There is something truly special about a batch of crunchy, nutty, and naturally sweet granola made right in your own kitchen. This Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Recipe is a delightful blend of wholesome oats and rich peanut butter, kissed by the warm sweetness of maple syrup and a hint of cinnamon. It’s an easy yet impressive treat that transforms simple ingredients into a crunchy snack or breakfast topper, perfect for fueling your day with flavor and texture. Whether you enjoy it by the handful or sprinkled over your yogurt, this recipe will quickly become a pantry staple you can trust and treasure.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but mighty, coming together to form a granola that is both rich and comforting. Each component adds its own magic from the creamy peanut butter to the crispy oats, ensuring the perfect balance of flavor and crunch in every bite.
- 3 cups old fashioned (rolled) oats: The hearty base that lends structure and a satisfying chew.
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy): Adds creamy richness and that classic peanut flavor—choose crunchy for extra texture.
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that brings warmth and depth without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons coconut or canola oil: Helps bind the mixture and crisps up the granola during baking.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a gentle, fragrant sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy, spicy note that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 325º F and lining a sheet pan with parchment paper. This simple setup ensures even baking and makes cleanup a breeze, giving you a smooth start for a perfect batch of granola.
Step 2: Warm and Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Microwave this mixture for 30 to 45 seconds until everything melts together and becomes warm and inviting. Stir well to combine the flavors seamlessly.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Place the rolled oats into a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm peanut butter syrup over them and stir thoroughly until every oat is coated with the creamy, sweet mixture. This is where the magic begins—your oats turn golden and ready for baking.
Step 4: Shape Your Granola
Transfer the coated oats onto the parchment-lined pan. Spread them out evenly in a large circle shape, pressing down carefully to keep the mixture together in a thick layer about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. This compact shape helps create those irresistible clumps everyone loves in granola.
Step 5: Bake to Crunchy Perfection
Pop your granola into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Do not stir during baking to allow clumps to form perfectly. Once baked and fully cooled, break the granola into chunks for eating or storing. The result is a crunchy, flavorful treat.
How to Serve Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a handful of fresh berries or sliced banana on top of your granola to add bright colors and a juicy contrast to the nutty crunch. A drizzle of honey or a dollop of Greek yogurt can elevate the serving, making every spoonful a delightful experience.
Side Dishes
This granola pairs wonderfully with smooth yogurt, creamy milk, or even your favorite dairy-free alternative. Add it alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or pair it with a smoothie for a balanced breakfast or snack that keeps you satisfied and energized.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, layer the Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Recipe in a parfait glass with alternating layers of yogurt and fruit. You can also use it as a crunchy topping on desserts like ice cream or baked apples—there are endless possibilities to enjoy its rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your granola fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay crisp and delicious for up to two weeks, which means you can make a batch in advance and have a tasty go-to snack on hand anytime.
Freezing
If you want to extend its shelf life even further, freeze leftover granola in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It freezes well and can be thawed at room temperature or added frozen to your yogurt or smoothie bowls, maintaining its delightful crunch.
Reheating
If you prefer your granola warm, gently reheat it in a low oven for a few minutes or briefly in the microwave. This will refresh that lovely toasted aroma and bring out the rich flavors of peanut butter and cinnamon without sacrificing texture.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy in this Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Recipe?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and little bursts of nutty peanut bits throughout your granola, making every bite even more interesting.
Is it possible to substitute maple syrup with honey?
Yes, honey works well as a natural sweetener in this recipe. It may slightly alter the flavor profile, but the granola will still taste delicious and hold together nicely.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this recipe?
Definitely. Adding chopped nuts or dried fruit after baking is a great way to jazz up your granola and add variety, but avoid adding them before baking to prevent burning or sogginess.
How do I get big clumps in my granola?
Pressing down the oat mixture firmly into a tight, thick layer before baking and avoiding stirring during baking helps create those perfect big clumps everyone loves.
Is this granola gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free oats, then yes! This Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Recipe can certainly fit into a gluten-free diet.
Final Thoughts
Making this Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Recipe is not only incredibly rewarding but also offers a delicious way to bring wholesome, crunchy goodness into your day. Easy to prepare and endlessly versatile, it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug in every bite. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy this newfound favorite—it’s sure to brighten breakfasts and snacks alike.
Print
Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade peanut butter granola recipe offers a deliciously nutty and naturally sweet breakfast or snack option. Made with rolled oats, creamy or crunchy natural peanut butter, pure maple syrup, and a hint of cinnamon, it bakes into chunky, satisfying clusters perfect for topping yogurt, enjoying with milk, or eating by the handful.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups old fashioned (rolled) oats
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons coconut or canola oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325º F (163º C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Melt and Mix Wet Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, oil, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Microwave for 30 to 45 seconds until the mixture is melted and warm. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Combine with Oats: Place the rolled oats in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the oats and mix well to fully coat every oat for even flavor distribution.
- Form Granola Clusters: Transfer the oat mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined sheet pan. Spread the oats out evenly, keeping them together in a large circular shape. Press the granola mixture down firmly to about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thickness to encourage chunky clusters.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Do not stir during baking or while the granola is cooling to allow chunks to form properly.
- Cool and Break: Remove from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely on the pan. Once cooled, break it into chunks or pieces for serving or storage.
Notes
- For chunkier granola, press the mixture firmly before baking and avoid stirring during baking or cooling.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and less mess.
- Store granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Customize with add-ins like dried fruit or nuts after baking if desired.
- Microwave times may vary based on power; warm the wet ingredients until easily mixable but not boiling.
