I’m a sucker for breakfast. I’m also a sucker for granola. So much so, it’s something I could easily eat any time of day. But lots of granolas are either too high in added sugars or fat for my liking, so I tend to make my own at home.
If you’ve never made your own granola, you’re in for a treat. Not only is it super easy to make, but you can also customize it by using all kinds of delicious add-ins like spices, nuts, or dried fruit—sometimes I even add pseudograins like buckwheat to mine! (Note: if you plan to use dried fruit, add it after the granola bakes and cools.)
This granola uses LiveComplete’s unflavored protein powder to give you a boost of extra protein to fuel your day, whether you’re about to hit the gym, just got back from a workout, or are simply getting ready for another day of regular activities.
Peanut Butter Protein Granola
Recipe by Jessica Schroeder
Makes about 6 cups
GF, SF
INGREDIENTS
- 4 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 1 cup applesauce
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup LiveComplete unflavored protein powder
- ¼ cup peanut butter powder
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, start by mixing the oats with the peanut butter until well incorporated. Then mix in the remaining ingredients, blending thoroughly.
- Bake for 12 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Take the tray out of the oven and use a spatula to flip the granola over in large chunks (assuming it’s sticking together a bit). Break up the chunks a bit before returning the tray to the oven.
- Bake for another 10 minutes. After that, remove the tray to stir the granola (feel free to stir it a couple of times sooner, if needed, during these 10 minutes to help the granola cook and brown evenly).
- Bake for another 5 minutes or so, removing the tray again to stir the granola one last time.
- Turn the oven off.
- Return the granola to the oven and leave it in the oven another 15–30 minutes (oven OFF) to continue to dry out. Keep an eye on the granola (and stir it once or twice more) to be sure it doesn’t over-brown.
- Place the baking tray on a wire rack. Allow to cool completely before transferring into glass jar(s) for storage.
