQs

How to Store Granola

Granola should be kept at room temperature in a dark and cool place like the pantry. You can keep it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.