This Peanut Butter Granola Recipe is crunchy and addictive with big clusters and plenty of peanut butter flavor! There’s no refined sugar or oils, just 4 main ingredients and it comes together in about 30 minutes!

Peanut butter granola in a bowl with sliced banana on top

I’m a huge fan of granola, but I’m not a fan of all the sugar and preservatives that are found in most store bought brands.

That said, I’ve taken matters into my own hands and created a few homemade versions, including almond butter granola and chocolate granola, which my family and I absolutely love.

This Peanut Butter Granola Recipe is my favorite because my love for peanut butter runs deep. It has big, crunchy clusters, with no refined sugar or oils, it satisfies my daily peanut butter cravings.

It’s become a staple in the house, and while it goes quickly, it only takes a few minutes to prep.

This is granola that I feel good about, and I love that I can pull it together quickly and easily whenever a craving strikes. 🙂

Peanut butter granola on a baking sheet

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • Peanut butter granola is wholesome and crunchy with big clusters and plenty of peanut butter flavor.
  • It’s healthier than store bought granola as there are no refined sugars, oils or preservatives.
  • It’s so easy to make — it takes just 5 minutes to prep and it’s ready in 30 minutes.
  • There are just 4 main ingredients and it can be customized with what you have on hand as well as your favorite add-ins.

Recipe ingredients

Most store bought granolas are high in sugar, hydrogenated oils and preservatives , so the best part about making this homemade peanut butter granola is that you control the ingredients.

This recipe includes just 4 main ingredients, and they can be substituted based on what you have in your on hand.

Peanut butter granola recipe ingredients

Ingredient notes

  • Oats. For a nice chewy texture, use old fashioned rolled oats. Quick oats may be used if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Peanut butter. I use natural peanut butter that only includes peanuts and salt in the ingredients. Be careful of added sugar as it will make your granola too sweet.
  • Maple syrup. Substitute the maple syrup with honey, coconut sugar or your favorite sweetener.
  • Oil. The coconut oil may be substituted with what you have on hand.
  • Salt. A small amount enhances the flavor of the granola.
  • Cinnamon. This is an optional ingredient that adds warm depth of flavor.

How to make this recipe

This peanut butter granola recipe makes a healthy meal prep breakfast or snack, and it comes together quickly and easily.

The trick to achieving big, crunchy granola clusters is to avoid stirring it during baking.  It’s packed down into a 1/4″ thick layer on a parchment lined baking sheet, and it should not be stirred to keep those clusters intact.

Pro tip: For best results, use all natural peanut butter that includes just peanuts and salt as many contain brands include hydrogenated oils, sugar and preservatives.

See the recipe card below for full instructions.

How to make peanut butter granola
  1. Place the peanut butter and coconut oil in a large microwave safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds or until melted.  Add the maple syrup, cinnamon and salt, and stir well to combine.
  2. Add the oats and stir until well coated with the peanut butter mixture.
  3. Bake the granola for 25 minutes or until golden, remove from heat and cool completely.  Do not stir!
  4. Once the granola has cooled, break it into large clusters and stir in some add-ins if desired.  See the recipe notes for ideas.

FAQs

Is peanut butter granola healthy?

This peanut butter granola recipe is much healthier than most store bought brands because it’s low in sugar, and it’s unrefined sugar.  This granola is just sweet enough, which results in big peanut butter flavor.

I’ve also used quality all natural peanut butter for this recipe that contains no hydrogenated oil, which results in lower saturated fat.  Natural peanut butter is also is generally sugar free or lower in sugar and sodium, unlike some brands.  All peanut butter brands aren’t created equally, so check the label to see how your favorite brand stacks up.

This recipe is also low in oil with only 2 tablespoons, compared with some granola recipes that call for twice that amount.  Be sure to use unrefined oil such as coconut, olive oil or avocado oil for a healthier option.

How to make granola clusters stick together?

The secret to achieving big granola clusters that stick together isn’t using an egg white to bind it together — it’s simply not stirring it while it bakes. In fact, once the granola has baked in the oven, it should be cooled completely before breaking it into clusters.

The peanut butter granola clusters in this recipe are big and chunky so it’s easy enough to eat by the handful!

Recipe notes

  • Pro tip: For best results, use all natural peanut butter that includes just peanuts and salt as many contain brands include hydrogenated oils, sugar and preservatives.
  • Customize this recipe with add-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, coconut flakes or roasted peanuts!
  • Store peanut butter granola in an air tight container for up to 2 weeks.
Healthy peanut granola in a bowl with sliced banana on top

More granola recipes you’ll love:

Did you try this recipe?  If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram

Peanut butter granola in a bowl with sliced banana on top

Peanut Butter Granola Recipe

This Peanut Butter Granola Recipe is crunchy and addictive with big clusters and plenty of peanut butter flavor! There's no refined sugar or oils, just 4 main ingredients and it comes together in about 30 minutes!
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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter creamy or crunchy
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil sub with your favorite oil
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup sub with honey or your favorite sweetener
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.  Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Place the peanut butter and coconut oil in a large microwave safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds or until melted.  Add the maple syrup, cinnamon and salt, and stir well to combine. Add the oats and stir until well coated with the peanut butter mixture.
    1/2 cup natural peanut butter, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pour the oat mixture onto the prepared pan and spread in an even layer, about 1/4" thick, packing it down well.  Packing it down will help give us those big clusters!
  • Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 25 minutes or until golden….do not stir!  Remove from heat and cool completely without stirring.
  • Once cooled, break the granola up into chunks and place in an air tight container at room temperature. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Pro tip: For best results, use all natural peanut butter that includes just peanuts and salt as many contain brands include hydrogenated oils, sugar and preservatives.
  • Customize this recipe with add-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, coconut flakes or roasted peanuts!
  • Store peanut butter granola in an air tight container for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Calories: 185kcal, Carbohydrates: 22g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 76mg, Potassium: 163mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 7g, Calcium: 27mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.

Did you try this recipe?Be sure to tag @flavorthemoments with the hashtag #flavorthemoments on Instagram so I can see what you made!

**This post was originally published in April 2018. Step by step photos have been added, the post was restructured for better readability, and more recipe information has been added.

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