Power-Packed Granola

Beth Jones Author

My daughter has a sweet tooth and is constantly asking for a "treat". While a snack of sugar and carbs is a great way to prepare for training, we need to look beyond the quick, processed food options. 

This granola comes together in about 5 minutes, and takes only 20 minutes to cook. I make a batch on the weekends to use during the week. Add in the optional protein powder for an additional protein boost, and then sprinkle a bit on some yogurt for a high-power pre-training snack!

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Servings: ~8 cups

Equipment:

• Bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or Silipat baking mat
• Oven

Ingredients:

• 4 cups old-fashioned rolled or steel-cut oats
• 1 ½ cup raw nuts and/or seeds (I used 1 cup chopped almonds and ½ cup pepitas)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup melted coconut oil 
• ½ cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins

• ⅔ cup dried fruit, chopped if large. I love dried cherries
• ½ cup chocolate chips or coconut flakes
• ½ - 1 cup protein powder

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts and/or seeds, dried fruit, salt, cinnamon, and protein powder if using. Stir to blend.
• Pour in the oil, maple syrup and/or honey and vanilla. Mix well, until everything is lightly coated. Pour the granola onto your prepared pan and use a large spoon to spread it in an even layer.
• Bake until lightly golden, about 21 to 24 minutes, stirring halfway. The granola will further crisp up as it cools.
• Let the granola cool completely, undisturbed (at least 45 minutes). Top with chocolate chips, if using. Break the granola into pieces with your hands if you want to retain big chunks, or stir it around with a spoon if you don’t want extra-clumpy granola.
• Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks, or in a sealed freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Categories: : recipes

Did you give this one a try? Maybe you changed it up to make it your own. Let me know what you thought below.