This protein granola recipe is one of the most delicious and easy ways to give your regular breakfast granola a protein kick!
If you love granola on its own without the additional protein then make sure to check out my original homemade granola recipe. Or, if its protein that you love then make sure to pair this delicious protein granola recipe with my probiotic soy yogurt recipe! One of my favorite ways to enjoy this granola with fruit and this yogurt recipe. I also make a delicious coconut yogurt recipe if soy yogurt isn't really your thing.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Not only does this protein granola recipe taste amazing, but it also provides a good dose of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and nutritious option for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet. Plus, with only 4 ingredients needed, this is one of the easiest recipes to make ahead of time for a week of healthy breakfast!
Another major benefit of homemade protein granola is that you can choose high-quality ingredients. You can opt for organic rolled oats, natural nut butter, and a protein powder that suits your dietary needs. Additionally, making your own granola allows you to customize the recipe to your liking. You can add your favorite mix-ins like dried fruit, nuts, or seeds, making it a versatile and personalized snack option.
Lastly, homemade protein granola is also cost-effective. Store-bought protein granola can be quite expensive, especially if you consume it regularly. By making your own, you can save money while still enjoying a nutritious and tasty breakfast or snack.
Why I Love This Recipe
I'm always making granola because it's one of those things that I know will always get eaten in our house. Matt loves granola and therefore any granola I make always goes fast! Therefore, this protein granola recipe is a combination of Matt's love for granola and my love for creating high plant protein recipes.
The 4 Essential Ingredients for Protein Granola
To make this simple and delicious protein granola, you will need just four essential ingredients:
- 1 cup of your favorite vanilla protein powder: Choose a high-quality protein powder that suits your dietary preferences. This will not only add flavor but also provide an extra protein boost to your granola.
- 3 cups of rolled oats: Rolled oats are the base of this recipe and provide a hearty and nutritious foundation. Opt for old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture.
- 1 cup of nut butter: Nut butter adds richness and a nutty flavor to the granola. You can choose from a variety of nut butters like almond, peanut, or cashew butter, depending on your taste preference. I like to use almond butter for this recipe.
- 1 cup of maple syrup: Maple syrup acts as a natural sweetener and helps bind the ingredients together. It adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the granola. You could substitue maple syrup for honey or agave but maple syrup works best because of its runny consistency.
These four ingredients work together to create a delicious and nutritious protein granola that is packed with flavor and beneficial nutrients. Now that we have our ingredients ready, let's move on to the step-by-step instructions for making protein granola.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Protein Granola
To make this delicious protein granola recipe follow these steps:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and vanilla protein powder. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the protein powder.
- In a separate bowl, add the nut butter and maple syrup. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and form a smooth mixture.
- Pour the nut butter and maple syrup mixture into the bowl with the oats and protein powder. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything together until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the wet mixture.
- Once the ingredients are well combined, preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and spread the granola mixture evenly on the tray. Make sure the layer is not too thick to allow for even baking.
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the granola for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Remember to stir the granola every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent it from burning.
- Once the granola is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the tray. This will allow the granola to crisp up and develop its signature texture.
- Once cooled, you can break the granola into smaller clusters or leave it as-is for a crunchier texture. At this point, you can also add your favorite mix-ins like dried fruit, chocolate chips, or coconut flakes to enhance the flavor and add extra texture to your granola.
Expert Tips for Customizing Your Protein Granola Recipe
One of the great things about this protein granola recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are some tips for customizing your protein granola:
- Mix-ins: Add your favorite mix-ins to the granola after it has been baked and cooled. This can include dried fruit like cranberries or raisins, nuts like almonds or walnuts, or even seeds like chia or flax seeds. Mix-ins not only add flavor and texture but also provide additional nutrients.
- Spices and flavors: Feel free to experiment with different spices and flavors to enhance the taste of your granola. You can add a pinch of cinnamon or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a chocolate crunch!
- Sweeteners: If you prefer a sweeter granola, you can increase the amount of maple syrup or add a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup.
Storage and Serving Suggestions for Protein Granola
Protein granola can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Make sure the granola has cooled completely before transferring it to the container to prevent moisture buildup. You can also store it in the refrigerator for an even longer shelf life.
One of my favorite ways to eat this protein granola is to enjoy it with some yogurt and fruit! For an additional protein boost try it with my probiotic soy yogurt recipe or if you prefer a soy free dairy free yogurt why not try my coconut yogurt recipe instead.
Expert Advice About This Protein Granola Recipe
Is protein granola suitable for a vegetarian or vegan diet?
Yes, protein granola can be easily adapted to fit a vegetarian or vegan diet. Simply choose a plant-based protein powder and nut butter. Currently my favorite protein powder is vanilla almond pea protein, which makes it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?
Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with other natural sweeteners like honey, agave syrup, or brown rice syrup. Adjust the quantity based on your desired level of sweetness. I prefer to use maple syrup because of its runny consistency, which makes it easier to mix through. Just keep that in mind when choosing the right sweetener / syrup.
My nutter butter is super thick and not runny at all, can I still use it?
Yes! This is common problem with nut butters. If you want to use a nut butter that is not runny, just make sure mix well with the syrup. You can also mix through a tasteless oil like canola oil or refined coconut oil to help get a runny nut butter consistency. Another trick to try is to microwave the nut butter for 20 second bursts to soften the oil a bit. Try this first and then add additional maple syrup or oil as needed.
Protein Granola Variations and Flavor Ideas
Once you've mastered the basic 4-ingredient protein granola recipe, you can start experimenting with different variations and flavor combinations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Chocolate lovers: Add a handful of dark chocolate chips or cocoa nibs to the granola mixture after baking. This will give your granola a rich and indulgent chocolate flavor. I also want to try this recipe with chocolate pea protein. Once I do I'll report back how it tastes!
- Fruit and nut medley: Mix in a combination of dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, and cherries, along with a variety of nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews. This will give your granola a burst of fruity sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Again, do this after baking.
- Coconut paradise: Add shredded coconut flakes to the granola mixture after baking for a tropical twist. You can also mix in some dried pineapple or mango for a truly exotic flavor.
- Spiced delight: Sprinkle a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice blend into the granola mixture before baking. This will infuse your granola with warm and cozy flavors, perfect for the fall season.
4 Ingredient Protein Granola Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup nut butter make sure it is runny or refer to blog notes on this
- 1 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and vanilla protein powder. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the protein powder.
- In a separate bowl, add the nut butter and maple syrup. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and form a smooth mixture.
- Pour the nut butter and maple syrup mixture into the bowl with the oats and protein powder. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything together until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the wet mixture.
- Once the ingredients are well combined, preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and spread the granola mixture evenly on the tray. Make sure the layer is not too thick to allow for even baking.
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the granola for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Remember to stir the granola every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent it from burning.
- Once the granola is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the tray. This will allow the granola to crisp up and develop its signature texture.
- Once cooled, you can break the granola into smaller clusters or leave it as-is for a crunchier texture. At this point, you can also add your favorite mix-ins like dried fruit, chocolate chips, or coconut flakes to enhance the flavor and add extra texture to your granola.
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