If you’re looking for a crunchy, naturally sweet snack that feels indulgent but is packed with wholesome ingredients, this Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Recipe is the answer you’ve been waiting for. It’s a beautiful blend of creamy peanut butter, warm cinnamon, and the subtle sweetness of maple syrup all clinging to hearty rolled oats. Perfectly toasted to golden perfection, this granola is not only a fantastic breakfast boost but also an irresistible snack that’s easy to customize and share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings a unique texture, flavor, or richness that combines into granola you’ll want to make again and again.
- 3 cups old fashioned (rolled) oats: The hearty base that provides that classic granola crunch and wholesome fiber.
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy): Adds creamy richness and that unmistakable peanut flavor, plus a delightful texture if you go crunchy.
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that caramelizes beautifully in the oven for a hint of softness and sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons coconut or canola oil: Promotes even baking and helps everything bind together with a touch of richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma that plays well with peanut butter.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle spice note that elevates the granola to the next level.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens all the flavors in the mix.
How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 325º F. This lower temperature helps the granola bake evenly without burning the edges. Line your sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to keep the granola from sticking, which also helps with getting those big clumps intact.
Step 2: Melt Your Wet Ingredients
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter, maple syrup, oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Microwave for 30 to 45 seconds until everything is warm and melted together. Stir well so the mixture is uniform — this step makes mixing with the oats easier and ensures that every bite has that peanut butter goodness.
Step 3: Add Your Oats
Pour your rolled oats into a large mixing bowl. This is the sturdy canvas that will hold all the flavors. The oats are unassuming now, but they’ll soak up all that warm, silky peanut butter mixture for a wonderfully chewy texture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour your warm peanut butter mixture over the oats and stir thoroughly. Make sure every oat flake gets coated—it’s this careful mixing that helps those gorgeous chunks form during baking.
Step 5: Shape the Granola
Transfer the combined mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread it out into a large circle about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick, pushing the granola down firmly to create dense clusters. This step is crucial if you want chunkier pieces rather than loose, crumbly granola.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake your granola for 25 minutes without stirring. This no-interruption baking lets the clusters solidify and toast evenly. Once finished, let the granola cool completely on the pan before breaking it into pieces. That cooling period helps lock in crunch and chunkiness.
How to Serve Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Recipe
Garnishes
Top off your granola with fresh berries or sliced banana for a fruity brightness that cuts through the richness. A drizzle of honey or an extra dollop of peanut butter can take it from great to downright irresistible. Toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts sprinkled over the top add even more texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Recipe pairs beautifully with creamy Greek yogurt or a bowl of milk for breakfast. You can even add a scoop to your smoothie bowl for a satisfying crunch. It’s equally fantastic scattered over ice cream or eaten alongside fresh fruit salad for a wholesome snack or dessert option.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve your granola in mason jars layered with yogurt and fruit for a stylish parfait. You can also pack it in small paper bags for homemade snack gifts or take-alongs. Crumble it over a baked apple or pear just before serving to add a warm nutty crunch that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks, making it perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or snack anytime you need a quick energy boost.
Freezing
If you want to keep your granola even longer, freezing is a great option. Place the granola in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to three months. When ready to use, simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To refresh the crunch, pop your granola in the oven at 300º F for 5 to 7 minutes or in the microwave for a few seconds. Reheating brings back that warm toasted aroma and perfect crispness, making it taste freshly made every time.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds delightful nutty chunks throughout the granola, giving extra texture and richness to the finished product.
Is there a substitute for maple syrup?
You can swap maple syrup for honey or agave nectar, but keep in mind that maple syrup adds a unique earthy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with peanut butter.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this granola?
Yes! Toss in your favorite nuts or dried fruits either before baking (nuts) or after baking (dried fruit) to customize your granola exactly how you like it.
How do I get big granola clusters?
The key is spreading and pressing the mixture firmly onto the baking sheet and not stirring during baking. Let the mixture bake undisturbed and cool completely before breaking up.
Is this granola recipe gluten-free?
This granola is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats. Always check your oat packaging if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting about whipping up your own Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Recipe—warm, aromatic, and packed with wholesome ingredients you can trust. Whether you’re topping your morning yogurt or grabbing a snack on the run, this granola brings a nutritious crunch with every bite. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a staple in your kitchen and heart!
Print
Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Peanut Butter Granola recipe combines the creamy richness of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of maple syrup and warm spices. Crispy clusters with a perfect chewy texture make it an ideal snack or breakfast topping. Easy to prepare and bake, it results in deliciously clumped granola perfect for cereals, yogurt, or on its own.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 325º F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Mixture: Combine peanut butter, maple syrup, oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 to 45 seconds until melted and warm, then stir until well combined.
- Add Oats: Place the rolled oats in a large mixing bowl, ready to be combined with the peanut butter mixture.
- Mix Together: Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the oats and stir thoroughly to ensure all oats are coated evenly.
- Form Granola Clusters: Transfer the oat mixture onto the parchment-lined sheet pan. Spread the mixture out evenly in a large circle, pressing gently to keep it about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick and encouraging the formation of big clumps.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the granola in the oven for 25 minutes without stirring; this preserves the clusters. Once baked, let it cool completely then break into chunks or pieces to serve.
Notes
- Ensure not to stir the granola while baking to maintain chunk formation.
- You can use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter depending on your texture preference.
- Store cooled granola in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
- For variations, try adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruits after baking.
