Straightforward Oil-Free Almond Granola (Vegan)

Straightforward oil-free almond granola is everything you could hope for in a granola: crunchy, crispy, packed with flavor, and a breeze to prepare. It is also gluten-free and vegan.

Make Crunchy Almond Granola with Five Ingredients

If you love the flavor of almond as much as I do, I guarantee you will love this granola. It reminds me of the Swedish almond crescent cookies my mom made at Christmas-time, but in crispy-crunchy, oat-y form.

As you can imagine, it is a seriously satisfying way to begin the day (topped with milk, or a topper for yogurt, fruit, or oatmeal). But I invite you to follow my lead and eat it as a power snack or sweet treat any time of day.

How Do You Make Crisp Granola without Oil?

The key is to add other ingredients that have fat, such as nut or seed butters, nut or seed flour/meal, chia seeds, or flaxseed meal. The natural fats in the whole food ingredients add crunch and crispiness without the oil.

Why You’ll Love This Oil-Free Granola

• Fast & straightforward
• Oil-free
• Vegan (egg-free, dairy-free)
• Gluten-free
• High protein (6 grams protein per 1/4 cup)
• High fiber (4 grams fiber per 1/4 cup)
• Made with 5 ingredients
• Variable (change the flavors, add extra ingredients, such as dried fruit, nuts, seeds, coconut)

Ingredients for the Oil-Free Almond Granola

The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post.Toggle betweenUS Customary(volume) andMetric(weights) for preferred measurement option.

• rolled oats (certified gluten-free, as needed)
• almond flour or almond meal
• smooth almond butter (you can use myDIY Almond Butter)
• maple syrup (see recipe note for options)
• almond extract

I like to add salt, too, even if the almond butter is salted enhance the nutty and sweet flavors of the granola. You can skip the salt, or add the amount that works for your needs and tastes.

Instructions for Making Straightforward Oil-Free Almond Granola

Note that the complete instructions are also in the recipe card below.

Step One: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

Preheat the oven to 300F (150C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step Two: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Note:Bring your almond butter to room temperature (or heat slightly, in the microwave) if you keep it stored in the refrigerator.

In a large bowl whisk the almond butter, maple syrup, almond extract, and (optional) salt until blended and smooth.

Step Three: Add the Oats & Almond Flour

Add the oats to the bowl with the almond butter mixture.

Stir to combine, making sure that all of the oats are well-coated.

Step Four: Spread on the Baking Sheet

Spread in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Try to keep the edges from being too thinly spread; the edges bake faster due to their proximity to the pan’s edges, so keep them even.

Step Five: Bake

Bake the granola in the preheated oven for 32 to 38 minutes, stirring once halfway through the baking time. I prefer baking granola at a lower heat for a longer time to make sure it gets completely dried and golden brown, with less risk of overbaking or burning.

Remove the pan from the oven, place on a cooling rack, and then tamp down the warm granola with a spatula. Press hard! This plain step leads to lots of clusters!

Step Six: Cool

Cool completely, without stirring, and then break into clusters, big or small.

How to Serve the Granola

Enjoy the granola as a breakfast cereal (add your go-to nondairy milk and as an added topping to oatmeal or yogurt, savor by the handful as a power snack, or sprinkle it on top of desserts or fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Reliable Way to Store Straightforward Oil-Free Almond Granola? In the refrigerator. The refrigerator will keep the granola crispy as well as prevent it from going stale. Store the granola in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
• What Can I Use in Place of Maple Syrup? An equal amount of agave nectar or brown rice syrup can be used in place of the maple syrup. If you are not strictly vegan, you can also use honey.
• Can I Use Other Varieties of Nut or Seed Butter? Yes! The almond extract provides the most almond flavor, so feel free to use the nut or seed butter that you have on hand. For example, cashew butter, myDIY Sunflower Seed Butter, or tahini. Peanut butter can also be used, but it will likely have a slight peanut flavor.
• What Can I Use in Place of Almond Extract? If you prefer, use vanilla extract in place of the almond extract.
• Can I Make this Recipe without Oats? Yes. I have a very similar recipe that is oat-free and uses millet flakes in place of oats:Millet Granola

Recipe Variations

• Nuts & Seeds:Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chopped nuts and seeds to the granola before baking.
• Add Dried Fruit:If you like, add some chopped dried fruit after the granola is baked and cooled.
• Add Dried Coconut:Add unsweetened flaked or shredded coconut along with the oats (before baking). Add up to 1/2 cup coconut.
• Add Spices and Other Flavorings:Use any combination of spices to create unique flavor blends. Or replace the almond extract with vanilla extract or finely grated citrus zest.

Happy baking!

More Nourishing, Satisfying Granolas to Try

• 3-Ingredient Oil-Free Peanut Butter Granola (V, GF)
• 5-Minute Microwave Mug Granola {nourishing, straightforward, vegan, GF}
• Straightforward Oil-Free Vegan Granola (GF)
• Grain-Free Banana Granola {oil-free, no added sugar}
• Grain-Free Red Lentil Granola {vegan}