High Protein High Fiber Homemade Cinnamon Vanilla Granola

Love granola but discouraged by all of the added sugar and fat typically found in store-bought granola? I developed this homemade protein granola recipe because I was struggling to find a delicious high protein granola that had a good amount of fiber without much sugar. I've experimented with lots of different yet simple ingredients to up the protein and fiber content while keeping the sugar and fat content relatively low without sacrificing on crunch and flavor. 

Ingredients Needed

Oats: Ideally use old-fashioned rolled oats for this recipe. Instant rolled oats can also work in a pinch. Oats have a myriad of health benefits including being high in fiber and contributing to heart health, lower cholesterol and lower blood sugar levels. Steel cut oats will not work for this recipe. 

Protein Powder: Use your favorite protein powder here. Vanilla is always a great choice as it imparts a hint of sweetness without too strong of a flavor. Easily swap out whey protein powder with your favorite plant-based protein powder. This is one of my favorite whey protein powders and I have used both vanilla and cookie dough flavors in this recipe. 

Psyllium Husk: This ingredient is so beneficial to getting in extra soluble fiber. If you hate drinking a psyllium husk supplement, add it to your granola instead! I use the Now brand of whole psyllium husks. You can purchase off Amazon or find at Trader Joe's or local health food grocery. 

Pecans: Pecans toast up so nicely in this homemade granola while being a good source of healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium and calcium. Easily swap out pecans with your favorite nut. I prefer to use chopped pecans in this recipe vs. pecan halves as I like the smaller pieces throughout each bite.  

Sunflower Seeds: Mellow in flavor but packed with heart healthy nutrients, fiber and antioxidants, sunflower seeds are an inexpesive yet a powerhouse to add to this delicious granola. I opt for raw sunflower seeds in this recipe.

Pepitas (Pumpkin Seeds): Packed with protein, zinc, iron and magnesium, pepitas (aka pumpkin seeds) are such a great way to boost the protein and fiber content of any snack including this tasty granola. I opt for raw pepitas for this recipe. Make sure to check out your local grocery store's bulk bins to purchase at a lower price. 

Buckwheat Groats: What the heck is a groat? Depsite having "wheat" in the name, buckwheat groats have zero gluten and are not related to wheat. Groats are the hulled seed of buckwheat and they offer a good bit of crunch with lots of fiber and protein to boot. Not only are they great in granola, but also as toppings to salad, a smoothie bowl or cup of yogurt. Find them in your local grocery bulk bins or purchase them through amazon. 

Cinnamon: This high protein granola recipe has the traditional flavors of cinnamon and vanilla with a hint of sweetness. Cinnamon boasts anti-inflammatory properties and makes this granola taste oh-so-good.

Sea Salt: Yes, a hint of salt boosts the flavor of this granola to the next level

Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds just enough sweetness to this granola while keeping the overall sugar content very low especially compared to store bought brands. Easily sub this with your favorite sugar free liquid sweetener or with honey. 

Coconut Oil: Just a bit of coconut oil helps bind the granola and add some crunch while providing healthy fats. This can be swapped for olive oil but will have a slightly different flavor profile. 

Vanilla Extract: Bring on the hint of vanilla. You can easily swap out other extracts such as almond to change the flavor profile of this core granola recipe. Almond extract is much stronger than vanilla so add sparingly and not in the same ratio called for in this homemade granola recipe.

Egg Whites: Liquid egg whites add lean protein and help this granola get crisp, forming those delicious little granola clusters we all love.

Subsitutions and Serving Suggestions

The beauty of this recipe is you are in charge of the ingredients in terms of your favorite nuts and seeds that you want to substitute or supplement. Hemp hearts, chia seeds, flax seeds, walnuts, coconut flakes, dairy-free chocolate chips and even dried fruits would all be scrumptious additions to this core recipe. Consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruit after the granola has cooked to avoid overcooking and melting. Honey can easily be swapped for maple syrup. 

Serve this granola on top of a bowl of greek yogurt and fruit for a healthy breakfast. Sprinkle on top of smoothie bowls for an easy breakfast. Eat it plain as a quick and crunchy snack. You can't go wrong no matter how you eat it.

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