Almond butter granola is the ultimate healthy and delicious breakfast or snack.

With its crunchy texture and nutty-sweet flavor, this easy homemade granola recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Why Homemade Almond Butter Granola Beats Store-Bought

You may be wondering—why go through the effort of making homemade granola when you can easily grab a bag at the grocery store? Here are some key benefits of making your own:

It's customizable. You control the ingredients, so you can adjust the flavors and textures to your liking. Add in your favorite nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or spices.
It's cheaper. Homemade granola costs a fraction of the price of packaged varieties. The ingredients are simple and affordable.
It's healthier. Store-bought granola often contains lots of added sugars and oils. When you make it yourself, you can significantly cut back on these.
It tastes fresher. There's nothing like the flavor of homemade granola straight from the oven. It feels so indulgent!
You can control portions. It's easy to overeat store-bought granola right from the bag. Pre-portioning your homemade granola makes it easier to practice mindful eating.

Simple Ingredients for Almond Butter Granola

One of the best parts of homemade granola is that the ingredient list is short and simple. Here's what you'll need:

Rolled oats - Use old-fashioned oats, not instant. The heartier texture is perfect for granola.
Almond butter - Go for an all-natural, creamy variety. The nutty flavor takes this granola to the next level.
Pure maple syrup - Sweetens the granola naturally without refined sugar. Look for 100% pure maple syrup.
Vanilla extract - Adds warmth, complexity, and a lovely aroma.
Ground flaxseed - Binds the mixture together while adding nutrition.
Chopped almonds - Toast up while baking and provide crunch.
Cinnamon - A cozy spice that perfectly complements the almond flavor.
Salt - Brings out the sweetness and balances all the flavors.

Easy Method for Almond Butter Granola

Baking homemade granola is so easy. Here's a simple walkthrough of the easy method:

1. Preheat oven & line pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a large-rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix wet ingredients

In a small bowl, combine the almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir until fully blended.

3. Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the oats, ground flaxseed, almonds, cinnamon, and salt.

4. Combine & mix

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir well until everything is fully coated.

5. Spread on pan & bake

Spread the granola evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through.

6. Cool completely & enjoy!

Let the granola cool completely before eating or storing. Break into clusters and enjoy!

Tips for Perfectly Baked Granola

Follow these tips and tricks for crunchy, cluster-filled granola every time:

Use a large-rimmed baking sheet to maximize crisping.
Press the granola into an even layer before baking to promote clumping.
Stir only once or twice during baking to limit cluster breakage.
Allow the baked granola to cool completely before disturbing. This helps form crunchy clumps.
If after cooling your granola isn't quite crunchy enough, return it to the warm oven for a few minutes.
Add mix-ins like chocolate chips and dried fruit after baking so they don't burn.
Experiment with different nuts, seeds, spices, and extracts to customize the flavor.

Irresistible Serving Suggestions

There are so many delicious ways to eat your homemade almond butter granola! Here are some of my favorites:

Sprinkled over yogurt, fresh fruit, and milk for a complete breakfast parfait
layered with banana slices and nut butter for an energizing snack
sprinkled into smoothies or blended into smoothie bowls
folded into Greek yogurt with berries for a quick protein-packed breakfast
enjoyed by the handful straight from the jar for an on-the-go snack
used as an oat crust for fruit galettes and crisps
sprinkled on top of ice cream or vegan ice cream
folded into pancake or waffle batter before cooking
used as a crunchy topping for chia pudding or overnight oats

However you choose to eat your homemade almond butter granola, the options are endless!

FAQs

How long does homemade granola last?

Properly stored in an airtight container, granola will stay fresh for 1-2 weeks at room temperature or 1-2 months in the freezer.

What kind of almond butter works best?

Look for a natural almond butter that contains just almonds and maybe salt. The texture should be smooth and creamy, not dry or overly gritty.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned?

Yes, quick oats will work! The texture may end up slightly less chewy.

Can I make this granola gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the regular oats for certified gluten-free oats.

Can I add extra ingredients like coconut or chocolate chips?

Of course! Add up to 1 cup of mix-ins once the granola is finished baking.

Why is my granola soft and not crunchy?

Be sure to let it cool fully before storing. If it's still soft, return it to a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

How do I get granola clusters?

Press it firmly into the pan before baking, stir minimally, and don't disturb while cooling.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Yes, honey can be substituted equally for the maple syrup.

Can I make this granola oil-free?

The small amount of oil from the almond butter is enough to bind the mixture. Extra oil isn't necessary.

Conclusion

Crunchy, nutritious, and satisfying, this easy almond butter granola is sure to become your new favorite breakfast staple. With just a few minutes of prep time, it comes together in a snap.

Let me know if you give this recipe a try! I'd love to hear your thoughts and see photos of your homemade granola creations.