Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Granola

Name: Super Seed Energy Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup (110 grams) of medjool dates, pitted (about 6 large dates); ½ cup (45 grams) of rolled oats; 3 tablespoons of tahini; 2 tablespoons of maple syrup; 2 tablespoons of raw cacao powder; 2 tablespoons of hemp hearts; 1 tablespoon of O3 Superfoods Flax Butter (see note); 1 teaspoon of vanilla; ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt; 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds (for rolling the bites in)

April 04, 2022 by Carol Clayton in breakfast, snacks

Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Granola / Oil-Free

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You’re sure to fall in love with this homemade cinnamon raisin granola recipe. It’s warmly spiced, perfectly sweet, and every bite has just the right amount of crunchy clusters. Best of all it’s full of plant-based protein and super simple to make!

homemade cinnamon raisin granola with milk

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of O3 Superfoods. The opinions, text, and recipe are my own creation. Thank you so much for creating the ultimate flax butter and for the support!

If you’re new to homemade granola, I want you to brace yourself because it’s going to change your life. I’m not kidding! Picture yourself breezing through the grocery store, and passing right on by that overpriced, underwhelming, store-bought granola, knowing that you can make an addictively delicious batch at home. And here’s the kicker…. it’s super easy!

Homemade granola is not only simple to make it’s also really healthy, using ingredients you probably have in your pantry right now. I like to think of it as breakfast cookie’s crunchy cousin because it’s sweet, loaded with nuts/seeds and dried fruit, and tastes like you’re eating dessert. So, let’s unpack homemade granola so you can be the hero in your own breakfast story.

What’s in Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Granola?

Oats -

Use regular rolled oats, not quick-cooking oats which will make for gummy granola. To make gluten-free granola, use gluten-free rolled oats.

Almond butter and flax butter –

Full of healthy fats and protein, they also help the granola stick together and make it rich and satisfying.

One of the healthiest fats outs there is flax butter. It’s got all the power of flaxseed but in creamy butter form and I love to tuck it into granola. You can read all about the health benefits of flax butter here.

Maple Syrup –

Sticky sweet maple syrup mixed with the nut/seed butter adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps the oats stick together to form clusters.

Vanilla, cinnamon, and salt –

These essential ingredients add warmth, zing, and give the granola that can’t stop at one bite flavor.

Raisins and sliced almonds –

Mixed in before baking, this combination of sweet and savory ingredients takes homemade granola to the next level!

Tips and tricks for perfect homemade granola

I’ve made a lot of granola over the years and have learned, through trial and error, a few tricks that can be summed up in 4 simple steps.

Clusters are key to mouthwatering granola. You want a nice variety of big (about the size of a walnut) and small (almond to pea size) clusters. Make clusters as you’re mixing the syrup into the oats by breaking up the lumps into different sizes with your wooden spoon. The thicker your almond butter is the larger clumps you will have.

Mix-ins add extra flavor and texture that make you want to eat granola by the handful. I like a balance of sweet and savory mix-ins like raisins and sliced almonds. You can customize this to what you have on hand in your pantry and what tantalizes your tastebuds. Add these after you’ve mixed the syrup into the rolled oats but before you bake it. If your mix-ins will melt, like chocolate chips, stir those in after the granola is baked and cooled.

Flip the granola after 10 minutes of baking and then stir after 20 minutes in the oven. Then let it bake for an additional 5 minutes. (25 minutes total) This exposes all sides of the clusters to heat, making them irresistibly crunchy with a touch of chewiness. It’s a good idea to stick close to the oven when baking. I’ve lost a batch or two from losing track of time and letting it burn! So, set a timer to avoid this tragedy.

Let it cool completely before storing in an air-tight container. Warm granola will create condensation in the jar leaving you with sad, soggy clusters.

How do I use Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Granola?

Enjoy it, just like cereal, with plant-based milk

Sprinkle it over smoothie bowls or nice cream

Mix it into your favorite yogurt

Snack on it by the handful!

I’m confident this homemade granola recipe is going to become a frequent flyer in your breakfast rotation, it’s:

Healthy
Vegan
Easy to make
Loaded with plant-based protein
Crunchy and sweet
Can’t stop at one bite delicious!

Keep scrolling for step-by-step instructions and photos!

Ingredients for Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Granola

3 cups (270g) of regular rolled oats (use gluten-free if needed)
½ cup (120 grams) of almond butter
½ cup (4 oz.) of maple syrup
2 tablespoons of maple 03 Superfoods maple flax butter (see note)
2 teaspoons of vanilla
2 teaspoons of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of fine sea salt
½ cup (80g) of raisins
½ cup (35g) of sliced almonds

Makes 4 cups of granola

Note: If you don’t have any flax butter on hand, feel free to skip this ingredient or add 2 tablespoons of your favorite nut/seed butter.

How to make Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Granola

syrup mixture for homemade cinnamon raisin granola — Steps 1-3:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 F / 180 C / gas mark 4, and have a rimmed baking sheet ready.
2. Add the rolled oats to a large mixing bowl.
3. In a small mixing bowl, combine the almond butter, maple syrup, flax butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until it resembles a thick, sticky syrup.

syrup for making homemade cinnamon raisin granola

making homemade cinnamon raisin granola — Step 4:

4. Pour the syrup mixture over the oats. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix the syrup into the oats, making sure that all the oats are well coated. Leave some different-sized clumps for a fun variety of textures.

homemade cinnamon raisin granola in a bowl

mixing homemade cinnamon raisin granola — Step 5:

5. Gently mix in the raisins and sliced almonds.

homemade cinnamon raisin granola on a cookie sheet — Step 6:

6. Spread the granola in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet, using your wooden spoon to evenly distribute the clumps.

Now that you’re a granola sav, try these delicious recipes!

Chocolate Cherry Almond Granola

Peanut Butter Cacao Granola

If you like this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating on the recipe card below. I always appreciate your feedback and hearing about your creations! For more yummy vegan recipes, you can follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Tiktok. I also send out a weekly newsletter with my latest recipes and upcoming cooking classes. Subscribe here to receive a FREE e-cookbook!

Yield: 8 (½ Cup) Servings

Author: Carol Clayton

Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Granola / Oil-Free

( 0 reviews )

You’re sure to fall in love with this homemade granola. It’s warmly spiced, perfectly sweet, and every bite has just the right amount of crunchy clusters. Best of all it’s full of plant-based protein and super simple to make!

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 25 MinTotal time: 35 Min

Ingredients

3 cups (270g) of regular rolled oats (use gluten-free if needed)
½ cup (120 grams) of almond butter
½ cup (4 oz.) of maple syrup
2 tablespoons of maple 03 Superfoods maple flax butter (see note)
2 teaspoons of vanilla
2 teaspoons of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of fine sea salt
½ cup (80g) of raisins
½ cup (35g) of sliced almonds

Instructions

Pre-heat oven to 350 F / 180 C / gas mark 4, and have a rimmed baking sheet ready.
Add the rolled oats to a large mixing bowl.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the almond butter, maple syrup, flax butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until it resembles a thick, sticky syrup.
Pour the syrup mixture over the oats. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix the syrup into the oats, making sure that all the oats are well coated. Leave some different-sized clumps for a fun variety of textures.
Gently mix in the raisins and sliced almonds.
Spread the granola in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet, using your wooden spoon to evenly distribute the clumps.
Bake at 350 F / 180 C for 25 minutes total: After 10 minutes, remove from the oven and flip the granola over, in sections, using a spatula. Bake for an additional 10 minutes. Remove from the oven, stir, and bake for a final 5 minutes. The granola will crisp up as it cools.
Let cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to a month. You can also freeze granola for future use. Just let frozen granola thaw to room temperature before enjoying.

Notes

If you don’t have any flax butter on hand, feel free to skip this ingredient or add 2 tablespoons of your favorite nut/seed butter.

For step-by-step instructions and photos, see blog post!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

334.99

Fat (grams)

12.87

Sat. Fat (grams)

1.17

Carbs (grams)

49.02

Fiber (grams)

6.09

Net carbs

42.93

Sugar (grams)

16.36

Protein (grams)

8.45

Sodium (milligrams)

298.58

Cholesterol (grams)

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators.

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Crispy Cheesy Kale Chips

March 07, 2022 by Carol Clayton in snacks

Super Seed Energy Bites

January 17, 2022 by Carol Clayton in dessert, snacks

Super Seed Energy Bites

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These Super Seed Energy Bites are loaded with nutrients and make the perfect healthy snack, all while tasting like a chocolate treat! This easy-to-make recipe comes together in just 20 minutes and is vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free!

super seed energy bites stacked on a plate

super seed energy bites with flax butter

I have a confession to make. Before creating this recipe, I had never tried energy bites. Maybe this is because I grew up with a concoction that my mom fondly named “Peanut” which was a cover for emptying random old pantry items into a bowl, mixing them with peanut butter, and forming them into balls. Everyone in the house loved them, which was always a curiosity to me. Now that I’m older, (much older) I see what a fantastic and convenient idea it is to combine nutrient-dense pantry staples with nut or seed butter, and then roll them into tasty bite-sized balls. Hello energy bites!

Energy bites taste like a fudgy dessert but are full of healthy fats and protein making them perfect for snack attacks! They are also super filling and portable. I’ll often make a double batch and stash them in the freezer, then pull a few out in the morning to look forward to between meals or after a run.

What’s in Super Seed Energy Bites?

Seeds

Seeds are some of nature’s best superfoods and they’re so cute! These ‘lil nutritional powerhouses add a fun crunch to the bites and make them really filling. This recipe has hemp hearts and sesame seeds, but you can add chia seeds or raw pumpkin seeds too. Rolling the balls in sesame seeds also makes them less sticky to handle and beautiful at the same time.

Seed butter

Flax butter is a new to me superfood that has been used by ancient cultures as part of their training regimen and as a snack food. A little goes a long way so you only need 1 tablespoon for the whole batch of energy bites. Click here to learn more about flax butter!

Tahini, which is ground up toasted sesame seeds that have been blended into butter, has a creamy, silky consistency that helps the bites stick together.

super seed energy bites rolled in sesame seeds

Dates and rolled oats

Sweet sticky dates hold all those lovely seeds and oats together. They are naturally very sweet without tasting like some crazy dessert. If your dates feel dry and firm, pop them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds (they burn quickly!) to soften them.

Raw cacao powder

Raw cacao powder makes the bites taste rich and fudgy and I love finding ways to tuck this superfood into recipes. For a different flavor profile, you can swap out the cacao powder for 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.

Can I mix in other ingredients?

Yes! Adding chia seeds, raw pumpkin seeds, chopped nuts, or cacao nibs will bump up the nutrient level of the bites and give them an extra crunch. You can add up to ¼ cup of additional ingredients and the balls will still stick together.

I should definitely thank my mother for introducing my young self to “Peanut” and planting the seed for this fun and versatile recipe!

Did you know that you can turn the crust of my Vegan Dark Chocolate Tart into energy bites? Yup! Just make the dough and roll it into bite sized balls for a healthy chocolate treat!

Keep scrolling for step-by-step instructions and photos!

Ingredients for Super Seed Energy Bites

¾ cup (110 grams) of medjool dates, pitted (about 6 large dates)
½ cup (45 grams) of rolled oats
3 tablespoons of tahini
2 tablespoons of maple syrup
2 tablespoons of raw cacao powder
2 tablespoons of hemp hearts
1 tablespoon of O3 Superfoods Flax Butter (see note)
1 teaspoon of vanilla
¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt
2 tablespoons of sesame seeds (for rolling the bites in)

Makes 14 (1) tablespoon sized energy bites

How to make Super Seed Energy Bites

super seed energy bite dough in a food processor — Steps 1-2:

1. First, give your dates a squeeze. You want them to be nice and soft. If they feel stiff, pop them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds until soft and almost sticky.
2. Add the dates and the rest of the ingredients to a food processor (not a blender). Using the pulse setting, process the mixture until it begins to look like coarse sand. Continue to process until a tablespoon of the dough can be rolled into a smooth ball. You may have to stop a time or two and scrape the sides of the container.

super seed energy bite dough rolled into balls — Step 3:

3. Scoop out 14 tablespoon-sized balls and roll them between your palms until smooth.

Enjoy anytime you need a tasty pick-me-up. Energy bites also make great travel snacks!

Notes:

If you don’t have flax butter on hand, use tahini or your favorite creamy/drippy style nut butter.

Craving healthy snacks?! Check out these scrumptious recipes!

Chocolate Covered Chickpea Clusters

Tangy Tofu Yogurt

Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

If you like this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating on the recipe card below. I always appreciate your feedback and hearing about your creations! For more yummy vegan recipes, you can also follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Tiktok. I also send out a weekly newsletter with my latest recipes and upcoming cooking classes. Subscribe here to receive a FREE e-cookbook!

Chocolate Covered Chickpea Clusters

December 27, 2021 by Carol Clayton in dessert, snacks

Chocolate Covered Chickpea Clusters / Vegan Protein-Rich Treat

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Chocolate Covered Chickpea Clusters are an easy to make and delicious protein-rich treat! They are made with only 3 ingredients and are vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free. This fun, healthy candy has a rich chocolate taste and a satisfying crunch!

Welp, it’s the last week of 2021 and despite having my fair share of chocolate over the holidays, I’m looking forward to the new year and getting excited about all the fun ways to create with my favorite superfoods, like chocolate and chickpeas.

Have you ever tried chocolate-covered chickpeas? At first glance, it may seem odd to pour melted chocolate over beans. But when you think about it, chocolate can turn even the most humble ingredients into something special. And…this is one of the easiest to make and healthiest treats out there!

Roasting Chickpeas:

Roasting chickpeas is a pretty simple process. Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas and then dry the beans using a kitchen towel. Spread the chickpeas evenly on a parchment lined baking sheet and roast at 350 F/ 180 C until they are hard and crunchy.

How long does it take to roast chickpeas?

In a standard oven, it takes about 60 minutes, and you’ll want to move the beans around every 20 minutes to ensure even roasting. My oven is from 1952 and it takes the full hour at 350 F. If you have a convection oven, the beans will roast much faster, only 35-40 minutes, with no stirring.

When are the chickpeas done roasting?

You’ll know they are finished roasting when they are hard on the outside and crunch between your teeth. The best way to test if they are done is to eat one!

Melting Chocolate:

Melting chocolate is also super easy. You can melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stove top.

In the microwave:

Place your chocolate chips in a bowl and microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and glossy.

On the stovetop:

Pour your chocolate chips into a small saucepan and melt, while stirring, over medium heat until smooth and glossy.

Sprinkle with coarse sea salt:

This is the ultimate finishing touch. Sprinkle the clusters with coarse flakey sea salt, while the chocolate is still soft, so it will stick.

chocolate covered chickpea clusters sprinkled with coarse sea salt

Can I add other ingredients?

Absolutely! Try mixing in ¼ cup of your favorite nuts with the chickpeas for a fun variation. Peanuts taste amazing!

These Chocolate Covered Chickpea Clusters are:

Semi-sweet
Protein-rich
Crunchy
Satisfying
Vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free

Once you’ve made these tasty clusters, I promise, they will become a staple in your kitchen. They’re so easy to make, you can get the kids involved too!

Keep scrolling for step-by-step instructions with photos!

Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Chickpea Clusters

(1) 15 oz. can (425 grams / 1½ cups) of chickpeas (garbanzo beans) drained, well rinsed, and patted dry
1 cup (170 grams) of dairy-free chocolate chips
Coarse sea salt for sprinkling (optional but recommended)

Makes about 15 clusters

How to make Chocolate Covered Chickpea Clusters

Steps 1-2:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F / 180 C / gas mark 4. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for roasting the chickpeas. Then line another baking sheet with parchment paper for the clusters.

2. Drain and thoroughly rinse the chickpeas so they don’t taste “beany”. Then dry them with a kitchen towel and spread them evenly on the baking sheet.

Step 3:

3. Roast the chickpeas until they are hard and crunchy. This will take about 60 minutes in a standard oven. You’ll need to stir the chickpeas every 20 minutes to ensure even roasting. If you have a convection oven, this will take 35-40 minutes. The best way to test if they’re done is to eat one!

Step 4:

4. Place the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl or a small saucepan. Melt in the microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and glossy. Or, melt on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring until smooth.

roasted chickpeas on top of melted chocolate chips in a bowl — Step 5:

5. Pile the roasted chickpeas into the melted chocolate and stir until well coated. If you’re adding ¼ cup of chopped nuts, (optional) stir those in as well.

roasted chickpeas covered in melted chocolate

Other fun and easy treats to try:

Easy Vegan Caramel Apples

Dairy-Free Hot Cocoa Mix

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Blender Muffins

chocolate covered chickpea clusters stacked on a dish

If you like this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating on the recipe card below. I always appreciate your feedback and hearing about your creations! For more yummy vegan recipes, you can also follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Tiktok. I also send out a weekly newsletter with my latest recipes and upcoming cooking classes. Subscribe here to receive a FREE e-cookbook!

Yield: 15 Clusters

Author: Carol Clayton

Chocolate Covered Chickpea Clusters / Vegan Protein-Rich Treat

These tasty little clusters are an easy-to-make protein-rich treat! They are made with only 3 ingredients and are vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free. This fun, healthy candy has a rich chocolate taste and a satisfying crunch!

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 1 HourInactive time: 20 MinTotal time: 1 H & 35 M