Make homemade gluten-free granola in 20 minutes with these 5 kid-approved recipes. Simple ingredients, customizable flavors, and perfect for breakfast or snacks.
Homemade gluten-free granola is easier than you think and tastes infinitely better than store-bought versions. These 5 recipes take just 20 minutes and use simple ingredients your kids will love.
Why Make Granola at Home?
Homemade granola offers several advantages:
- Cost savings: 60% less expensive than certified products
- Ingredient control: No hidden gluten or unwanted additives
- Customization: Adjust sweetness and add favorite mix-ins
- Freshness: Better taste and texture than shelf-stable versions
Base Recipe Formula
Every recipe follows this simple ratio:
- 3 cups certified gluten-free oats
- 1/3 cup healthy fat (coconut oil or olive oil)
- 1/4 cup natural sweetener (honey or maple syrup)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Recipe 1: Classic Cinnamon Crunch
Add to base:
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (added after baking)
Kid appeal: Sweet cinnamon flavor with chocolate surprise
Recipe 2: Tropical Paradise
Add to base:
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/3 cup dried pineapple pieces
- 1/4 cup cashew pieces
Kid appeal: Exotic flavors that taste like vacation
Recipe 3: Apple Pie Spice
Add to base:
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1/2 cup dried apple chips (crushed)
- 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
Kid appeal: Familiar apple pie taste in crunchy form
Recipe 4: Chocolate Peanut Butter
Add to base:
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (added after baking)
Kid appeal: Classic PB&chocolate combination
Recipe 5: Vanilla Berry Bliss
Add to base:
- Extra 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (added after baking)
Kid appeal: Pretty pink color and sweet berry flavor
Simple Baking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C)
- Mix dry ingredients in large bowl
- Warm wet ingredients until just melted, stir into dry
- Spread on parchment-lined baking sheet
- Bake 18-22 minutes, stirring once halfway
- Cool completely before adding chocolate chips
- Store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast bowl: With milk or yogurt and fresh fruit
- Snack mix: Combined with dried fruit and nuts
- Ice cream topping: Sprinkle over vanilla ice cream
- Trail mix: Perfect for lunchboxes and outings
Storage Tips
- Cool completely before storing to maintain crunch
- Use glass jars or airtight containers
- Keep in pantry up to 2 weeks
- Freeze portions in zip bags up to 3 months
For more breakfast inspiration, explore our Complete Gluten-Free Breakfast Guide with 30 morning meal ideas. You'll find additional snack recipes in our 30 Gluten-Free After-School Snacks, plus comprehensive meal planning support in our Ultimate Gluten-Free Meal Prep guide.
