This Grain-Free Almond Butter Granola is a nutrient-dense, filling snack or breakfast, and it’s gluten-free, grain-free, refined sugar-free, and vegan! Made with nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, almond butter, and sweetened with maple syrup. It makes the perfect yogurt or smoothie bowl topping, or a simple snack on its own!
I’ve been on a granola kick lately. I love topping my smoothie bowls with a handful (or two!) for a little crunch factor. I’m big on textures when it comes to food. I love adding something crunchy to my creamy smoothie bowls – anyone else?
Now this granola isn’t your average granola, friends. This is a grain-free and protein-packed! The base is made with cashews, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and coconut flakes. To give it an extra boost of protein, I added a few tablespoons of Sun Warrior plant-based protein powder (you can get 20% off Sun Warrior using the code ‘NIC20’). And let me tell you, IT IS DELICIOUS.
The beauty of homemade granola is the possibilities are endless! I used almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and coconut flakes. If you don’t have one of these on hand or don’t like one, just substitute them out for each other or different nuts and seeds. You really can’t mess this part up!
The wet ingredients include almond butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. The almond butter gives the granola tons of flavor and a really unique texture that you’re going to love.
One more ingredient I wanted to highlight is the pretty pinkish-red dried fruit – Goji Berries! These are one of my favorite superfoods. Packed full of antioxidants, and high in fiber and protein. Goji berries are also rich in copper, iron, selenium, and zinc.
My go-to brand for superfoods is Navitas. Navitas (Nuh-vee-tus) is Latin for “energy.” They dedicate their energy to sourcing the most ethically grown, powerfully nutritious plant-based superfoods. I use their cacao powder, maca powder, ashwaganda, and cacao nibs on a daily basis in my smoothie bowls!
Not only do these berries pack a nutrient punch, but they add the prettiest pop of color!
If you try this recipe, leave a comment below! Also, don’t forget to tag your photos @livingwellwithnic on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
Grain-Free Almond Butter Protein Granola
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup Raw Cashews chopped
- ½ cup Raw Almonds chopped
- 1 cup Coconut Flakes I used Dang brand
- ½ cup Raw Pumpkin Seeds
- 4 Tbs Plant-Based Protein Powder
- ¼ cup Almond Butter
- ¼ cup Coconut Oil melted
- ¼ cup Maple Syrup
- Pinch of Pink Himilayan Salt optional
- ⅓ cup Goji Berries can use any dried fruit
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325F and line a baking sheet (or 2, if they're smaller) with parchment paper.
- Roughly chop cashews and almonds. Add to a bowl along with the pumpkin seeds and coconut flakes.
- Melt together the coconut oil, almond butter, and maple syrup on a small pot on the stove.
- Pour the wet ingredients on top of the dry ingredients and stir until well mixed and all the ingredients are coated.
- Sprinkle protein powder on top of the mixture and gently stir to combine.
- Spread the granola mixture into an even layer on the prepared baking sheet(s).
- Bake for 30 – 35 minutes, until the granola is starting to brown. I recommend stirring and flipping it every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle goji berries on top.
- Press down slightly to help form clusters, and then let cool completely without disturbing to help the clumps form.
- Let cool completely then transfer to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place for two weeks.
