top of page

CINNAMON CRUNCH GRANOLA

Easy, gluten free granola with cinnamon toast crunch vibes! Only 7 ingredients. 


tray of cinnamon crunch granola


Granola is one of those versatile recipes that can serve just about any craving. You can change up the mix-ins and flavors for when you’re in the mood for chocolate, peanut butter, coconut, fruity, you name it. Today’s recipe is cinnamon crunch granola, and it’s the perfect, easy option for when you’re nostalgic for cinnamon toast crunch cereal! This granola, though, comes with a better nutritional value than that hallowed cereal of my youth. The rolled oats provide complex carbs for lasting energy. There is protein in the egg whites, oats, and almond butter. There are also some healthy fats in the almond butter and coconut oil. Stirred into some yogurt, or eaten with milk and banana slices, this is a breakfast that will keep you satisfied until lunchtime. It can also be eaten plain pre-workout or to stave off the late afternoon slump while you make dinner. 


The method is so simple! I adapted it from a recipe for candied nuts: Beat egg whites until they form meringue. Stir in cinnamon and sugar. Pour melted oil, vanilla, and almond butter over the oats. Then stir in the meringue. Sprinkle a little extra sugar over it for good measure. Bake, and that’s it! 


Using egg whites in your granola helps it clump to form clusters. If you want nice size clusters, allow the granola to cool without touching it. I will warn you, though, the sugary cinnamon scent is very difficult to resist! Maybe it’s just that I’m a serious carb girl, but I can’t stop nibbling on this granola when it’s anywhere near me!


The ingredients list is short, but you can also add additional mix-ins, such as nuts, coconut flakes, chocolate or cinnamon chips, etc. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, too, so you can make this without an extra trip to the store. To keep the recipe gluten free, ensure that the oats you use are certified gluten free.


*rolled oats

*runny almond butter (I love using Trader Joe’s brand)

*coconut oil

*pure vanilla extract

*cinnamon

*coconut sugar or granulated white sugar (or a combination of both)

*egg whites


This recipe takes only about 45 minutes to make, and 30-35 of that is the bake time, which is hands off. Then you can pour yourself a bowl of cinnamon crunch (granola) and milk…all that’s missing will be Saturday morning cartoons! 


Love granola? Me, too! Check out my other granola recipe: Easy Gluten Free Tahini Ginger Granola with Chocolate Clusters!




CINNAMON CRUNCH GRANOLA (GF, DF)

Yield: approximately 5 cups


What You'll Need:

  • 3 cups rolled oats

  • ¼ cup runny, unsweetened almond butter

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 2 egg whites (use 3 if you add additional mix-ins and don’t cut back on the oats)

  • 7 tablespoons coconut sugar, or granulated white sugar, divided

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How To Make it

1.   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Add rolled oats and, optionally, any mix-ins to a large bowl. Set aside.

2. Over medium-low heat, combine the almond butter and coconut oil in a small saucepan, and whisk until melted together. Stir in vanilla extract, and remove from the heat.

3. With an electric mixer, whip the egg whites until they form a soft meringue, approximately 2-3 minutes. Then stir in 6 tablespoons of sugar and the cinnamon.

4. Pour the almond butter mixture over the oats and stir well, then add the meringue, and stir until combined.

5. Spread the granola mixture out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle the last tablespoon of sugar over it.

6. Bake for 20 minutes, then toss the granola with a spatula. Bake for another 10-15 minutes. The granola should be nicely browned. Remove from the oven and cool. The granola will harden completely as it cools. Store the granola in an air-tight container.




Want more delicious recipes to enjoy? Be sure to join my mailing list for updates, and exclusive cooking offers. Enjoy,


Abby

Comments


Recipes

bottom of page