High Protein Granola

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My High Protein Granola recipe is the perfect nutritious breakfast or snack that my family loves! Made with a mix of nuts, seeds, protein powder, and almond butter, it’s packed with protein, low in sugar, and free from preservatives, making it much healthier than store-bought options. Best of all, it takes just 30 minutes to make!

Sweet, crunchy granola has always been a breakfast favorite of mine, but I used to assume it was always healthy. Then I started reading labels and realized many store-bought options are loaded with sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and preservatives. For more nutritious choices, check out my guide to the healthiest breakfast cereals, which I, as a nutritionist, have personally tested!

That’s what inspired me to create my own healthier version. By making granola at home, I can control exactly what goes into it, cutting back on the sugar and ditching the preservatives entirely. If you’re craving another high-protein and satisfying breakfast idea, don’t miss my protein baked oats, it’s a delicious way to start your day.

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🥘 Ingredients

To make my healthy high-protein granola, you only need a few simple ingredients. Chances are, you already have most of them in your pantry!

Tree Nuts & Seeds: I love using almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds for their protein, crunch, and healthy fats. They’re the perfect base for a hearty granola.

Whole Grain Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are my go-to for that classic granola texture.

Coconut Oil & Almond Butter: These are my secret to getting perfectly crispy granola with those satisfying clusters. Plus, almond butter adds a warm, nutty flavor I adore.

Honey: Real honey adds a touch of sweetness. I’ve also made this recipe with maple syrup, vegan honey, and agave nectar. Quick Tip: I wouldn’t recommend plain cane sugar or brown sugar as they don’t have the binding quality needed in this recipe.

Protein Powder (optional): If I want to pack in even more protein, I add a plant-based protein powder. It’s totally optional, but a great way to make it extra nutritious!

Swaps

Oats: To keep it gluten-free for some of my family members, I simply make sure to use oats labeled as certified gluten-free.

Maple Syrup or Agave: For a vegan version, I swap honey with maple syrup, agave, or even brown rice syrup. They all work perfectly and add just the right amount of sweetness.

Alternative Nut Butters: If I’m out of almond butter, I use peanut butter, cashew butter, or even pumpkin seed butter, they’re all delicious!

🔪 How To Make

Now comes the fun part! I never realized how simple it was to make my own granola with high protein, and now I can’t imagine ever going back to store-bought. Let’s get started!

Preheat & Prep: Before I begin, I preheat my oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Then I chop the nuts and add them to a large mixing bowl with the oats, sunflower seeds, and vanilla protein powder. 

Microwave Wet Ingredients: In a microwave-safe container, I combine the vanilla extract, almond butter, coconut oil, and honey. Next, I microwave the mixture in 30-second increments until completely melted. Then I stir until smooth.

Toss To Combine: After I mix the wet ingredients, I add them to the dry ingredients along with the salt and cinnamon. Then I toss everything together with a wooden spoon until well coated.

Bake: First, I spread the granola mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Then I pop it into the preheated oven and let it bake for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent it from burning. When done, it should be golden brown. 

Cool & Store: Once baked, I remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the sheet pan. Then I transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in a cool dry place

📖 Variations

My high-protein granola is a delicious, wholesome breakfast or snack that’s easy to customize to your taste. For a fun variation, try these:

Mix-Ins: I love tossing in dried fruit like dried cranberries, dried blueberries, raisins, dried pineapple, dried mango, and dried cherries. You can also try adding some coconut flakes or my kids’ favorite – chocolate chips! Just remember to add mix-ins after the granola has cooled completely. 

Spices: I like to customize my granola by trying out different warm spices like nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom. Pumpkin pie spice is my favorite addition during the fall season.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

My healthy high protein granola is so versatile. It’s perfect as a snack on its own or paired with yogurt, oatmeal, fresh fruit, or even ice cream. Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

Smoothie Bowls: I love sprinkling it on top of my strawberry bowl or any banana smoothie bowls for the perfect crunch and extra protein.

Oatmeal: I love stirring my high protein granola into any of my oatmeal recipes or as a topping on my matcha overnight oats or my chocolate brownie oatmeal, it adds the best texture and a protein boost!

Fruit: For a quick and easy breakfast, I pair it with my breakfast fruit salad or my cottage cheese with fruit, it’s such a delicious combo.

🧊 Storage Directions

Room Temperature: To maintain its freshness, I store my granola in a glass jar or airtight container in a cool dry place. Properly stored it will last about 3 weeks. 

Freezer: It’s also possible to freeze high protein homemade granola for up to 3 months. Once it’s cool, I place it in a freezer-safe airtight container or resealable freezer bag and remove as much air as possible before putting it into my freezer. Then when ready, I thaw it at room temperature.

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