Nut-Free Homemade Granola: A Heartwarming Snack for Every Season
There’s something so comforting about the scent of granola baking in the oven—the soft sweetness of honey and oats, the warmth of cinnamon filling the kitchen. This nut-free granola recipe came from a simple wish to create something nourishing and safe to share with friends who can’t enjoy nuts. It’s sweetened naturally, filled with wholesome goodness, and made with the kind of care that turns a recipe into a ritual.
Each bite is a reminder that simple ingredients can come together in the most beautiful way—just like the moments of our lives when we slow down and pay attention.
Nut-Free Granola Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped dates
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)
- ? cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine oats, coconut flakes, cinnamon, and sea salt.
- In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey (or maple syrup), oil, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over the oat mixture and stir until evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and fragrant.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely before stirring in the chopped dates and cranberries. Store in an airtight jar or container.
Mindful Moment
As you stir the oats and honey together, pause for a moment. Notice the texture, the scent, the warmth rising from the bowl. Let this simple act of creation be an offering—a way to nurture not just your body, but your spirit.
Serving Ideas
- Sprinkle over Greek yogurt with fresh berries.
- Layer into parfaits with coconut yogurt and fruit.
- Enjoy as a crunchy snack with a cup of tea.
- Add to baked apples or use as a topping for smoothie bowls.
