This whole foods plant-based granola is made without oil. Blended raisins give it natural sweetness. This cinnamon raisin granola is a healthy and filling breakfast.
Why you will love this recipe
- Healthy: This recipe does not have processed oils and sugars. By using blended raisins as a natural sweetener, this granola recipe can provide a healthier alternative to store-bought granola which is often high in sugar and unhealthy fats.
- Tasty: Despite being healthier, the granola recipe is delicious. Blended raisins add a natural sweetness and unique flavor to the granola.
- For Vegans: The recipe is suitable for people who follow a plant-based or vegan diet and those who avoid added oils in their diet. By using gluten-free oats, this recipe is also gluten-free.
- Customizable: This granola recipe is versatile and easily customized to suit personal tastes. For example, nuts and seeds can be added for additional protein and healthy fats, and dates can be substituted for raisins.
Ingredients and replacements
- Big rolled oats. Big rolled oats make the crispiest granola. If you don't have those, use regular rolled oats.
- Raisins. Raisins are cheap. You can use dates instead. Medjool dates are the best. Deglet Noor is a bit less sweet and dry.
- Coconut flakes. Use big coconut flakes. Add these after baking.
- Pecan nuts. You can use any other nuts.
- Spices. Cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and vanilla are all great.
- Other things to add. Dried fruit or berries are a great addition. My favorite is freeze-dried strawberries.
How to get crispy granola without oil?
You don´t need to load up your granola with a lot of oil to get it crispy. Just do a paste of water and raisins, or water and dates to mix up with your oats. Remember to stir around the granola halfway through baking. This prevents soft bits and makes it crispier. Also important to bake long enough in the oven.
What do you eat granola with?
- With plant-based milk or yogurt. Natural non sweetened soy yogurt is a favorite of mine. As a dessrt snack I like to have Alpro Greek-style mango soy yogurt.
- As a topping for oatmeal or smoothie bowls: You can sprinkle granola on top of your oatmeal or smoothie bowl for added texture and flavor.
- As a snack on its own: Granola can be eaten as a snack on its own. Just grab a handful and enjoy.
- Mixed with fruit: You can mix granola with fresh fruit like berries, bananas, or apples for a healthy and filling snack.
- Sprinkled on top of pancakes or waffles: For a delicious breakfast treat, sprinkle granola on top of your pancakes or waffles along with some maple syrup.
- As a topping for nice cream: Granola can be used as a crunchy topping for nice cream, adding both texture and flavor to your dessert. Nice cream is plant-based "ice cream" made for example of bananas.
Is granola high in carbs?
1 cup of granola made with oats and raisins as a sweetener has 75 grams of carbs. The 12 grams of fiber slows down the absorption of carbs. The GI value will be lower if you use whole-grain oats with no added sugar in the recipe.
Remember, if you follow a plant-based diet, you don´t have to be afraid of carbs. If you don´t eat processed foods and refined fats such as oils, carbs are great, and you can eat all you want. You should though think about the quality of your carbs.
Is homemade granola healthier than store-bought?
Homemade granola is definitely healthier than store-bought because you can adjust the number of sugars and fats in it. Store-bought granolas are made crunchy with oil. The healthiest granolas are made without sugar or oils. Dates or raisins make the best sweeteners for granola.
In my opinion, if you buy granola from the store, use it as a dessert or as some crunchy topping to yogurt. If you want to follow a plant-based diet, it is hard to find oil-free granolas, so you have to make your own. Don´t think it is too much work though, you can make a big batch, and it will last you two weeks as breakfast.
Storing
Store your granola in a jar on the countertop. It will last for around 5 days.
More plant-based breakfasts
Raisin Granola
Ingredients
- 2½ cup big whole-grain rolled oats
- ¾ cup raisins
- ¾ cup big coconut flakes
- ½ cup pecan nuts
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon finely ground cardamom
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Start by blending half of the raisins and the water into a paste. Use a stick mixer or food processor.
- Add the spices to the mixture.
- Chop the nuts into smaller pieces
- Add the oats and nuts, mix well.
- Roast in the oven at 175C ( 350F) for 20-30 minutes. Stir around a couple of times.
- When cooled down add the rest of the raisins and the coconut flakes.
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