These chewy blondies seriously melt in your mouth, which is why you would never guess that their main ingredient is chickpeas! Yes, chickpeas. These protein-packed legumes are what give these addicting blondies their amazingly fudgy texture and magical crackly top. Perfectly sweetened with maple syrup, these babies are filled with chocolate chips and packed with peanut butter flavor.

Did I mention that these blondies are almost TOO easy to make? All they require are 8 simple ingredients, a few minutes in a food processor, and BOOM! They’re ready for the oven in no time!

Blondie Ingredient Breakdown

Chickpeas

Let’s talk about chickpeas. Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are a member of the legume family that obtain a mild slightly nutty flavor and are packed with protein. They are also a great source of fiber as well as other vitamins and minerals. This means that chickpeas will help keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout your day! Plus, they are super affordable and versatile!

Peanut Butter

The next main ingredient in these blondies is peanut butter. Peanut butter is not only DELICIOUS, but it is also a wonderful healthy fat source! Nut butter is a great substitute in vegan baking for real butter, and offers far more health benefits! Peanut butter is another great source of protein and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. This amazing ingredient ensures that these blondies are chewy, soft, and flavorful.

For maximum health benefits, be sure to opt for “all-natural” peanut butter. When you look at the ingredient list on the jar, it should only state peanuts and salt. Many other name brand peanut butters will add in unnecessary oils and sugars that you might want to avoid.

Maple Syrup

Last but not least, maple syrup. Maple syrup is a healthier and natural sugar alternative that is full of antioxidants and has a lower glycemic index than cane sugar. Glycemic index ranks how fast foods will cause a spike in your blood sugar, which is why a lower glycemic index is better for your blood sugar levels. Maple syrup also has a wonderful flavor profile that obtains hints of vanilla and caramel, which is why it is one of my favorite sugar substitutes in healthy baking!

The last thing that you need to know is that this blondie batter is extremely addictive. I’m lucky if any of it even makes it into the pan! If you love peanut butter as much as we do, be sure to check out these recipes for more: Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies and Vegan Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

Enjoy these guilt-free blondies anytime you need to satisfy your sweet tooth or shock your friends with how amazing healthy vegan treats can be!

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Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Chickpea Blondies

These decadent guilt free blondies melt in your mouth and are SO easy to make.

Course Dessert

Keyword blondies, chickpea, flourless, healthy, vegan

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 9

Ingredients

• 1 15oz can of chickpeas drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter
• 1/3 cup of maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla
• 1/3-1/2 cup of chocolate chips vegan if desired

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8×8 baking pan.
• Combine all ingredients in food processor or blender and blend until well combined and the batter has reached a thick and creamy consistency.
• Add desired amount of chocolate chips and mix in by hand.
• Evenly spread batter into baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until sides are slightly golden brown (be careful not to over bake).
• Allow blondies to cool for 120-30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

The post Flourless Peanut Butter Chickpea Blondies appeared first on Splurge with Ella.

This easy homemade hummus recipe is simple, flavorful, and delicious. The addition of crispy chickpeas in this dish will take your hummus to the next level.

There is nothing quite like freshly made, creamy hummus. This recipe is one of my favorite weekday snacks because it is easy, nutritious, and tastes amazing! Homemade hummus also makes an amazing appetizer for any dinner party or special occasion. Plus, this recipe has the unique addition of crispy chickpeas to take your hummus game to the next level! The textural combination of smooth and creamy hummus alongside the crispy and flavorful chickpeas is a truly magical experience!

My obsession with Crispy Chickpea Hummus was inspired by my favorite restaurant of all time – Suraya. If you are in the Philadelphia area, you have to make a reservation at Suraya. Specializing in Lebanese fare, this enchanting restaurant is also a cafe, a market, and an outdoor garden all in one. I can assure you that every item on their menu will blow you away, but their hummus is a must-have. It is unbelievably smooth, flavorful, and served with a pillow of steaming hot pita straight from their brick oven. I’m honestly drooling just thinking about it! After ordering their Crispy Chickpea Hummus time and time again, I finally decided to create my own version that I could enjoy every day!

Although the chickpeas in Suraya’s hummus are fried, the chickpeas in this recipe are baked to crispy perfection to ensure that this dish is still a guilt-free and healthy choice! I also chose to season the chickpeas with chili powder, cumin, and salt. These flavors complement and amplify all of the ingredients in the hummus by adding a bit of spice! Side note: These chickpeas are extremely addicting. Sometimes I eat them before they can even make it onto the hummus!

Homemade Hummus Ingredient Breakdown:

Let’s start with the chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, these legumes are the main ingredient in hummus. Chickpeas are rich in vitamins, a great source of fiber, and high in protein, which makes them a wonderful addition to any vegan or vegetarian diet!

Next up, we have tahini. Tahini is made from sesame seeds that have been toasted and ground into a paste and has a similar texture to nut butter. The tahini you add to your hummus should be rich, creamy, and slightly nutty. This powerful ingredient will ensure your hummus has hints of sesame and nuttiness in every bite.

High-quality olive oil is another important player in creating a sophisticated flavor profile by adding the perfect tang to your creamy hummus.

Fresh lemon juice, garlic cloves, and salt are key ingredients that will add tons of flavor depth to your homemade hummus. When these ingredients are paired with the tanginess from the olive oil, and nuttiness from the tahini; you have an amazing (and addictive) flavor combination.

Lastly, ICE cold water will help to make your hummus EXTRA creamy and smooth. If you are having trouble obtaining the texture that you want, try adding a little more cold water to help this process along!

Once you make this hummus, you will never turn to store-bought again. Bring this dish as an appetizer to your next dinner party and the crispy chickpeas will make your homemade hummus a crowd favorite! Check out my other chickpea recipes for more inspiration: Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies and Flourless Peanut Butter Blondies.

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Easy Homemade Hummus

Easy, creamy, and delicious homemade hummus recipe that will beat store bought every time!

Course Appetizer, Snack

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Ingredients

Crispy Chickpeas

• 1 can of chickpeas (15 oz) rinsed, drained, and patted dry
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Hummus

• 1-2 fresh garlic cloves
• ½ lemon, squeezed
• ¼ cup ice cold water
• ¼ cup tahini
• 1 can of chickpeas rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1-2 teaspoons salt
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin optional

Instructions

Crispy chickpeas

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Combine chickpeas, olive oil, and salt and spread evenly on a tray (be sure to first rinse your chickpeas and pat them dry before combining with other ingredients).
• Bake for 30 minutes and then add the rest of the spices.
• Bake for another 10-15 minutes until crispy.

Hummus

• Start by adding your garlic and lemon juice to a food processor and pulse for 30 seconds.
• Add your ice cold water to your food processor and pulse on high for another 30 seconds.
• Add your tahini and pulse on high until you have reached a light and fluffy consistency.
• Add your chickpeas and blend until completely smooth and creamy.
• While your food processor is still on, drizzle in your olive oil until completely incorporated.
• Add in salt, cumin, and any other additional spices and blend until completely combined.
• Top with additional olive oil, spices, parsley, and crispy chickpeas.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in fridge.

The post Easy Homemade Hummus appeared first on Splurge with Ella.

This is my go-to guac recipe and it never fails to please a crowd! It is always a requested appetizer at every family event. This recipe is made with real and simple ingredients, and can be whipped up within minutes! Check out my Easy Homemade Hummus recipe for another great appetizer.

Key ingredients to making perfect guacamole

Be sure to use RIPE avocados for a creamy texture

Red onion and jalapeño will help to give your guac extra spice

Freshly squeezed lime juice and fresh cilantro are important ingredients when trying to obtain the classic guacamole flavor profile

Adding a touch of cumin to your guac will help to create an extra special and elevated flavor

Keepin’ it green

Save one avocado pit and place it in your guac to prevent it from turning brown! Keeping a pit in your guacamole helps to keep it looking fresh and vibrant.

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Perfect Guacamole

This Guacamole is simple, flavorful, and extremely addicting! This will be your new go-to recipe when you need to please a crowd.

Course Appetizer

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 6 people

Ingredients

• 3 ripe avocados
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
• 1-2 tablespoons finely chopped jalapeño
• 1 lime squeezed
• salt, pepper, and cumin to taste

Instructions

• Mash avocados and then add and mix in the rest of the ingredients. 
• Serve with chips, plantain chips, toast or add to anything else you desire.

The post Perfect Guacamole appeared first on Splurge with Ella.

Ever since I was a kid, my favorite pie was always Chocolate Pudding Pie. My eyes would light up every time my grandmother brought out her homemade chocolate pudding pie for dessert. It was always silky, chocolatey, soft, and oh so addicting. This is what inspired me to write my own vegan version of this recipe, which I am so excited to share with all of you.

Determined to create a healthier and plant-based version of this dreamy pie, I decided to make the crust out of oats and almonds. This results in a healthier base that has a similar texture and flavor to a graham cracker crust. When you get a bite of this salty and perfectly crunchy crust paired with the silky chocolate pudding, it is truly magical. Did I mention it is topped with a creamy, soft, and delicately sweetened whipped cream made from coconut milk?

Recipe Breakdown

There are three layers to this decadent dessert:

The Crust: The crust of this pie is the only part that ever goes in the oven. This is why you should start with this portion of the recipe to allow for cooling time. With that being said, it is so easy to make! Just throw the ingredients in a food processor or high powered blender until combined, press into your pie plate, and bake until golden brown. This is one of my favorite components of this recipe because it is so simple but so addicting. I promise you will want to use this pie crust recipe for everything you make!

The Chocolate Pudding: This chocolate pudding is easy, and no one would ever guess that it is vegan. Made with basic ingredients like almond milk, cocoa powder, and cornstarch (for the perfect consistency). In order to create a silky texture, be sure to whisk your mixture constantly while it is on the stovetop until you have reached the consistency you are looking for.

The Coconut Milk Whipped Cream: It is important to remember to place your can of coconut milk in the fridge at least four hours before you need to make the whipped cream. This is crucial because when coconut milk is refrigerated, the cream rises to the top and separates from the coconut water. You will only be needing the coconut cream for this recipe, but you can still save the coconut water to add to your smoothies the next morning!

If you love chocolate be sure to check out these other indulgent desserts: Vegan Chocolate Donuts, Vegan Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies, and Double Chocolate Muffins.

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Vegan Chocolate Pudding Pie

This chocolate pudding pie is truly amazing, and surprisingly made with wholesome plant-based ingredients!

Course Dessert

Prep Time 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 8 people

Ingredients

crust

• 1 cup oats
• 2/3 cup almonds
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon coconut oil melted

chocolate pudding

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cool water
• ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon white sugar
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• small pinch of salt
• 1 ½ cups almond milk

whipped cream

• 1 can unsweetened coconut milk that has been placed in fridge for at least 4 hours before beginning the recipe
• 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

crust

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Combine all dry ingredients in a food processor until everything is combined and the mixture has reached a sand like texture.
• Add the coconut oil to and stir to combine.
• Evenly spread crust mixture into a greased pie plate. Use the bottom of a cup to firmly and evenly press the mixture down.
• Bake crust in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Set aside to cool.

pudding

• Combine cornstarch and cool water in a small bowl and stir until smooth.
• Combine sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a small bowl and whisk to combine.
• Add almond milk to a small saucepan over medium heat. Add in the rest of the ingredients and stir or whisk to combine. Stir constantly until it begins to thicken – about 4 minutes.
• Once thickened, remove from heat and stir for another 2 minutes. Pour into prepared pie crust and let cool for 5 minutes before putting pie into the fridge (cover with foil).

whipped cream

• Place coconut milk in the fridge for 4-5 hours.
• Place glass bowl and mixer attachments in the freezer for 1 hour before making your whipped cream.
• Scoop out the thickened coconut cream (leaving the coconut water behind) beat in chilled bowl on high for 3-5 minutes until fluffy.
• Add in the rest of ingredients and beat for another minute.
• Spread on top of chilled pie, serve and ENJOY!

The post Vegan Chocolate Pudding Pie appeared first on Splurge with Ella.

Cornbread has always had a special place in my heart. There is something so comforting about a warm piece of buttered cornbread. Although, it can often be disappointing when it is dry and flavorless. The perfect cornbread should have a tender crumb, be full of flavor, and obtain the unique cornbread texture. I am thrilled to say, that this vegan cornbread checks all of those boxes and more. It is actually so good that the two of us almost finished the whole batch in one sitting!

Why this recipe works

Since this cornbread is (secretly) vegan, this recipe calls for applesauce. Applesauce is a wonderful and healthy ingredient that works as an egg replacement. It helps to give this cornbread a little lift and soft texture. You will also see a small amount of white sugar as well as honey (or maple syrup) on this ingredient list. The sugar adds the perfect hint of sweetness to this cornbread, and the honey adds an extra special flavor. I like to drizzle a little more honey along with some butter on top of this bread for serving for a truly magical experience.

Are you drooling yet? I definitely am! After trying this recipe, you will never have to search for another cornbread recipe again. I promise you will fall in love at first bite! This cornbread makes a great side dish, check out this easy guacamole recipe for another perfect side.

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The Best Vegan Cornbread

This will be the best cornbread that you have ever had (vegan or not), and will surely be a hit amongst all types of eaters. It is tender, flavorful, and has the perfect crumb. I promise you will never reach for another cornbread recipe again!

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons white sugar
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
• 1 ½ cups almond milk slightly warm so it does not solidify the coconut oil
• 5 tablespoons applesauce
• 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease and 8×8 baking pan (I like to use a round pie dish).
• In a medium bowl combine the first 5 dry ingredients and whisk to combine.
• In a separate small bowl combine all of the wet ingredients and stir.
• Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir until just combined.
• Pour batter into prepared dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until edges are just slightly golden brown and the top springs back when you touch it.
• Allow to cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

The post The Best Vegan Cornbread appeared first on Splurge with Ella.

Unlike most homemade jams, this strawberry jam requires no refined sugars or pectin! I love starting my morning with strawberry jam, but it can be hard to find a recipe or brand that is free from unhealthy additives. After reading countless nutrition labels at the store, I decided to make my own homemade jam that I could feel good about eating.

Why this recipe works

I wanted this jam to highlight the sweetness and flavors that strawberries naturally contain. I chose to utilize honey as a healthier sugar alternative. Not only does honey contain many vitamins, but it also has a lower glycemic index than white sugar. This means that it will be digested more slowly, which helps to prevent spikes in blood glucose levels. Most jam recipes require you to use pectin. Pectin is a settling agent used to thicken jams or jellies. This recipe calls for cornstarch, which also works as a thickening agent as the jam cools. Lastly, a tablespoon of lemon juice helps to brighten and enhance the jam’s strawberry flavor.

Many homemade jam recipes can often be time-consuming and will call for large amounts of ingredients, but this recipe only requires 2 and 1/3 cups of strawberries. This cooks down into one 8 oz jar of jam. If you want to make a larger quantity, feel free to double the recipe, although it may require more time on the stove.

In less than 25 minutes you can have amazing, healthy, and homemade jam at your fingertips..so what are you waiting for?! If you want to start your day with another healthy recipe checkout my favorite Granola recipe.

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Easy Strawberry Jam

This Strawberry Jam recipe is easy to make, healthy, and only requires 4 simple ingredients. In less than 30 minutes you will have amazing homemade jam that you can feel good about!

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 2 ⅓ cups fresh or frozen strawberries (or berries of choice)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3-4 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Instructions

• Add berries to a food processor or high powered blender and blend until smooth.
• Add the blended berries to a small pot or saucepan over medium heat along with all other ingredients. Stir mixture constantly until it begins to bubble. Lower heat to medium-low and stir frequently (almost constantly) for another 15-20 minutes until the jam begins to thicken (It will thicken more as it cools).
• Remove from heat and transfer jam into a jar. Cool and store in fridge and serve on bagels, toast, biscuits or anything else desired!

Notes

Makes about 8 ounces: If you want a larger quantity of jam, double or triple the recipe, and allow to cook down longer on the stove. 

The post Easy Strawberry Jam appeared first on Splurge with Ella.

Okay, let’s get real. I am a firm believer in the idea that chocolate cake should be a breakfast item. These donuts taste like the best chocolate cake you’ve ever had, but they’re shaped like a donut…which makes it acceptable to eat chocolate cake for breakfast. What could be better than that?

This is a recipe that I have made over and over and over again. One of my favorite Christmas gifts that I received this past year was a silicone donut tray, and I knew that the first donut I wanted to make had to be chocolate. These donuts turned out to be one of my favorite recipes of ALL TIME. They are so moist, so chocolatey, and dangerously addicting.

Why this recipe works:

The secret ingredient in these vegan donuts is pumpkin. Pumpkin makes these donuts exceptionally moist, but you would never guess that they are made with pumpkin when you taste them.

The other key ingredient that makes these vegan chocolate donuts moist and fluffy is just one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. When apple cider vinegar is combined with baking soda, a chemical reaction occurs that gives cakes (or in this case donuts) an extra lift.

I promise that these vegan baked chocolate donuts will be the best donuts that you have ever had. Plus, they will most definitely be a crowd pleaser amongst all types of eaters. I hope you enjoy splurging on these little chocolate gems as much as we do. If you love donuts, be sure to check out my Blueberry Banana Baked Donuts recipe for more!

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Secretly Vegan Chocolate Baked Donuts

These (secretly) Vegan Chocolate Baked Donuts are seriously life changing. They are chocolatey, rich, soft, and SO easy to make. I promise that anyone who tries these donuts will be begging you for the recipe, and no one would ever guess that these babies are vegan!

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups flour (whole wheat flour may be substituted)
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 3/4 cups sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/4 cup light olive oil or melted coconut oil
• 1/2 cup almond milk (warm if using coconut oil)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup optional chocolate chips (vegan if desired)

Glaze

• 3/4 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons warm almond milk

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease or prepare a nonstick donut tray.
• Combine the first six (dry) ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well combined.
• Add wet ingredients to the dry and stir with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Here you may add the optional chocolate chips.
• Fill each donut mold to the top with batter and bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean or until the tops have puffed up and spring back when touched (you do not want them to be wet in the centers).  
• Place tray on a wire rack too cool for 10-15 minutes before removing donuts from the molds.
• Once the donuts have cooled, combine the ingredients for the glaze in a bowl and whisk. Dip each donut into the glaze twice and serve. You can eat these the same day or store in the fridge!

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There is something so special about a warm homemade muffin fresh out of the oven. Blueberry muffins are one of my best friend’s favorite treats and I knew that I had to create a vegan version that was worth the splurge. I was determined to create a vegan muffin that was moist, fluffy, and bursting with flavor – and I was SO excited to share this recipe as soon as I tasted one of these babies. They turned out even better than I could have imagined, and you would never guess that they are vegan. The entire batch was devoured in less than 24 hours!

Why does this recipe work?

The secret ingredient in these blueberry muffins is really the banana. Not only does banana give these muffins extra flavor, but it also works as an egg replacement. Egg is often one of the most crucial ingredients in developing recipes for non-vegan baked goods. Banana works in a similar way to eggs by creating a soft, fluffy, and tender muffin. To be sure that these muffins had the best texture possible, I also added a tablespoon of applesauce to make these muffins lighter and fluffier.

These muffins are finished off with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before they go into the oven, which adds an extra touch of sweetness that is impossible to resist!

If you love muffins, be sure to check out my recipe for Double Chocolate Muffins. Happy Baking!

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The Best Blueberry Banana Muffins

These are the BEST Blueberry Banana Muffins. Bursting with blueberry and banana flavor, I can promise that these fluffy, flavorful, and tender gems will be a crowd pleaser among all types of eaters.

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 ¼ cups white sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 large overripe mashed bananas
• 1 tablespoon applesauce
• ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
• ½ cup almond milk (slightly warm)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (to sprinkle on top of the muffins before baking )

optional

• Extra blueberries or pecans to add to the tops of the muffins

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease or line a muffin tin.
• Whisk together the first 5 dry ingredients in a medium sized bowl. 
• Mash bananas until no large clumps remain and combine with applesauce, coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla. Stir together wet ingredients until well combined. 
• Gently pour wet ingredients into the dry and fold to combine. 
• Add blueberries until well incorporated. 
• Evenly distribute batter in your muffin tray (should make 12 muffins).
• Add cinnamon sugar, pecans, and/or extra blueberries to the top of each muffin. 
• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the tops are lightly browned and a toothpick comes out clean.
• Let cool in the tray for 15-30 minutes and then remove onto wire rack.

Notes

Freezer instructions: freeze after cooled and heat up in the toaster oven or microwave whenever desired!

I like to use a standard size muffin tin, but if you would like to make mini muffins or larger muffins decrease or increase the baking time and test frequently. 

The post Secretly Vegan Blueberry Banana Muffins appeared first on Splurge with Ella.

There is nothing better than fresh, warm, homemade granola. This is one of the first recipes I ever wrote, and it has become one of my favorite recipes of all time. I have eaten this granola almost every single day for the last 5 years; and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon! Everyone who tries this granola is always begging me for the recipe. My friends and family grew to love it so much that I started to package it and give it away as gifts around the holidays!

My favorite thing about this recipe is that it is easy to make and made with wholesome ingredients. The truth is that most store-bought granolas are filled with unhealthy fats, refined sugars, and a long list of other processed ingredients (not to mention it can be so expensive). I was determined to make one of my favorite snacks truly healthy and delicious. The warm hints cinnamon combined with the delicate sweetness from honey creates a truly special flavor combination that you will crave over and over again.

As if you need any more reason to try this granola recipe, it is so versatile. Feel free to substitute your favorite nuts, seeds or dried fruits and unleash your creativity! Be sure to check out these Peanut Butter Granola Bars for another healthy breakfast option!

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The BEST Granola

This healthy and delicious granola will be your new favorite recipe. It is filled with good-for-you ingredients, naturally sweetened, and is so easy to make.

Course Breakfast, Snack

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups old fashioned rolled oats (use gluten-free oats for gluten free granola)
• 3/4 cups chopped or sliced almonds and/or pecans (I like to use 1/2 cup of almonds and 1/4 cup of pecans)
• 1/4 – 1/3 cup raisins
• 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds
• 3 tablespoons pepitas
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (canola oil can also be used to replace the coconut oil)
• 4-5 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• a pinch (⅛ teaspoon) salt
• 1 ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 315 degrees.
• Stir the first 5 dry ingredients in a medium bowl until well combined. 
• Add the wet ingredients along with cinnamon and salt. Stir until well incorporated and all ingredients are evenly coated (you may add extra honey or maple syrup if mixture seems too dry).
• Evenly spread granola onto a nonstick baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes in preheated oven until light golden brown.
• Allow granola to cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes before serving. Eat warm, in a bowl with milk, with yogurt or however you desire! Enjoy!

Storing method

• Place granola into a large ziplock bag or container and store in freezer for optimum freshness.

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