High Protein Granola Recipe
The first batch of this high-protein granola recipe I ever made disappeared within the day. My husband and I could not stop eating it! Every time we passed the kitchen, we said just one more bite. And we kept saying that until every bite was gone. Crispy, nutty, sweet, and poppable, this homemade granola is completely addicting. Now, it has become a weekly staple in my meal prep routine and was a true lifesaver when breastfeeding hunger kicked in. If you know, you know. Whether you’re looking for a breakfast topping or a quick snack, this high-protein granola recipe is guaranteed to be loved by the whole family!
Plus, unlike the overpriced store-bought options, this recipe comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients. It’s customizable, gluten-free, dairy-free-friendly, and refined sugar-free. And you get way more than what comes in those tiny bags. Set aside about 30 minutes to prep a batch, and you’ll never go back to pre-made granola again.
Key Ingredients and Notes
Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the complete ingredient list and instructions!
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These form the base of the granola, giving it bulk, complex carbs, and a satisfying crunch. Do not substitute quick oats or steel-cut oats, or the texture won’t be the same! If needed, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats to keep your protein granola gluten-free.
- Nuts and Seeds: Chopped walnuts, pepitas, and coconut flakes (we’re counting them in the nuts section just roll with it) give the granola extra texture, flavor, and healthy fats. Feel free to substitute any chopped nuts you like best, or swap the pepitas for sunflower seeds instead.
- Maple Syrup: This not only sweetens the granola but also helps create crispy clumps. Honey works well, too, adding a slightly more floral flavor if preferred.
- Peanut Butter: Make sure to use creamy peanut butter for easy mixing. Or, substitute creamy almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different taste. I use natural peanut butter, the only ingredients being peanuts and salt, but any kind works well.
- Protein Powder: I use peanut butter protein powder to enhance the peanut butter flavor. If you don’t have peanut butter protein or want to keep the granola peanut-free, use a vanilla protein powder instead.
How to Make High Protein Granola
I always thought homemade granola was time-consuming and fussy to make, but not this recipe! It comes together with minimal prep and always turns out great. Here’s an overview of my process:
- Combine ingredients. Toss the base of the granola in a large bowl, making sure to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Heat the wet ingredients. Warm the maple syrup, peanut butter, and protein powder over medium heat, whisking to combine and coat. This prevents clumps and allows the protein powder to coat the granola without becoming grainy. Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. If you add them before removing the pan, it’s not a huge deal, but they are more likely to burn.
- Toss the granola. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the granola in the bowl, and toss to combine and coat. Work quickly here! If the peanut butter mixture begins to cool, it will be much more difficult to coat the granola.
- Bake. Spread the granola mixture in an even layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, and bake just until it’s golden brown. Make sure to stir once halfway through to promote even baking, ensuring all the granola crisps evenly.
- Cool. Let the granola cool on the baking sheet, and enjoy!
My Top Tips & Tricks
- Work quickly. Similar to Rice Krispie Treats, you’ll want to toss the oat mixture quickly. As the peanut butter mixture cools, it will begin to solidify, making it difficult to coat the oats.
- Flip gently. Use a spatula to stir the granola, flipping it gently and keeping clumps intact.
- Cool completely. Protein granola won’t look crispy right after it comes out of the oven. It will crisp up and clump together as it cools. I know it’s hard to wait, but make sure to leave it undisturbed on the baking sheet until it cools completely!
Protein Granola FAQs
Yes! It’s actually my preferred way to enjoy this high-protein granola recipe. I pack it for lunches or hiking snacks and eat it like trail mix.
Stored in an airtight container, this protein granola will keep fresh at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. It’s perfect for meal prep or gifting!
I like to use my granola as a topping with smoothies, peaches and cream overnight oats, acai bowls, yogurt bowls, and cottage cheese bowls. It’s also tasty on top of ice cream or served with milk like cereal.
High-Protein Granola Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large Bowl
- 1 Medium Saucepan
- 1 Large Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup walnuts roughly chopped
- ¼ cup pepitas
- ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 scoop protein powder vanilla or peanut butter flavor
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips or dried fruits optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss the dry ingredients (except the protein powder and mix-ins) in a large bowl. Set aside.2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, ¾ cup walnuts, ¼ cup pepitas, ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the maple syrup, peanut butter, and protein, whisking until the mixture is well combined and smooth.½ cup maple syrup, ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter, 1 scoop protein powder
- Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture, and quickly toss to combine and coat.
- Spread the oat mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and fragrant, stirring once halfway through.
- Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. Break it into clumps, and add the chocolate chips/dried fruit, if using.⅓ cup mini chocolate chips or dried fruits
Notes
Nutrition
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