Nutrient-Rich Vegan Superfood Granola
Start your day right with this vibrant and nutritious vegan superfood granola! Packed with protein from hemp and flax seeds, this delightful blend is a wholesome breakfast option that keeps you energized. The natural sweetness from brown sugar and applesauce harmonizes beautifully with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. This flexible recipe invites creative twists—feel free to customize it with your choice of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Elevate your mornings with this tasty and versatile granola that makes a perfect topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or simply enjoyed by the handful as a snack!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
brown sugar
1/3 cup (packed)
applesauce
1/4 cup (unsweetened)
ground flax seeds
1/4 cup (fine)
ground hemp seeds
1/4 cup (fine)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
almond extract
1/4 teaspoon (pure)
maple syrup
2 teaspoons (or honey or agave nectar)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (freshly grated or ground)
sunflower seeds
1/2 cup (raw)
pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup (raw)
old fashioned oats
5 cups (uncooked)
dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, cherries)
2/3 cup (chopped if large)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, applesauce, ground flax seeds, ground hemp seeds, vanilla extract, almond extract, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
3
Add the sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and old-fashioned oats to the wet mixture, and mix until everything is evenly coated.
4
Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, monitoring it closely. You want to see the granola starting to toast around the edges.
6
Remove the baking sheet from the oven, use a spatula to gently stir the granola, pulling the edges in toward the center to ensure even toasting.
7
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of toasted goodness.
8
Once toasted, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool, mix in the dried fruits.
9
Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Enjoy as a breakfast or snack!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nutrient-Rich Vegan Superfood Granola?
It is a vibrant and nutritious breakfast option made with oats, seeds, and natural sweeteners, packed with protein and healthy fats.
What makes this granola a superfood?
The inclusion of ground hemp seeds and ground flax seeds provides high-quality protein and nutrients, earning it the superfood title.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, it uses plant-based ingredients like maple syrup and applesauce, making it 100% vegan.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C) before baking.
How do I prevent the granola from sticking to the pan?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the granola doesn't stick and is easy to remove.
What role does applesauce play in this recipe?
Applesauce provides moisture and natural sweetness, helping to bind the granola without the need for heavy oils.
Can I substitute the maple syrup?
Yes, you can use honey (if not strictly vegan) or agave nectar as an alternative to maple syrup.
What flavor extracts are used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of pure almond extract.
What spices are included for flavoring?
Warmth is added to the granola using ground cinnamon and freshly grated or ground nutmeg.
What kind of oats should I use?
Use 5 cups of uncooked old-fashioned oats for the best texture.
What types of seeds are included in the mix?
The recipe includes raw sunflower seeds and raw pumpkin seeds, along with ground flax and hemp seeds.
How do I prepare the wet mixture?
In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, applesauce, ground seeds, extracts, syrup, and spices, and stir until smooth.
How long is the initial baking time?
Bake the granola for an initial 8-10 minutes until it begins to toast around the edges.
Why should I stir the granola during baking?
Stirring halfway through ensures even toasting and prevents the edges from burning while the center remains raw.
What is the total baking time required?
The total baking time is between 16 and 20 minutes, divided into two sessions.
When should I add the dried fruit?
The dried fruit should only be mixed in after the granola has cooled completely on the baking sheet.
What kind of dried fruit can I use?
You can use raisins, cranberries, cherries, or any dried fruit of your choice, chopped if they are large.
How should I store the finished granola?
Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature.
How long does this granola stay fresh?
When stored correctly in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
Can I customize the ingredients?
Absolutely. You can customize the recipe with your preferred choice of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
What can I serve this granola with?
It is a perfect topping for yogurt or oatmeal, or it can be enjoyed by itself as a snack.
How much brown sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar.
What type of flax and hemp seeds should I buy?
The recipe recommends using fine ground flax seeds and fine ground hemp seeds.
Are the pumpkin and sunflower seeds roasted?
No, the recipe specifies using raw sunflower and pumpkin seeds as they will toast in the oven.
Is there any oil in this granola?
This specific recipe does not list oil, instead relying on applesauce and maple syrup for moisture and binding.
How much dried fruit should I prepare?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of chopped dried fruit.
Can I use agave nectar instead of honey?
Yes, agave nectar is a listed alternative for the sweetener component.
Do I need to cook the oats before adding them?
No, use dry, uncooked old-fashioned oats.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and nutrient-rich due to its whole grains and seed-based protein.
Can I use freshly grated nutmeg?
Yes, you can use either freshly grated or ground nutmeg for this recipe.