An easy, make-ahead protein snack! This high-protein granola recipe is a crunchy, nutty mixture of all the right things and no protein powder! Use it as a healthy smoothie topper, in a yogurt parfait or enjoy the homemade granola recipe as an easy, healthy breakfast all on its own.
Finding unique ways to bump up your daily protein intake is a struggle for most moms. None of us really want to live off of chicken breasts and protein powder (not even as a Certified Nutrition Coach!).
This high protein granola recipe is an easy fix to boost your intake.
Why You'll Love It
Not only does protein granola taste great but it also works as a make-ahead, grab-and-go breakfast, or protein snack. The homemade protein granola:
- Has 15 grams of protein per half cup serving
- Is made from a blend of nuts and seeds plus collagen powder
- Is crunchy (not soft!)
- Is allergy-friendly (dairy-free, gluten-free, grain-free, paleo)
- Can be used on top of smoothies or in dairy-free yogurt for an added protein hit
- Contains no protein powder
- Is a great snack for kids too
- Doesn't require protein powder
Most granola recipes place an extra emphasis on sugar (not like this nut-free granola recipe!). This homemade protein granola uses just honey and dried fruit to create its sweet flavor and thus it's an extra healthy choice in the mornings.
Ingredients You Need
This high protein granola recipe is made without protein powder! Though protein powder has its benefits (learn more about choosing a protein powder for your goals), it's not always necessary.
Instead, this protein snack is made with a blend of nuts and seeds. Not only does this help keep the recipe paleo but it also makes it so that the granola comes out crunchy and not soft.
Collagen Powder: this is one of the ingredients that gives the recipe its high-protein kick. Learn more about the benefits of collagen and how to use it.
Egg Whites: these are used to help hold the granola together to create a more “cluster” effect while also contributing some protein
Dried Fruit: the protein granola recipe is sweetened only with honey and half a cup of dried fruit. Obviously, the sweeter fruit you choose (think cranberries, blueberries, etc) the sweeter the granola will be
Hemp hearts: adding a bit of crunch, plant-based protein, and healthy omega-three fatty acids to the recipe.
Shredded coconut: I opt for unsweetened coconut to keep the sugars in the granola down, however, whatever you have on hand will work. You want shredded coconut and not large flakes so that it sticks together well!
Walnuts: grab chopped walnuts or walnut pieces so that the granola holds together well and know that any chopped nut can be subbed in.
Almond flour: learn the difference between almond meal and almond flour. Either one will help bulk up the recipe.
Pumpkin seeds: loaded with zinc and a homemade granola staple! Sesame seeds work in their place.
Coconut oil: some coconut oils will have more coconut flavor than others so use one you’re comfortable with. Unfortunately, you can’t use avocado oil for this though as coconut oil helps with the texture.
Almond butter: this will help the granola stick together. Make sure to use fresh nut butter so that it’s runny and mixes well.
Honey: minimally sweetened honey also helps hold the granola together. In a pinch, maple syrup will probably work but it will alter the texture a bit as maple syrup is thinner and the sugar crystallizes differently.
How To Make The High Protein Granola Recipe
Making homemade protein granola is as simple as creating a giant sticky mess and baking it. It’s simple (and kind of fun!).
- Mix together the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet in another (with the exception of the egg whites)
- Pour the wet into the dry and mix to combine.
- Pour in the egg whites and mix again.
- Portion the granola onto a baking sheet and press down firmly.
- Bake for forty minutes. At the halfway point, remove it from the oven and mix it around, taking care to press it down again.
- Turn the oven off and let sit for an additional ten minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely before using a silicone spatula to scrape and break it apart and off the pan
Step By Step Photos
Important Teaching Tips
- The mixture will seem wet when you mix in the egg whites- that’s okay!
- When portioning it on the pan, spread it out and press it down slightly, it should all be “connected”.
- When you stir the high protein granola at the halfway point, break it up, move the middle to the outside etc.
- Once it comes out of the oven, you want to use a silicone spatula to scrape the granola off the pan, taking care to leave lots of larger chunks/clusters.
- Though maple syrup will probably work in place of honey, it will alter the recipe a bit as the sugar crystallizes slightly differently.
Choosing Collagen Powder
It’s no surprise that this protein granola is made with collagen powder!
All the protein without the bloat.
I use collagen powder for amping up protein and boosting gut health.
Learn about the difference between collagen and bone broth as how to increase protein intake.
Honestly, as a busy mom collagen powder just makes it easy to eat more protein and not feel like I’m living off chicken and eggs.
And more protein means more energy, more natural beauty, and feeling your BEST.
Plus, in recipes like this, you can sneak protein into your kids as it’s one of the purest sources.
I grab my collagen from Perfect Supplements because they source their collagen from pasture-raised (grass-fed) cows. So, I trust it.
Grab some collagen powder and use code mamabear10 to save some money.
Unleash Your Energy
The ultimate roundup of high-protein snack recipes for hectic lifestyles.
Trying to lose weight postpartum and not feel ravenous was frustrating with my first.
It took a whole other pregnancy for me to realize that eating more protein was the “secret” solution.
Unfortunately, living off eggs and chicken breasts sucked after a while.
The solution? I started creating high-protein recipes that tasted more like dessert to help boost my intake.
Say goodbye to mid-day slumps, slow metabolism, and constantly feeling hungry.
I gave the protein bars to a friend of mine with a gluten allergy; I usually can't give her the food I make so I saved these for her. She absolutely loved them, she said most of the protein bars she eats are way too dry but these were great! - Ste
The Protein Power Snack Ebook for busy moms has sixteen, easy-to-make recipes all with 17 grams of protein or more. Many of them can be made ahead of time for grab-and-go days!
They’re the secret to helping you stay energized, enjoy what you eat, and meet your goals.
Plus, a two-day meal plan to show you how to eat over 100 grams of protein per day.. and not hate food. This is what I have all my clients start with.
Frequently Asked Questions About Protein Granola
Granola is very calorie-dense and loaded with healthy fats. It does contain a lot of plant-based protein. However, unless egg whites, collagen powder or protein powder is added to the granola it is not very high in protein.
Most store-bought granola use an excessive amount of sweeteners in order to have a palatable flavor. Making your own protein granola allows you to control the ingredients and is often healthier.
Homemade granola can be a healthy source of nutrients! Most granola use nuts and seeds as a base which provides a good amount of healthy fats and plant-based proteins. Plus, protein granola allows you to be the one in control of the sweeteners added. Scaling back on sugar is an easy way to improve the healthy breakdown of granola.
Protein granola tastes best when cooked at a semi-low temperature. This is because ingredients like nuts, nut butters, and seeds tend to burn at high temperatures. If your granola is not crunchy it could be because it hasn't had enough time to dry out. Cook it at a lower temperature for longer and keep an eye on it.
Protein powder and collagen absorb very differently and can't be interchanged in this recipe. Vegan protein powder especially absorbs a lot of liquid (compared to whey protein powder) and is tricky to bake with. If you used protein powder in place of collagen you'd end up with very dry or possibly burnt protein granola.
More Recipes You Might Enjoy:
- Chocolate chip granola
- Bite-sized, gluten-free granola cups
- Easy granola bars
- Flourless peanut butter protein muffins
- The BEST dairy-free gluten-free brownies
- Gluten-free granola clusters
- Make ahead breakfast recipes
- Overnight cookie dough protein oats
- Chocolate chia protein balls
- Peanut butter and jam protein balls
- Chocolate fudge protein balls
- Crunchy granola
- Sugar-free granola
- Fudgy protein brownies
- Chocolate chip granola bars
- High protein cookies
- Healthy snack recipes
- High protein pancakes
- Yogurt protein pancakes
- Energizing protein bar
- Easy, no-bake vanilla protein bar
- High protein snack recipes
Gluten-Free High Protein Granola Recipe
Equipment
- Large baking tray
Ingredients
- ½ cup Hemp hearts
- ½ cup Shredded coconut
- 1 cup Walnuts chopped
- ⅛ cup Walnuts Chopped
- 1 cup Almond flour
- ¼ cup Pumpkin seeds
- ⅓ cup Coconut oil measured solid
- ½ cup Almond butter
- ⅓ cup Honey
- ⅛ cup Collagen powder
- ½ cup Dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup Egg whites
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 300 degrees Farenheit
- In a large bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients.
- Melt the coconut oil and whisk together all wet ingredients except the egg whites.
- Pour wet into dry and combine.
- Add in the egg whites and mix well. It will look wet.
- Portion onto a baking sheet and press down slightly. The granola should all be "connected" (this is what makes bigger clusters)
- Bake for twenty minutes.
- Stir the granola with a silicone spatula. Move the middle parts towards the outside and then press down lightly again so it's mostly connected.
- Back another twenty minutes.
- Turn the oven off and let sit for ten minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan. Then, scrape it off, break it up into preferred chunks and store in the fridge.
Video
Notes
- The mixture will seem wet when you mix in the egg whites- that’s okay!
- Any dried fruit will work for the recipe.
- Use Perfect Supplements Collagen Powder for the best quality (code mamabear10 saves you money!)
- Store the granola in the fridge in an airtight container
- The recipe makes roughly 5 cups and one serving is half a cup
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
Shelby aka Mama Bear
Vanessa
So easy to make and I already had everything on hand! Breakfast is sorted now.
fitasamamabear
Haha it's the best win ever when you have everything! Hope you love it!
Donny
I never knew you could add collagen powder to granola! This was so good and I loved all the big clusters.
fitasamamabear
Collagen in my house is the "I add that sh*t to everything" thing hehe. But yes, granola clusters are a favorite of mine!
Colleen
I love how easy this granola is to make and I never would have thought to add collagen powder. A delicious way to start the day and great for snacking, too!
fitasamamabear
I think I could live off granola TBH hehe so I had to add collagen to keep it somewhat balanced!
ChihYu
There's nothing better than a delicious granola for breakfast or an on the run snack! This is so delicious - love the high protein count for the energy boost!
fitasamamabear
Right?! It's the perfect blend of everything yummy. Works for all occassions!
jennifer
So many yummy ingredients in here and I love that you added some collagen! Making it later this week -can't wait!
fitasamamabear
Enjoy it! It's addictive though... you've been warned lol
Stacey Crawford
So crunchy & yummy. It is amazing how much protein is in it for granola, and I love the addition of collagen.
fitasamamabear
The collagen and egg whites definitely give it a nice boost!
Terri
Love that is is healthy AND high protein! What a great way to start your day or the perfect post-workout snack!
fitasamamabear
Yes! My favorite is topping smoothies with it!
Susan
So many amazing recipes; thanks for creating this!!!
fitasamamabear
Thanks for dropping by! It's nice to have options that aren't eggs or chicken lol
Sandra Shaffer
So economical when you make your own granola. I added slivered almonds in place of the extra walnuts (wasn't sure is 1/3 cup walnuts listed should be a different nut), and boy did this come out perfect. Nice an crunchy to add to my yogurt. I'm a happy girl.
fitasamamabear
Aw yay! Yes, it's so much better than store-bought and no crappy oils! Ohhh nice to know the almonds are just as good- thank you!
Scarlet
Tasty. I love this high protein granola with the nuts and collagen. Nice, easy, healthy breakfast.
Raquel
Great granola recipe to make ahead and keep on hand. Delicious with yogurt or on its own.
fitasamamabear
Granola is a house staple!
Judith
A great recipe. So tasty and full of texture.
fitasamamabear
Thanks!
Giangi Townsend
I love when recipes are easy, and they taste so good in addition to being healthy. Thank you for sharing.
fitasamamabear
It's a beautiful thing when it all comes together!
Jere Cassidy
There is so much goodness in this granola. I am new to collagen powder and had no idea I could add it to my baked goods.
fitasamamabear
Collagen powder is my "I put that sh*t in everything" ingredient haha such a great way to boost protein!
Nancy
Wow can’t believe there’s so much protein in this recipe. Awesome
fitasamamabear
Right though?! Nice way to bump up intake!
Abhi
Wow, I love this super healthy recipe. It is on my hit list now! Thanks Shelby for coming up with such amazing recipes!
fitasamamabear
Thanks so much! It's such a favorite of ours!
Katie
Love this high protein granola! It's so healthy and super easy to make. I was full for hours after eating it for breakfast!
fitasamamabear
Love hearing that!
Aimee DiPasquale
I love homemade granola. It's so versatile. But I have not tried egg white. I will have to try that.
fitasamamabear
It's just easy to eat! Works on everything 🙂
Marian
Can you make it without egg whites?
fitasamamabear
The egg whites is what helps keep it crunchy and bind, along with adding protein. You'd need to up the liquid somewhere else so that it holds together more if you omitted the egg whites.
Jacqui
Easy to make and pantry friendly!
fitasamamabear
Yeppers!
Sharina
This high-protein granola has been part of my brunch ideas! So healthy and delicious. Even my sister loves it!
fitasamamabear
It makes it such a great treat to munch on!
Kelli Miller
This is an amazing base to a trail mix - just added some nuts, a few dried fruits or berries, and mini dark chocolate chips. So delicious!!
fitasamamabear
Yes! It works great when out and about or traveling too.
Gina
This recipe makes me feel better about eating granola knowing that there's some protein in the mix. Paired with Greek yogurt, it's one of my favorite snacks!
fitasamamabear
Haha definitely!
Lisa
You have some of the best high protein breakfast ideas. This granola is one of my favorites.
fitasamamabear
You are the sweetest, thank you!
Elizabeth S
This was easy to make, super filling, and yummy. Will be making again. I am going to try different flavors of collagen next.
fitasamamabear
Ohh lwt me know how that goes! I always stick to unflavored but chocolate would be fun.