• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
From Scratch Fast | Recipes from scratch for busy cooks! logo
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • Main Dishes
    • Breakfasts
    • Appetizers
    • Soups
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Web Stories
  • Classes
  • Videos
  • Books
  • About Nicki
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Classes
  • Videos
  • Books
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home > Recipe Index > Uncategorized > Grain Free and Sugar Free Granola Recipe (Paleo & Keto)

    Grain Free and Sugar Free Granola Recipe (Paleo & Keto)

    Published: Sep 15, 2022 · Modified: Oct 3, 2022 by Nicki Sizemore · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Grain free granola in a bowl with yogurt.
    Grain free granola in a bowl with yogurt.

    This homemade grain free granola recipe is a game changer. It results in crunchy, sweet, protein-packed clusters that are totally irresistible. You’d never know that it’s a sugar free granola (meaning it’s gluten free, paleo and keto!). This is my very favorite granola recipe, and I hope you’ll love it too. [Step-by-step VIDEO below!]

    Grain free granola in a bowl.

    As I mentioned in this Granola Recipe, I’m all about the clusters when it comes to granola. Therefore when I set out to create a gluten free granola without oats or grains, I knew I still wanted a crunchy granola that could break into delicious chunks. This paleo granola recipe hit the nail on the head. It’s even better than store-bought granola and is a huge cost saver—the recipe makes a large batch that stays crunchy for weeks.

    Ingredients & swaps

    All of the ingredients for the Grain Free Granola recipe on a marble surface with labels.

    The granola is made without oats, sugar or eggs, making it a paleo, keto and vegan granola. It’s bound with melted coconut oil and nut butter instead of egg whites, and it's sweetened with monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar (although you can use sugar instead, see below). 

    • Raw pecans, walnuts and almonds: Nuts provide the base for this granola, lending loads of protein, fiber and healthy fats. Be sure to use raw nuts (they will toast up when baked), and make sure they’re fresh—they should have a mild, sweet smell. 
    • Pumpkin seeds: I love the flavor of raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas) in this granola, but you can swap them out for sunflower seeds. 
    • Unsweetened shredded coconut: Unsweetened shredded coconut gives the granola a subtle but delicious flavor. Don't swap in coconut flakes or coconut chips, as they won't incorporate as well into the granola. 
    • Flax meal and chia seeds: Flax seeds and chia seeds lend more fiber and protein, and they also help to bind the granola together. 
    • Coconut oil and almond butter: Coconut oil and almond butter also help to bind it together, forming clusters. 
    • Monk fruit sweetener (or sugar): This sugar free granola recipe is made with monk fruit sweetener. It’s an all-natural, zero-sugar sweetener, but unlike stevia, it doesn’t have an aftertaste—you can’t tell that this is a zero sugar granola! However, you can swap in sugar, maple syrup or honey if you prefer. There is also no dried fruit in this granola, meaning no added sugar.
    • Cinnamon, vanilla extract and fine sea salt: The granola is flavored with a touch of cinnamon and vanilla, while salt balances all the flavors. 

    How to make this grain free granola recipe

    The secret to getting crunchy clusters is to make the granola in a food processor. It breaks down the ingredients, allowing them to stick together when baked (it also makes the process quick and easy!). Combine all of the dry ingredients, and pulse just until the nuts are coarsely chopped. 

    Dry ingredients for grain free granola recipe in a food processor.

    Melt together the wet ingredients in a small saucepan or in the microwave. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients in the food processor and pulse until the mixture looks damp.

    Wet and dry ingredients for sugar free granola recipe in a food processor.

    Spread the granola onto a parchment lined baking sheet and pat it firmly into a ½-inch thick rectangle.

    Process shot showing the grain free granola on a baking sheet.

    Bake the granola on the center rack for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and stir the granola. Spread the granola back into another compact ½-inch thick rectangle and bake for 10 minutes longer, or until deep golden brown. Let the granola cool completely, then break the granola into clusters. 

    Baked granola in a baking pan with hands breaking it into clusters.

    Storage

    Store the granola in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. 

    Serving suggestions

    You can eat this grainless granola straight out of hand as a snack, or you can serve it with your favorite milk or yogurt (regular or dairy free) for an easy protein- and fiber-filled breakfast. The granola is also awesome over ice cream for dessert!

    Grain free granola clusters with yogurt in a bowl.

    FAQs

    What can you use instead of maple syrup in granola?

    Monk fruit sweetener is a fantastic zero-calorie natural sweetener that works wonderfully in granola, or you can use honey or coconut sugar.

    How do you get granola to stick together?

    The secret to getting crunchy clusters is to make the granola in a food processor. The food processor breaks down the ingredients, allowing them to stick together when baked.

    Is sugar free granola good for diabetics?

    Yes, this sugar free granola recipe is a good choice for diabetics.

    What is grain free granola made from?

    Grain free granola is made from a base of nuts and seeds instead of oats. This version is bound with coconut oil and nut butter, and it’s flavored with cinnamon and vanilla.

    Why isn’t my granola crunchy?

    If your granola isn’t crunchy then it didn’t bake for long enough. It should be a rich golden brown color. Also, be sure to let it cool to room temperature before serving (it will crisp up as it cools).

    A scoop of baked granola with a wooden spoon.

    Recipe tips:

    • A food processor is key to this grain-free granola recipe, as it breaks down the ingredients, helping them to stick together into crunchy clusters.
    • Store the granola in an airtight container—I use a large half gallon Ball Jar.
    • Make sure that the nuts you use are fresh—they should have a mild, sweet smell (to extend the shelf life of raw nuts, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer). 
    • This sugar free granola recipe is made with monk fruit sweetener (I use Lakanto brand). It’s an all-natural, zero-sugar sweetener, but unlike stevia, it doesn’t have an aftertaste—you can’t tell that this is a zero sugar granola! However, you can swap in regular sugar, coconut sugar or maple sugar if you prefer.
    • Be sure to bake the granola on parchment paper so that it doesn’t stick to the pan (I love these pre-cut parchment sheets). 

    *This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links to products I use and love (from which I earn income, at no cost to you). Thank you or supporting From Scratch Fast!

    A bowl of sugar free granola with yogurt.

    Other easy breakfasts to try:

    • Paleo Pumpkin Muffins
    • Paleo Banana Bread
    • Gluten Free Granola
    • Granola Clusters
    • Millet & Buckwheat Granola

    Watch the video!

    Stay connected

    I'd love to answer any of your questions and see what you're cooking!! Don't forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment below. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube & Pinterest, and be sure to tag @fromscratchfast so that I can share your creations!

    Get the recipe!

    Sugar free grain free granola in a bowl.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Ultimate Grain Free Granola Recipe (Paleo, Vegan, Sugar Free)

    This homemade grain free granola recipe is a game changer. It results in crunchy, sweet clusters that are totally irresistible. You’d never know that it’s a sugar free granola (meaning it’s gluten free, paleo and keto friendly!). The granola is sweetened with monk fruit sweetener, which is an all natural zero-sugar sweetener. However, you can use sugar, maple syrup or honey if you prefer. The secret to getting crunchy clusters is to make the granola in a food processor—this breaks down the ingredients and helps them stick together. Serve the high-protein granola straight out of hand as a snack, or with your favorite milk or yogurt for breakfast.
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time20 mins
    Total Time35 mins
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: grain free granola recipe, keto granola, paleo granola, sugar free granola
    Servings: 8 cups
    Author: Nicki Sizemore

    Equipment

    • 1 Food processor

    Ingredients

    Dry ingredients

    • 1 cup raw pecans
    • 1 cup raw walnuts
    • 1 cup raw almonds
    • 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
    • ¾ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
    • ¼ cup flaxseed meal
    • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

    Wet ingredients

    • ¼ cup coconut oil
    • ¼ cup almond butter (or any nut butter you like)
    • ½ cup monk fruit sweetener, such as Lakanto sweetener, or sugar (see the Tips)
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 325˚F (175˚C) with a rack in the center. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Combine the dry ingredients

    • In a food processor, combine all of the dry ingredients. Pulse until the nuts are coarsely chopped, about 8 pulses.

    Combine the wet ingredients

    • In a small saucepan or microwave safe bowl, combine all of the wet ingredients. Cook over medium heat (or microwave for about 30-60 seconds), until melted. Stir until smooth.

    Combine and bake

    • Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients in the food processor and pulse until damp, about 10 pulses.
    • Scrape the granola onto the parchment-lined baking sheet then pat it firmly into a ½-inch thick rectangle (about 13-inches by 11-inches). Bake the granola on the center rack for 10 minutes.
    • Remove the pan from the oven and stir the granola, being sure to move the edges towards the center. Pack the granola back into another compact ½-inch thick rectangle. Bake until deep golden brown, about 10-13 minutes longer (the longer it goes the crispier it will be, but you don’t want it to get too dark or burn).
    • Place the pan on a rack and let the granola cool completely (it will crisp up as it cools). Break the granola into clusters, and devour.

    Notes

    Do Ahead: The granola can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
    Tips:
    • A food processor is key to this grain-free granola recipe, as it breaks down the ingredients, helping them to stick together into crunchy clusters.
    • Store the granola in an airtight container—I use a large half gallon Ball Jar.
    • Make sure that the nuts you use are fresh—they should have a mild, sweet smell (to extend the shelf life of raw nuts, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer). 
    • This sugar free granola recipe is made with monk fruit sweetener (I use Lakanto brand). It’s an all-natural, zero-sugar sweetener, but unlike stevia, it doesn’t have an aftertaste—you can’t tell that this is a zero sugar granola! However, you can swap in regular sugar, coconut sugar or maple sugar if you prefer.
    • Be sure to bake the granola on parchment paper so that it doesn’t stick to the pan (I love these pre-cut parchment sheets). 

    More Uncategorized

    • Butternut Squash & Goat Cheese Savory Galette
    • Easy Fried Sage Leaves Recipe
    • Easy Panzanella Stuffed Baked Tomatoes
    • Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Apple Cider Sauce (Gluten Free & Easy!)

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Search recipes

    Meet Nicki

    Headshot of Nicki Sizemore.

    Welcome! I’m Nicki Sizemore, a trained chef, recipe developer and cookbook author. My mission is to help you make wholesome & delicious food from scratch without spending hours in the kitchen. All of my recipes are naturally gluten-free.

    Latest Video

    Grain Free Granola (keto, paleo) #shorts

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Articles & Press

    Copyright © 2022 From Scratch Fast