Protein Granola
Delicious Protein Granola is a crunchy, satisfying snack packed with wholesome ingredients and 20 grams of protein per serving. Perfect for topping yogurt, sprinkling over smoothie bowls or enjoying by the handful!
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Protein granola is the best way to kickstart your day! Rolled oats and your favorite mix-ins are coated in a blend of protein powder, peanut butter and honey, then baked to golden perfection. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or as a tasty snack, you’ll love having this crunchy treat on hand!
It’s crispy, nutty and packed with rich peanut butter flavor. Best of all, it’s so simple to make — just 20 minutes in the oven! The combination of melty peanut butter, cinnamon and honey makes it impossible to resist.
It’s incredible on its own as a snack and it makes a fantastic addition to a parfait, yogurt bowl or smoothie bowl. We even enjoy it as cereal with milk poured on top!
I have made this recipe on repeat with many different kinds of mix-ins. It’s so good and the only recipe I use anymore for granola.
— Brittany
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Made with 6 simple ingredients + your favorite add-ins
- Perfectly crunchy, nutty, and balanced with a touch of salty-sweet goodness
- Naturally sweetened with honey — no refined sugars
- A good source of fiber
- Full control over the ingredients — no hidden additives like in store-bought granola
- Super easy to make with just 10 minutes of prep
Ingredients you’ll need
This combination of ingredients in this high-protein granola recipe creates a balanced, nutritious granola that’s satisfying and customizable! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Rolled oats: The hearty base that gives granola its chewy, satisfying texture and whole grain benefits. This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you’re using certified gluten-free oats.
- Protein powder: Boosts the protein content, making the granola more filling and energizing. Choose your favorite flavor — vanilla protein powder, chocolate or unflavored.
- Mix-ins: Add texture, crunch and natural sweetness. Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts, seeds, dried fruits or coconut flakes.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice that enhances the overall flavor.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
- Peanut butter or almond butter: Acts as a binder, adds healthy fats and gives a rich, creamy taste.
- Honey: Naturally sweetens the granola and helps it cluster for that perfect crunch. You can use maple syrup for a vegan option.
Variations and substitutions
Here are some ideas for customizing this protein granola to your preferences and dietary needs, making it your own!
Mix-ins
- Nuts: Use any favorite nuts — almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans or cashews.
- Dried fruit: Great options are raisins, dried cranberries, dried cherries, chopped dates or dried apricots.
- Seeds: Add seeds like chia seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Baking chips: Toss in chocolate chips (or cacao nibs), peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips for a sweet touch. Add these after baking to prevent melting.
Protein powder
- Make it vegan: Use a plant-based protein powder for a vegan version.
- Change up the flavor: Try flavors like chocolate, vanilla or even cinnamon for a twist.
- Protein powder alternative: If you don’t have protein powder, replace it with additional oats or ground nuts.
Nut butter and sweetener
- Different varieties: Swap creamy peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Use tahini for a more earthy, unique flavor.
- Sweetener: Substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan version. This granola is not overly sweet. To make it sweeter, use 1/4 to 1/2 cup more honey.
How to make this recipe
Making protein granola at home is surprisingly simple and rewarding. Just mix your ingredients, spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake until golden and crisp. The best part? You can easily customize it with your favorite mix-ins, making each batch uniquely yours.
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, stir oats, protein powder, mix-ins, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.
Step 2. In another bowl, add peanut butter and honey. Microwave for 20-30 seconds or until it’s easy to stir the ingredients together into a smooth mixture. This step can be skipped and you can simply add the wet ingredients to the dry, but it makes them easier to stir when microwaved.
Step 3. Pour the liquid ingredients onto the dry ingredients and stir to coat very well. The mixture will seem too dry, but keep pressing the mixture with your spoon and stirring until everything is coated evenly. If too dry, you can add an extra tablespoon or 2 of honey.
Step 4. Spread the granola onto the prepared baking sheet into an even layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the mixture with a spatula halfway.
Step 5. Remove from the oven when the granola is fragrant and golden brown. Cool completely, on the pan, without touching at all for at least 45 minutes, so it crisps up and forms delicious clusters.
Step 6. At this point, you can stir in mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit and any other delicate additions that are best added after baking.
Helpful tips
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly crunchy, flavorful and satisfying peanut butter granola every time!
- Use old-fashioned oats: They give the granola the best texture. Quick oats can become too powdery and steel-cut oats won’t soften enough.
- Mix well: Ensure the oats and mix-ins are evenly coated with the wet ingredients. This helps the granola cluster and bake evenly.
- Press it down: Before baking, firmly press the granola onto the baking sheet. This encourages clusters, making it extra crunchy.
- Let it cool completely: The granola will crisp up as it cools. Don’t break it apart until it’s fully cooled for the best clusters.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! Simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave syrup and use a plant-based protein powder.
Yes! Just replace the protein powder with additional oats or ground nuts for texture.
To help create clusters, my number 1 tip is to allow the granola to cool completely before handling it. If you love bigger chunks, avoid stirring it right out of the oven. Let it cool undisturbed, then gently break it apart with your hands into large clusters.
Ideas for serving
Here are some tasty ways to enjoy your protein granola:
- Yogurt parfait: Layer it with Greek yogurt, fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey for a satisfying breakfast or snack.
- Smoothie bowl topper: Sprinkle it over smoothie bowls for added crunch, texture, and protein.
- On overnight oats: I love the added crunchy texture added to my banana overnight oats or my blueberry overnight oatmeal!
- With milk: Enjoy it like cereal with your choice of milk for a quick, filling meal.
- On ice cream: Add a crunchy, protein-packed topping to ice cream or frozen yogurt. I also love to add it to my frozen yogurt bark!
- Grab-and-go: Simply enjoy a handful as a quick, nutritious snack to take on adventures or for busy days.
Storage recommendations
Follow these storage instructions for a fresh, crunchy and delicious snack!
- Room temperature: Once completely cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container or a resealable bag. This helps maintain its crunch and prevents it from going stale. Store it at room temperature in a cool, dry place, like a pantry, for up to 1 month.
- To freeze: For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 6 months. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
More high-protein recipes to try
If you try this, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
Protein Granola
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups protein powder*
- 1 1/2 cup mix-ins (I used mixed nuts and dried cranberries), see notes for when to add certain mix-ins
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/2 cup honey
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Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir oats, protein powder, mix-ins, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, add peanut butter and honey. Microwave for 20-30 seconds or until it’s easy to stir the ingredients together into a smooth mixture. This step can be skipped and you can simply add the wet ingredients to the dry, but it makes them easier to stir when microwaved.
- Pour the liquid ingredients onto the dry ingredients and stir to coat very well. The mixture will seem too dry, but keep pressing the mixture with your spoon and stirring until everything is coated evenly. If too dry, you can add an extra tablespoon or 2 of honey.
- Spread the granola onto the prepared baking sheet into a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the mixture with a spatula halfway.
- Remove from the oven when the granola is fragrant and golden brown. Cool completely, on the pan, without touching at all for at least 45 minutes, so it crisps up and forms delicious clusters.
Notes
- If adding coconut flakes, add them halfway through baking for perfectly toasted results.
- If adding chocolate chips or any other types of baking chips, add after the granola is completely cooled to prevent melting.
- Dried fruit can be stirred in with the other ingredients, however if you want the color to really pop, add after cooling the granola.
Did you make this recipe?
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I have made this recipe on repeat with many different kinds of mix-ins. It’s so good and the only recipe I use anymore for granola.
So happy to hear!
I love this recipe so much! I’ve made it multiple times and it always goes fast!
Kim, this is so easy to make and it tastes great too!
This is the best homemade granola I’ve made! Perfectly crunchy and tastes delicious!
I love making homemade granola – and I was super excited to make this recipe! It was everything I had hoped, delicious! I’ll make this again, thanks!
So glad you enjoyed! It’s a favorite for sure over here.
I love granola. But I’m horrible at making it. It never comes out great when I try to wing it. I’ll be trying your recipe for sure!
FAGE is my favorite yogurt. I have always wanted to make my granola. This looks so easy and very delicious!
Love FAGE yogurt! This crunchy vanilla almond granola looks like the perfect pairing with it.
You’ve convinced me to resume making home-made granola again. Why did I stop? It’s so much easier and healthier than store bought. I’ll also keep an eye out for the Fage yogurt.
This is a perfect breakfast idea!!
Oh homemade granola is my EVERYTHING! The combo of almond butter and vanilla sounds absolutely divine! And I would eat it just like you did. With Greek yogurt and berries! Awesome pics, too!