3-Ingredient Oil-Free Peanut Butter Granola (V, GF)

Fast & easy 3-ingredient oil-free peanut butter granola! It is vegan, gluten-free, & can be made with any smooth nut or seed butter.

Make Oil-Free Granola with Three Ingredients

Granola made with three ingredients? And no oil, either?

It is crunchy, crispy, and loaded with clusters, too.

Yes, indeed! It is my 3-ingredient peanut butter granola.

Recipe Benefits

• Made with 3 ingredients
• Fast & easy
• Oil-free
• Vegan (egg-free, dairy-free)
• Gluten-free
• High protein (5 grams protein per 1/4 cup)
• High fiber (3 grams fiber per 1/4 cup)
• Can be made with any smooth nut or seed butter (e.g., cashew, almond, sunflower seed)
• Variable (change the flavors, add extra ingredients, such as dried fruit, nuts, seeds, coconut)

Ingredients

The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post. Toggle between US Customary (volume) and Metric (weights) for preferred measurement option.

• rolled oats (certified gluten-free, as needed)
• smooth peanut butter (or any smooth nut or seed butter)
• maple syrup (see recipe note for options)

I like to add salt, too, even if the peanut butter is salted. Because…I like salt :). Also, I like how salt enhances the sweet and toasty flavors of the granola. However, it is always adjustable/ optional according to your needs and tastes.

Instruction for Making 3-Ingredient Oil-free Peanut Butter Granola

Note that the complete directions are also in the recipe card below.

Step One: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

Preheat the oven to 300F (150C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step Two: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Note: Bring your peanut butter to room temperature (or heat slightly, in the microwave) if you keep it stored in the refrigerator. Whisking rock-hard peanut butter is a wee bit difficult.

In a medium bowl, whisk the peanut butter, maple syrup, and (optional) salt until blended and smooth.

Step Three: Add the Oats

Add the oats to the peanut butter mixture. Stir to combine, making sure that all of the oats are well-coated.

Step Four: Spread on the Baking Sheet

Spread in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Try to keep the edges from being too thinly spread; the edges bake faster due to their proximity to the pan’s edges, so keep them even.

Step Five: Bake

Bake the granola in the preheated oven for 32 to 38 minutes, stirring once halfway through the baking time. I prefer baking granola at a lower heat for a longer time to make sure it gets completely dried and golden brown, with less risk of overbaking or burning.

Remove the pan from the oven, place on a cooling rack, and then tamp down the warm granola with a spatula. Press hard! This simple step leads to lots of clusters!

Step Six: Cool

Cool completely, without stirring, and then break into clusters, big or small.

How to Serve the Granola

Enjoy the granola as a breakfast cereal (add your favorite nondairy milk), savor by the handful as an anytime snack, or sprinkle it on top of desserts, fruit, or yogurt (an extra drizzle of peanut butter on top is a very good thing).

FAQ

What is the Best Way to Store 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Granola?

In the refrigerator. The refrigerator will keep the granola crispy as well as prevent it from going stale. Store the granola in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

What Can I Use in Place of Maple Syrup?

An equal amount of agave nectar or brown rice syrup can be used in place of the maple syrup. If you are not strictly vegan, you can also use honey.

Can I Use Regular (Not Natural) Creamy Peanut Butter?

Yes! Use an equal amount of traditional, creamy peanut butter if you prefer.

What Can I Use in Place of Peanut Butter?

Use any smooth natural nut or seed butter. For example, almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter (here is my DIY Sunflower Seed Butter recipe and DIY Almond Butter recipe).

How Do I Vary the Granola Flavors?

• Nuts & Seeds: Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chopped nuts and seeds to the granola before baking.
• Add Dried Fruit: If you like, add some chopped dried fruit after the granola is baked and cooled.
• Add Dried Coconut: Add unsweetened flaked or shredded coconut along with the oats (before baking). Add up to 1/2 cup coconut.
• Add Spices and Other Flavorings: Use any combination of spices to create unique flavor blends. Or add vanilla extract, almond extract, or finely grated citrus zest.

Happy baking!

More Healthy, Delicious Granolas to Try

• 5-Minute Microwave Mug Granola {healthy, easy, vegan, GF}
• Easy Oil-Free Vegan Granola (GF)
• How to Make Low-Calorie Granola {vegan, GF, 72 calories}
• Banana Bread Protein Granola (vegan, GF)
• Oil-Free Buckwheat Granola {vegan, GF, oat-free}
• Grain-Free Banana Granola {oil-free, no added sugar}
• Grain-Free Red Lentil Granola {vegan}