Protein granola

Protein granola

10 min
Cooking time 1 h
Our homemade protein granola combines the perfect balance of crunchy nuts, seeds, and a hint of natural sweetness, baked to golden perfection. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch, thanks to a blend of oats, almonds, chia, and a variety of seeds, while a touch of vanilla and raisins adds a subtle, sweet finish. Carefully baked and stirred for even toasting, this granola is ideal for those who appreciate bold textures and rich, nutty flavours. Whether enjoyed as a snack or part of your morning routine, this recipe is as delightful as it is versatile.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/protein-granola/

Instructions

  • Heat a large pan over medium heat and melt the butter and honey (or syrup) together.
  • Add the seeds, chopped almonds, and oatmeal to the pan, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Spread the mixture evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 160 °C (regular setting) for approximately 60 minutes, or until golden brown. Stir the granola every 15 minutes to ensure even toasting.
  • Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Sprinkle with a little vanilla powder and stir in the raisins or cranberries for a finishing touch.
  • After it has fully cooled, store in an airtight container to maintain its crisp texture.
Recommended information

Serving suggestion

Enjoy!
Even baking for perfectly textured protein granola

To achieve perfectly textured granola, spread the mixture thinly and evenly on the baking sheet. This ensures uniform cooking and prevents any pieces from undercooking or burning. Halfway through the baking time, stir the granola gently. This step promotes even colouring throughout and prevents sticking or burning at the pan edges. Paying attention to these details during the baking process enhances the quality and texture of your granola, making each bite consistently crunchy and delicious.

Expert tips for perfect granola clumps

Achieving those coveted clumps requires the right technique and a bit of patience. Start by ensuring the wet ingredients – melted butter and honey or syrup – are thoroughly mixed into the dry ingredients, as this acts as the "glue" for binding the clumps. Use your hands or a spatula to press the mixture together lightly before spreading it onto the baking sheet. When spreading, don’t flatten it completely – leave some clusters intact by piling the mixture slightly in certain areas. Avoid stirring too much during baking; while the recipe suggests stirring every 15 minutes for even toasting, be gentle and focus on turning the granola over rather than breaking it apart. Once baked, let it cool completely before handling it. The cooling process is when the clusters fully harden and hold their shape. By following these tips, you’ll create a batch of protein granola with those satisfying, crunchy clumps everyone loves!

Toast the almonds first for extra flavour

Toasting the almonds before adding them to the granola mixture enhances their natural nuttiness and brings out a deeper, richer flavour. Simply spread the chopped almonds evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven at 160 °C for about 10 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Be sure to watch closely to prevent over-toasting. Once toasted, allow the almonds to cool slightly before mixing them with the seeds, oats, and other ingredients. This extra step ensures the almonds have a distinct, flavourful crunch that complements the rest of the granola, taking your breakfast to the next level.

Questions about protein granola

Starting your day with this recipe or enjoying it as a tasty snack couldn’t be easier. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions, including tips on how to enjoy it, how to store it, and what makes it different from muesli. These insights will help you savour every crunchy bite to its fullest potential.

What can I use protein granola for?
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be used to elevate a variety of meals or as a convenient, crunchy snack on its own. Sprinkle it over creamy skyr to create a delightful contrast between the granola’s crunch and the skyr’s velvety texture. As skyr is naturally high in protein, it’s also a fantastic way to boost the protein content of your breakfast. Use it as a topping in this breakfast protein shake featuring skyr, bananas, peanut butter, and chocolate milk. The granola adds a crunchy element that complements the shake’s smooth texture while enhancing the overall flavour with its toasted oats, nuts, and seeds. For something more indulgent, try pairing it with our cinnamon protein French toast, made with almond flour, vanilla, cinnamon, fresh berries, skyr, and honey. The granola’s crisp texture and nutty undertones pair beautifully with the warm spices, freshness of the berries, and creaminess of the skyr.
Why is my granola soft?
Soft granola is often the result of insufficient baking or improper cooling. If not baked long enough, it won’t have time to fully crisp up. Make sure the oven is preheated to 160 °C and use the full 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even toasting. If it’s still soft after baking, leave it in the oven for a few extra minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Proper cooling is also key. After baking, spread the granola out on a wire rack or a cool baking sheet to allow air to circulate as it cools. If it’s stored in an airtight container before it has completely cooled, trapped steam can make it soggy. These simple adjustments will ensure your granola achieves the perfect crunchy texture every time.
What is the difference between granola and muesli?
Granola and muesli are both popular breakfast options traditionally made from oats, but they differ in preparation and texture. Granola is usually baked, which gives it a crunchy texture. It often includes sweeteners like honey or syrup, which add flavour and help the ingredients form clusters. In contrast, muesli is typically a raw mix and does not contain added sweeteners. It is softer, especially after being soaked in milk or yogurt before eating, which is a common way to serve it. Why not try our protein muesli and compare them for yourself?

Nutritional values

Nutritional value, per

3340 Kcal

Fibre 90 gram fibers
Protein 102.7 %
Carbohydrates 237.6 %
Fat 221.3 gram

Ingredients

Butter
40 g
Honey or syrup
2 tbsp
Coarse rolled oatmeal
250 g
Chia seeds
40 g
Hemp seeds
40 g
Sunflower seeds
50 g
Pumpkin seeds
50 g
Sesame seeds
40 g
Flaxseed
40 g
Almonds, chopped
100 g
Flake salt
½ tsp
Raisins or cranberries
50 g
Vanilla powder
1 tbsp

Choosing the right oats for texture

Selecting the right oats is key to making perfect protein granola. Coarsely rolled oats are ideal as they keep a firm texture and do not become mushy when baked. These oats soak up the flavours of honey, butter, and vanilla well, making each bite tasty.

For a crunchier granola, choose old-fashioned rolled oats which are thicker and keep their shape better. This leads to a crunchier texture in the finished product, perfectly complementing the softer textures of the dried fruits and nuts well.

Feeling inspired and curious about other ways to use oats? Explore our 3 ingredient protein pancakes, high protein porridge, or protein overnight oats recipes. Each one offers a unique twist on this versatile ingredient, providing delicious and satisfying options to elevate your breakfast.

Explore vanilla varieties for enhanced flavour

Vanilla is a key ingredient in this protein granola recipe, and the type you choose can significantly elevate its flavour. Our recipe recommends pure vanilla powder as it offers a concentrated and natural vanilla taste that evenly infuses the granola. If you prefer a more aromatic option, try vanilla bean paste, which adds both flavour and visual appeal with its tiny black specks.

For a more subtle and sweet note, high-quality vanilla extract works beautifully, blending seamlessly with the honey and butter. If you want to get creative, consider experimenting with unique varieties like Tahitian or Madagascar vanilla, each providing its own distinct flavour profile. Choosing the right vanilla allows you to customise the granola’s flavour and take it to the next level.

Optimal timing for adding dried fruits

Adding dried fruits at the right time is essential for achieving the best flavour and texture in your protein granola. Our recipe avoids baking the dried fruits with the granola, as the extended heat can cause them to dry out further, become overly chewy, or even burn. Instead, stir in the raisins or dried cranberries once the granola has finished baking and has completely cooled.

This timing ensures they retain their natural sweetness and soft texture, perfectly complementing the crunchy oats, nuts, and seeds. By adding them at the right moment, you’ll create a balanced granola that’s both flavourful and enjoyable to eat.

Creating a multi-texture experience

Achieving a delightful mix of textures begins with thoughtful preparation of the ingredients. Start by chopping the almonds into varying sizes – some finely chopped for a softer crunch and others left slightly larger for a satisfying bite. For the seeds, you can lightly crush a portion of the sunflower or pumpkin seeds to introduce a finer texture that contrasts with the whole seeds.

To enhance the crunch, consider toasting some of the seeds or chopped almonds separately in a dry pan or the oven before mixing them with the oats. This adds an extra layer of roasted flavour and crispness. By combining ingredients with varying sizes and textures, and treating some components differently during preparation, you create a protein granola that delivers a truly multi-textured eating experience with every spoonful.

How long does protein granola last?

Properly stored, this recipe can last up to three weeks. To maintain its crunch and freshness, ensure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or moisture, as exposure to humidity can cause the granola to lose its crisp texture.

If you’d like to keep it for longer, this recipe can also be frozen. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to use, let it thaw at room temperature – its crunchy texture will be preserved.