Homemade Strawberry Banana Almond Butter Granola: Your Ultimate Oil-Free, Gluten-Free Breakfast

Experience the vibrant flavors of spring with this wholesome strawberry banana granola, lovingly crafted without oil, featuring creamy almond butter, and naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup. Perfectly gluten-free, with an easy grain-free alternative for all dietary preferences.

Welcome, food enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that perfectly captures the essence of a sunny morning: a delightful homemade granola that’s as good for you as it tastes. If you’ve been searching for a healthy, satisfying, and incredibly easy breakfast or snack option, look no further. This Strawberry Banana Almond Butter Granola is designed to be your new favorite, combining fresh, fruity notes with a rich, nutty depth, all while adhering to a wholesome, oil-free, and gluten-free philosophy.

The arrival of spring always brings a renewed sense of culinary excitement, especially with the first juicy, deep-red strawberries making their appearance. This year, the weather patterns in Virginia have made strawberry season a little unpredictable, but that hasn’t stopped us from infusing all those lovely strawberry vibes into a fantastic granola recipe. Imagine waking up to a bowl of crunchy, sweet, and chewy granola, bursting with the natural sweetness of strawberries and bananas, enhanced by the creamy goodness of almond butter. It’s truly a game-changer for your morning routine or as a delightful pick-me-up anytime.

Many of you might remember my Oil-Free Chunky Tahini Granola, which quickly became a household obsession. Building on that success, I’m thrilled to share an equally delicious, oil-free version that brings a fresh, fruity twist. This recipe is a testament to how simple, whole ingredients can transform into something extraordinary. By replacing traditional added oils with a generous amount of creamy almond butter, we not only keep it healthier but also infuse it with a wonderful richness and help achieve those coveted crunchy clusters.

The foundation of this incredible homemade granola starts with a blend of wholesome ingredients: certified gluten-free rolled oats provide that classic granola chewiness, while raw almonds and pecans add a delightful crunch and healthy fats. Unsweetened shredded coconut flakes introduce a subtle tropical flavor and additional texture. Instead of refined sugars, pure maple syrup lends a nuanced, unrefined sweetness that perfectly complements the fruit and helps in creating perfectly golden-brown, crispy clusters. Finally, the star flavor combination comes alive with my new favorite addition: strawberry banana chips, creating an irresistible “strawberry banana bash” in every bite!

One of the best things about making homemade granola is the ability to customize its texture. I personally love my granola fairly “chunky,” with satisfying clusters that make for a hearty spoonful and a more substantial bite. However, if you prefer a finer consistency, you can easily achieve this by giving the dry ingredients a few pulses in a blender or food processor before mixing with the wet ingredients. This allows for a more even distribution of ingredients and a less chunky end product, perfect for sprinkling over a wider range of dishes or for those who prefer a more delicate crunch.

This Strawberry Banana Almond Butter Granola isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the simpler pleasures of life and incorporate more wholesome options into your diet. It’s the kind of breakfast you dream about, designed for bright spring mornings but truly perfect for any day of the year. What makes it even better is how effortlessly it comes together – you can have a fresh batch ready in under 30 minutes, using a handful of easily accessible ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather our ingredients and create something truly special and delicious that will nourish your body and delight your taste buds!

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Strawberry Banana Granola

Crafting this healthy, oil-free granola requires a minimal list of high-quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in its flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to make this delightful homemade granola and why each component is key:

• Raw Almonds: These versatile nuts provide a fantastic crunch and a significant boost of healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, and vitamin E. You can roughly chop them yourself or opt for pre-slivered almonds for convenience and a slightly more uniform texture.
• Gluten-Free Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: The backbone of any good granola! Rolled oats provide a satisfying chewiness and are an excellent source of fiber. It’s vital to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you are strictly adhering to a gluten-free diet, as oats can often be cross-contaminated during processing. For a truly grain-free option, you can easily substitute the oats with an additional cup of mixed nuts and seeds (such as pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds) to maintain bulk and crunch.
• Unsweetened Shredded Coconut Flakes: These flakes add a delicate, naturally sweet flavor, a lovely chewiness, and a subtle tropical aroma without any added sugars. They also contribute healthy fats and fiber to the mix.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Our preferred natural sweetener. Pure maple syrup offers a rich, complex sweetness that is less refined than white sugar. It beautifully complements the fruit and nuts, contributing to the granola’s appealing golden-brown finish and acting as a vital binder to help form those desirable crunchy clusters.
• Runny Almond Butter: This is the secret to our oil-free granola! Creamy, runny almond butter effectively replaces traditional added oils, binding all the dry ingredients together, creating wonderful clusters, and infusing the granola with a rich, nutty flavor along with healthy monounsaturated fats. Ensure your almond butter is smooth and easily pourable; if it’s too thick, you can gently warm it to achieve the right consistency.
• Bare Snacks Strawberry Banana Chips or Bare Snacks Banana Chips: These dried fruit chips are the star of the show, infusing the granola with intense fruity flavor and an irresistible crunch. They are celebrated for being made with simple, whole ingredients, providing natural sweetness and texture. Using the new strawberry-banana blend adds an extra layer of vibrant fruity delight and visual appeal.

That’s all it takes to create a batch of incredibly flavorful, nutritious, and wholesome homemade granola. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to contribute to a balanced, delicious, and healthy final product that you’ll be proud to serve and share!

Effortless Preparation: How to Make Strawberry Banana Almond Butter Granola

Making this homemade granola is surprisingly simple, requiring minimal effort and yielding maximum deliciousness. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve perfect, crunchy, and oil-free granola clusters every time. The process is quick, making it an ideal recipe for busy mornings or weekend meal prep.

1. Preheat Your Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to a consistent 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, prepare a large, rimmed baking sheet. Line it generously with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the entire surface and extends slightly up the sides if possible. This step is absolutely crucial for preventing the granola from sticking and guarantees effortless removal, which is key to preserving those coveted chunky clusters.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine your raw almonds (whether roughly chopped or slivered), the gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats, and the unsweetened shredded coconut flakes. Take a sturdy spoon or a flexible spatula and stir these dry ingredients together thoroughly. Ensure they are well-mixed and evenly distributed, laying the groundwork for a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Now, pour the pure maple syrup and the runny almond butter directly into the bowl with your combined dry ingredients. Continue to stir vigorously and patiently until all the dry components are completely coated and moistened by the sticky, luscious mixture. It’s important that every single oat and nut has a glossy, sticky coating, as this adhesion is fundamental for forming durable and delicious clusters during the baking process.
4. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the entire granola mixture onto your prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Using your hands (you might want to wear gloves if the mixture is sticky) or the back of a spatula, press the mixture down firmly and spread it out into a single, compact, and even layer across the entire surface of the baking sheet. Aim for a uniform thickness without leaving any gaps or thin spots, as consistent spreading ensures even baking and greatly aids in the formation of crisp clusters.
5. Bake & Cool for Clusters: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. Keep a close eye on the granola during the last few minutes; it should achieve a beautiful golden-brown color, and the edges should appear slightly browned and crispy. Once baked to perfection, immediately remove the granola from the oven. Here’s the critical, non-negotiable step for chunky granola: allow it to cool completely and undisturbed on the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes, or even longer. Resist the strong urge to break it apart during this resting period! This crucial cooling time is essential for the granola to firm up, crisp, and develop those satisfying, robust clusters we all crave.
6. Add the Fruit Chips & Combine: After the granola has cooled completely and become firm to the touch, gently break it into large, delicious chunks using your hands or a sturdy knife. Once broken up to your desired chunk size, add your Bare Snacks banana chips and/or the new strawberry banana chips. Gently toss everything together to combine, ensuring the delightful fruity chips are evenly integrated throughout the crunchy granola.
7. Storage Guidelines: Once mixed and completely cooled, transfer your freshly made Strawberry Banana Almond Butter Granola to an airtight container. Store it at room temperature in your pantry for optimal freshness. It will typically stay wonderfully fresh and crunchy for up to 2-3 weeks, though, given its deliciousness, it often doesn’t last that long!
8. Enjoy: Your homemade Strawberry Banana Almond Butter Granola is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it up with your favorite plant-based milk, sprinkle it over yogurt or smoothie bowls, or simply grab a handful as a wholesome, satisfying snack.

Featuring Bare Snacks: The Perfect Fruity Touch for Your Granola

As many of you loyal readers know, I’ve often found raw bananas to be a challenge for my digestion, leading to discomfort. This is precisely why I’ve developed such an intense fondness and appreciation for Bare Snacks Banana Chips! They offer a delightful and innovative solution, allowing me to enjoy the sweet, satisfying flavor of bananas in a crispy, baked form without any of the usual digestive issues. These incredible chips are a consistent staple in my pantry, providing that essential banana fix in a wonderfully digestible and convenient way, perfect for snacking or adding to recipes.

What truly sets Bare Snacks products apart from other dried fruits on the market is their unwavering commitment to simplicity and quality. These are not your average processed snacks loaded with artificial ingredients; they are typically 1-ingredient wonders, made purely from perfectly ripe fruit, thinly sliced and baked to a crispy perfection. This dedication to natural ingredients means they are inherently gluten-free, grain-free, refined sugar-free, oil-free, and dairy-free. Sound familiar? That’s right – their clean ingredient profile perfectly aligns with the wholesome, clean eating principles of this very granola recipe, making them a match made in heaven for a healthy lifestyle!

I was particularly thrilled to discover and sample their new and exciting Strawberry Banana Chips. These innovative chips are a true gem, crafted with just two simple, wholesome ingredients: real strawberries and bananas. They offer the same satisfying crunch and natural sweetness that you love from their classic banana chips, but with an added burst of vibrant strawberry flavor and a charming, lightly dusted pink finish that makes them visually appealing. It’s a fantastic innovation that brings even more intense fruitiness and a touch of color to our homemade granola, enhancing both taste and aesthetic.

For this specific Strawberry Banana Almond Butter Granola recipe, I highly recommend a blend of both the classic Bare Snacks Banana Chips and the exciting new Strawberry Banana Chips. This thoughtful combination creates a dynamic and layered flavor profile, along with a varied texture that truly elevates the entire granola experience. However, if you have a preference, feel free to choose just one type if you wish, or mix and match according to your personal taste and what you have available. Really, any Bare Snacks product would be a wonderful and versatile addition to this recipe, bringing a splash of natural color and authentic real-food flavor to your homemade granola. They’re simply fantastic for adding extra natural sweetness, a delightful chewiness, and that irresistible crunch that makes granola so satisfying!

Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Strawberry Banana Almond Butter Granola

Once your batch of delicious Strawberry Banana Almond Butter Granola is ready, the possibilities for enjoyment are endless! This versatile and wholesome granola is perfect for virtually any occasion when you’re craving a healthy, homemade treat with a fresh, fruity finish. Its satisfying crunch, natural sweetness, and nutritional density make it a fantastic addition to both sweet and savory dishes, or simply enjoyed on its own as a fulfilling snack.

Here are some of my favorite and most creative ways to savor this incredible granola, offering options for every meal and mood:

• Smoothie Bowls & Yogurt Parfaits: This is a classic for a reason! Sprinkle generously over your morning smoothie bowl or layered yogurt parfait for an immediate boost of texture, flavor, and essential nutrients. The granola provides a delightful textural contrast to the creamy base, turning a simple breakfast into an Instagram-worthy masterpiece.
• Oatmeal & Overnight Oats Topping: Elevate your plain oatmeal or humble overnight oats with a generous handful of this granola. It adds a lovely natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch that transforms a simple, warm breakfast into something truly special and exciting, keeping you full longer.
• Homemade Trail Mix Enhancement: Mix it with your favorite raw nuts, seeds (like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds), and perhaps a few dark chocolate chips or other dried fruits to create a custom, energy-boosting trail mix. It’s perfect for on-the-go snacking, hiking, or as a healthy pick-me-up during a busy workday.
• Straight from the Container: Don’t hesitate to enjoy it by the handful! This granola is so flavorful, satisfying, and perfectly balanced that it makes an excellent standalone snack. It’s ideal for curbing mid-day hunger pangs or satisfying a sweet tooth without any guilt. Remember, you put in the work to make this wholesome ‘nola, so enjoy every delicious bite!
• With Plant-Based Milk: Serve it like a traditional cereal with a splash of your favorite plant-based milk (almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk). It’s a simple, classic, and comforting way to enjoy its intricate flavors and textures, making for a quick and easy breakfast.
• Healthy Dessert Topping: Think beyond breakfast! Use this granola as a crunchy topping for baked apples, pear crisps, fruit crumbles, or even a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or nice cream for a healthier, more wholesome dessert option that still feels indulgent.
• Energy Bar Base: Lightly crush it and press it into a pan with a bit more almond butter and maple syrup for quick, no-bake energy bars.

My absolute favorite way to indulge in this granola is within a creamy yogurt bowl. I love to layer it generously with additional fresh, seasonal fruits like more sliced strawberries, ripe bananas, or mixed berries. To take it to the next level, I often drizzle it with an extra dollop of runny almond butter for an extra touch of creamy decadence and nutty richness. However you choose to enjoy it, this Strawberry Banana Almond Butter Granola is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and a burst of flavor to your day. Enjoy every delicious, wholesome spoonful!

Discover More Irresistible Homemade Granola Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the incredible ease, versatility, and deliciousness of this Strawberry Banana Almond Butter Granola, you’re in for an absolute treat! Making your own granola at home opens up a vast world of possibilities for customization, flavor exploration, and ensuring you’re consuming only the finest, wholesome ingredients. Ditching store-bought options means no more unnecessary fillers, refined sugars, or unhealthy oils.

Here are some other cherished homemade granola recipes from Flora & Vino that you absolutely must try. Each one offers a unique flavor profile and a satisfying crunch, proving that homemade granola is always a superior choice for healthy breakfasts, satisfying snacks, and even guilt-free desserts:

• Oil-Free Chunky Tahini Granola: The direct inspiration behind today’s fruity recipe, this granola boasts a unique savory-sweet profile from the rich tahini, creating incredibly satisfying, hearty chunks that are perfect for those who enjoy a more sophisticated flavor.

• Lemon Blueberry Cashew Granola: Bright, zesty, and bursting with the fresh flavors of summer, this granola is a delightful blend of tart blueberries and creamy cashews, all perfectly balanced with a refreshing hint of lemon. It’s like sunshine in a bowl!

• Sweet Potato Spice Granola: A cozy, warming, and nutrient-dense granola infused with smooth sweet potato puree and a comforting blend of aromatic spices. This is perfect for cooler months or whenever you crave a comforting, hearty, and unique flavor.

• Apple Cranberry Pecan Granola: A truly classic autumnal combination of crisp, sweet apples, tangy cranberries, and rich, buttery pecans, all meticulously crafted in an oil-free package. It’s a taste of fall any time of year.

• Triple Berry Granola: A vibrant blend of three different types of berries, offering a medley of refreshing flavors and a powerful dose of antioxidants in every single spoonful, all without any added oils. A berry lover’s dream!

• Pumpkin Spice Pecan Granola: Fully embrace the beloved flavors of fall with this incredibly aromatic granola. Featuring a delightful blend of pumpkin spice and satisfyingly crunchy pecans, it’s the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or a cozy evening treat.

• SunButter Gingerbread Granola: A unique and allergen-friendly twist with creamy sunflower seed butter and warming gingerbread spices. This recipe offers a fantastic nut-free option with a wonderfully festive and comforting kick.

• Chocolate Almond Butter Granola: For all the chocolate lovers out there! This recipe combines rich, decadent cocoa with creamy almond butter, creating an indulgent yet surprisingly healthy granola that satisfies those intense chocolate cravings.

Your Feedback Matters: Share Your Granola Creations!

I absolutely love hearing from you, connecting with fellow food enthusiasts, and seeing your delicious culinary creations! If you decide to make this delightful Strawberry Banana Almond Butter Granola recipe, please don’t hesitate to share your experience with me. Your valuable feedback, insights, and personal twists are incredibly important and help me continue to create more inspiring, wholesome, and tasty recipes for everyone to enjoy.

Be sure to leave me a detailed comment, a star rating, and a review right here on the blog post. Your opinions truly make a difference to me and to others looking for new recipes. And of course, I’d absolutely love to see your beautiful granola batches! Give me a shout and tag me on Instagram using the hashtag #floraandvino to show off your culinary masterpieces. You can also check out my Pinterest page to pin this fantastic recipe and discover many more healthy and delicious ideas to try later, building up your repertoire of wholesome meals and snacks.

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XO Lauren

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This comprehensive post about healthy homemade granola is proudly brought to you by Bare Snacks. All opinions, creative content, and delightful eats expressed here are entirely my own. I extend my sincere gratitude for supporting the wonderful sponsors that continue to fuel my passion for creating delicious, wholesome recipes!