Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Recipe

If you are looking for a crunchy, flavorful snack that feels both wholesome and indulgent, this Homemade Peanut Butter Granola is exactly what you need. It combines the creamy richness of natural peanut butter with the sweet warmth of cinnamon and maple syrup, all baked to a perfect golden crisp. Each bite offers the satisfying texture of oats and peanuts, making it an ideal treat for breakfast, a midday boost, or even a nutty dessert topping. Trust me, once you try this Homemade Peanut Butter Granola, you’ll keep coming back to make it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Homemade Peanut Butter Granola lies in its simplicity; each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor and crunch. From the wholesome oats that create the sturdy base, to the natural peanut butter that binds and flavors everything, these essentials come together effortlessly.

• 2 cups old fashioned oats: The hearty foundation that adds chewy texture and wholesome goodness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted peanut butter, natural, melted: Provides creaminess, flavor depth, and helps everything stick together.
• 1 tsp cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that perfectly complements the peanut butter.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and offers subtle aromatic complexity.
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt: Balances flavors and intensifies sweetness while cutting through richness.
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup: Natural sweetness that caramelizes during baking for a golden finish.
• 1/4 cup peanuts, unsalted: Introduces extra crunch and boosts the nutty profile.

How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Granola

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mixing Bowl

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature by the time your mixture is ready. In a large bowl, combine the melted peanut butter, maple syrup, kosher salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir them well to create a smooth, flavorful base for your granola mix.

Step 2: Incorporate the Oats and Peanuts

Once the wet ingredients are fully blended, gently fold in the old fashioned oats and unsalted peanuts. This step is key to preserving the crunchy texture, so be sure not to overmix; you want every oat and nut evenly coated with that luscious peanut butter mixture.

Step 3: Spread and Bake

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps your granola from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Pour the oat-peanut butter mixture onto the sheet, spreading it out in an even layer. Bake for 25 minutes, giving your kitchen that irresistible aroma as the granola turns golden brown.

Step 4: Cool and Break Into Pieces

After removing from the oven, allow your homemade peanut butter granola to cool for at least 30 to 60 minutes. This cooling period is essential because it lets the granola harden into crunchy clusters. Once cooled, break it apart into your favorite sized chunks and get ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Homemade Peanut Butter Granola

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Homemade Peanut Butter Granola over a bowl of creamy yogurt or smoothie bowls for a delicious texture contrast. Fresh berries or sliced bananas add bursts of natural sweetness that pair beautifully with the nutty crunch.

Side Dishes

This granola shines alongside a glass of chilled almond milk or your favorite nut milk as a quick, energizing snack. You can also serve it next to warm oatmeal or pancakes, adding a delightful nutty crunch and extra protein.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your friends at brunch? Use the granola as a topping for homemade ice cream, or mix in dark chocolate chips and dried fruit to create your own custom trail mix. Layer it with yogurt and honey in clear jars for beautiful, make-ahead parfaits that look as good as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Homemade Peanut Butter Granola fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay crunchy and flavorful for up to two weeks, perfect for those who want grab-and-go snacks all week long.

Freezing

If you want to extend its shelf life, freeze your granola in a sealed, freezer-safe bag or container. It freezes well for up to three months, so you can always have a batch ready without worrying about spoilage.

Reheating

Generally, Homemade Peanut Butter Granola is best enjoyed as is, without reheating. However, if you prefer it warm, simply toast it lightly in a skillet or warm it briefly in the oven to refresh its crunch and unlock that roasted peanut aroma.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of natural smooth peanut butter?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add even more texture to your Homemade Peanut Butter Granola, but make sure it melts smoothly to coat your oats evenly. You might need to melt it gently to avoid clumps.

Is it possible to substitute maple syrup with honey?

Yes, honey works as a great natural sweetener substitute and will give the granola a slightly different floral sweetness. Just remember honey tends to be a bit stickier, so monitor the baking time to avoid over-browning.

Can I add other nuts or seeds to this recipe?

Definitely! The recipe is versatile—try adding almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for varied texture and nutrition. Just adjust quantities to maintain the balance of wet and dry ingredients.

Does this granola stay crunchy when mixed with milk?

Like most granolas, it will soften after sitting in milk for a few minutes, but the big clusters formed by the peanut butter will hold their crunch longer than regular granola, making it a satisfying addition to your breakfast bowl.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

The recipe is already vegan-friendly as it uses natural peanut butter and maple syrup as sweetener. Just double-check your peanut butter to ensure there are no added dairy ingredients, and you’re good to go.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Peanut Butter Granola is one of those rare recipes that feels like a special treat while being incredibly simple to make. It brings together hearty oats, natural peanut butter, and just the right amount of sweetness to make every bite a little celebration. Whether you enjoy it with milk, yogurt, or right out of the jar, I hope you find as much joy in making and eating this as I do sharing it with you.

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