Protein Granola
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Published Mar 06, 2024, Updated Mar 18, 2024
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This protein granola is super easy to make and packed with 10 grams of protein per serving! Enjoy it with yogurt or as cereal for a delicious high protein snack or breakfast.
Want more high protein snacks? Try my protein banana bread, protein cookies or these protein shakes.
Why I Love This Granola
- Easy: Just mix, bake and enjoy. This granola recipe is that simple to whip up!
- Protein-packed: This high protein granola is packed with 10 grams of protein per serving. It’s the perfect post-workout snack or high protein breakfast option.
- Healthy: Most store-bought granolas are loaded with artificial sweeteners, preservatives and unnecessary ingredients, but this granola is made with only 9 simple real food ingredients.
Protein Granola Ingredients
- old fashioned rolled oats – the base of your granola, providing a hearty texture and a good source of fiber. I love Bob’s Red Mill organic gluten-free rolled oats.
- raw nuts/seeds – mix and match your favorite nuts or seeds like almonds, pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- vanilla protein powder – I recommend using a plant-based protein powder the Sun Warrior Vanilla Warrior Blend or Nuzest protein powder. Use my code eatingbirdfood for 15% off your order.
- maple syrup – the perfect natural sweetener for this granola. Honey will work as a substitute.
- almond butter or peanut butter – adds additional protein and helps to bind the granola together.
- melted coconut oil – ensures the granola gets a nice golden color and contributes to the crispy texture.
- egg white – helps to create clusters by binding the ingredients without adding extra flavor.
- ground cinnamon – adds warmth and depth with a hint of spice.
- sea salt – enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Protein Granola
Step 1: Mix the oats, nuts/seeds, protein powder, cinnamon and salt in a big bowl. Add maple syrup, nut butter, coconut oil, and egg white to the bowl and stir until well mixed.
Step 2: Spread the mixture on a prepared baking sheet, pressing it down firmly. Bake for 40-45 minutes without stirring to keep clusters intact. Let it cool on the sheet, then break into clusters.
Recipe Tip!
Resist the temptation to break the granola into clusters immediately after baking. Letting it cool completely on the baking sheet is crucial for it to set and harden into breakable clusters. This patience pays off with the perfect crunchy texture.
Protein Granola Variations
- Chocolate: Use chocolate protein powder and stir in cocoa powder with the dry ingredients. Then add dark chocolate chips after the granola cools for a chocolatey twist.
- Tropical: Mix in dried coconut flakes and dried pineapple pieces after baking for a tropical twist.
- Berry: After baking and cooling, add a mix of dried berries such as cranberries, blueberries or cherries for a fruity addition.
How to Serve Protein Granola
I love eating this granola fresh out of the oven, but there’s plenty of ways you can serve it. Here are some ideas:
- As cereal: Simply serve this granola with your choice of milk or a dairy-free alternative for a simple breakfast.
- Yogurt parfait: Layer this granola with yogurt and fresh fruits to make a delicious and nutritious parfait. You could also add it to this strawberry quinoa parfait for an added boost of protein.
- Granola bowl: Top your favorite yogurt bowl with this granola for added protein.
- Smoothie bowl: Sprinkle this granola over your favorite smoothie bowl for added crunch and flavor. Try this green smoothie bowl, acai bowl or blue smoothie bowl.
How to Store
- Room temperature: Once completely cooled, store in an airtight container. It can stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
- In the freezer: For longer storage, freeze the granola. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it can last for several months.
More Protein-Packed Recipes
- PB&J Protein Yogurt Bowl
- Protein Muffins
- Protein Cookie Dough Bark
- Easy Protein Bars
- Protein Cookie Dough
Protein Granola
Ingredients
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raw nuts/seeds of choice
- ½ cup plant-based vanilla protein powder, I used SunWarrior
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup almond butter or peanut butter
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- 1 egg white
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- Add all ingredients into a large bowl and toss to combine.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment and spread granola mixture onto the sheet, pressing the mixture down with a spatula.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes. Do not stir halfway through baking. Let the granola cool completely on the pan before stirring.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This granola was genius! Mine was crispier around the edges, but a softer texture in the middle, because I was afraid of burning it. I made mine with peanuts and used peanut butter. Next time I will try pecans with the almond butter. It was very good. I will use it on top of my overnight oats.
WOO! I am so glad you gave this recipe a try and it turned out amazing for you, Darlene. Thank you so much for sharing your review & star rating, it means so much to me!
What size pan ???
The standard size sheet pan, 18×13 pan will work for this recipe!
Just made this today and recipe is a keeper!
It turned out so good – good flavor and crunchy. I used half the maple syrup, pumpkin seeds, almonds and peanut butter.
I know there are many ways to use granola but this one is even great as a snack on it’s own.
Thanks for the recipe – Will be making again – Not sure how long this will last me as my husband really like it too!
WOO! I am so glad you gave this one a try, Cyni. I am happy to hear you are both loving it. Thank you for coming back and sharing your review & star rating, I really appreciate it!
love this recipe! I can’t keep it in the house – it’s so delicious!
I’m on my third batch – the family loves it
Yay! This makes me so happy to hear, Sue Sally! I am so glad you and your family are loving this recipe and it turned out great for you. Thanks so much for sharing your review + star rating, I truly appreciate it!
I want to make this but all I have is plain unflavored protein powder. What would I need to add, if anything, if I want to use the unflavored whey protein powder?
Hi Susan – The unflavored protein powder should be fine, but you could also add a bit of vanilla extract if you want that vanilla flavor. Hope you enjoy!
Any chance you’ve tried this with a substitution for the egg white? In baking I’ll do a flax egg but not sure if that will work here? Thanks so much!!
Hi Amy – Unfortunately I haven’t tested a sub for the egg whites in this recipe and I am not sure how a flax egg would work. Let me know if you give it a try and how it turns out!
About how much do you get from making 1 batch?
Hi Courtney! One batch will make roughly 3 cups or 12 servings. Hope that helps and you enjoy this recipe!
Making this for the first time and I’m just curious, what is the purpose of the egg white?
Excited to try it, it’s baking right now and smells delicious!
Hi Emily! Great question, the egg white will add protein, plus help it get nice and crunchy. I hope you love this recipe and it turns out great for you!