Healthy Peanut Butter Granola (Vegan + Naturally Sweetened)
If you keep oats, peanut butter, and maple syrup in your pantry, you’re 20 minutes away from the coziest homemade granola.
This healthy peanut butter granola is lightly sweet, perfectly crunchy, and packed with fiber from ground flax. It smells like cinnamon and vanilla while it bakes — and tastes even better layered over creamy vegan yogurt with fresh fruit.
It’s one of those simple back-pocket recipes that makes weekday mornings feel put together.
And the best part? It’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup, made with pantry staples, and completely vegan.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Granola
✔️ Naturally sweetened with maple syrup
✔️ Made with simple pantry ingredients
✔️ High in fiber (thanks to ground flax + oats)
✔️ Vegan and dairy-free
✔️ Perfect for meal prep
✔️ Crunchy clusters every time
This homemade granola is hearty enough for breakfast, but simple enough to throw together on a Sunday afternoon while the kids are playing and the oven is already warm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
2 ½ cups rolled oats
½ cup natural peanut butter (drippy, unsweetened)
⅓ cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon ground flax (for fiber + texture)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
That’s it. No refined sugar. No oils. No fillers.
How to Make Peanut Butter Granola
Step 1: Mix
Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. Fold in the oats and ground flax until everything is evenly coated.
Step 2: Spread
Spread the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Gently press it down with the back of a spoon — this helps create those big crunchy clusters.
Step 3: Bake
Bake for about 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
If you love bigger clusters, stir gently and re-press slightly.
Step 4: Cool Completely
This is key. Let the granola cool fully before breaking it apart. It will crisp up as it cools.
How to Get Big Crunchy Granola Clusters
If you’re searching for how to make crunchy peanut butter granola, here are the tricks:
Use natural, drippy peanut butter
Don’t over-stir during baking
Press the granola down before baking
Let it cool completely before breaking
Patience = crunch.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Granola
This vegan peanut butter granola is incredibly versatile:
Layered with vanilla yogurt (I’ve been loving Cocojune lately) + fresh berries
Sprinkled over smoothie bowls
Mixed into overnight oats
With almond milk as a cereal
By the handful straight from the jar
Packed into snack containers for school or car rides
It also makes a beautiful addition to a brunch board or breakfast spread.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight glass jar or container at room temperature for up to 1 week (though it rarely lasts that long here).
You can also freeze it for longer storage — just let it come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Notes
Oats provide complex carbohydrates and fiber
Ground flax adds omega-3s and additional fiber
Peanut butter offers plant-based protein and healthy fats
Maple syrup keeps it naturally sweetened without refined sugar
This makes it a balanced vegan breakfast option that keeps you full.
Variations
Want to switch it up?
Add chopped peanuts or pecans before baking
Stir in mini dark chocolate chips after cooling
Mix in shredded coconut
Add chia seeds for extra fiber
Fold in dried cherries or cranberries after baking
FAQs
Is this peanut butter granola gluten-free?
Yes — just make sure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free.
Can I make this nut-free?
You can substitute sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
Why isn’t my granola crunchy?
It likely needs more cooling time. Granola crisps as it cools — don’t skip that step.
The Bottom Line
This healthy peanut butter granola is simple, cozy, and endlessly adaptable. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell warm and inviting — and makes weekday mornings feel easier.
If you make it, tag me @KellysGreenKitchen so I can see your bowls 🤍
