Homemade Sweet Potato Spice Granola: Your Healthy, Oil-Free & Gluten-Free Fuel

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Discover this incredibly delicious sweet potato spice granola, crafted to be entirely oil-free with creamy almond butter and gently sweetened with pure maple syrup. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and even offers a simple grain-free adaptation for those who prefer it!

Just last weekend, I embarked on a rather ambitious bike ride to the grocery store. My trusty purple bike, a faithful companion since I was sixteen, was finally pulled out of decades of slumber. With many of our usual pandemic activities on hold, the idea of cycling for our essential groceries felt less like a chore and more like a grand adventure. It seemed straightforward enough on paper: a pleasant ride there, pick up our items, and a leisurely ride back.

In my typical fashion, I optimistically dismissed the need for any sensible provisions like water or snacks. Who needs hydration or energy when you’re just biking to the store, right? Little did I know, Google Maps’ optimistic 29-minute projection would swiftly transform into a grueling two-hour round trip workout. It turns out, dear readers, that the route I chose was practically devoid of dedicated bike paths.

Instead, we found ourselves navigating a challenging mix of residential streets, uneven sidewalks, and the dreaded main road. Aggressive drivers, seemingly personally offended by our two-wheeled presence, honked impatiently and sped past us. “This is more action than my bike has seen in over a decade!” I gasped, huffing and puffing from the rear, pushing hard against the pedals. We traversed every imaginable terrain: bumpy grass, loose gravel, rough asphalt, and slick cement. And then, of course, there was that unforgettable muddy patch that generously splattered my bare calves – truly a glamorous moment.

By the time we finally reached the store, utterly parched and exhausted, my first stop wasn’t for our groceries, but a frantic dash inside for a bottle of water and a much-needed power bar. It was at that moment, barely able to stand, that I yearned for a bag of homemade granola. Something simple, sweet, and genuinely satisfying to fuel my weary body. That’s precisely why this Sweet Potato Spice Granola became my next mission. It’s a delightful, straightforward recipe that’s naturally gluten-free thanks to hearty oats and nuts, and sweetened with pure maple syrup and the subtle sweetness of sweet potato. It’s the kind of healthy, sustaining snack I wish I’d had in my backpack that day.

Infusing Granola with Sweet Potato Spice: A Unique Twist

When I first floated the idea of “Sweet Potato Granola” to M, his reaction was a mixture of confusion and skepticism. Root vegetables in a breakfast cereal? It does sound a bit unconventional at first glance, doesn’t it? But trust me, it’s a revelation!

He later confessed, after seeing the golden-brown, aromatic result, that he had envisioned actual chunks of baked sweet potato scattered throughout the granola. While that could indeed be a delicious variation, it’s not the technique we’re employing here. This recipe achieves its unique flavor and moist texture through a smooth sweet potato purée. This allows the subtle sweetness and vibrant color of the sweet potato to permeate every oat and nut, complemented perfectly by an abundance of warming cinnamon and classic pumpkin pie spice. The result is an incredibly cozy, flavorful, and nutrient-rich granola that’s surprisingly easy to love.

Essential Ingredients for Your Sweet Potato Spice Granola

Crafting this nourishing and delicious granola requires just a handful of wholesome ingredients, many of which I find readily available at my local Safeway. Here’s your shopping list for this exceptional sweet potato spice granola:

• **Gluten-Free Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats:** These form the hearty base of our granola, providing complex carbohydrates and fiber. Using certified gluten-free oats ensures this recipe is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Open Nature®Pecan Halves: These add a wonderful buttery crunch and healthy fats, complementing the sweet potato and spices beautifully. Open Nature^® products are known for their commitment to natural ingredients.
• Open Nature®Shelled Walnuts: Another fantastic addition for texture and a boost of omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts provide a slightly more robust flavor profile that works wonderfully with the spice blend.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend brings all the comforting, warm flavors we associate with fall, perfectly enhancing the sweet potato.
• Cinnamon: A generous dash of cinnamon elevates the spice profile, making every bite feel like a cozy embrace.
• OOrganics® Organic Pure Maple Syrup: This provides the ideal natural sweetness for our granola, avoiding refined sugars. Its rich, caramel notes are a perfect match for sweet potato and spices.
• Sweet Potato Purée: The star ingredient that gives this granola its unique flavor, beautiful color, and helps bind it together. You can use canned purée for convenience or make your own from baked sweet potatoes.
• Almond Butter: This creamy addition acts as our oil-free binder, providing healthy fats and a lovely richness without the need for added oils. It helps create those desirable granola clusters.

That’s truly all you need! With these simple, high-quality ingredients, you’re on your way to creating a batch of granola that’s not only delicious but also genuinely wholesome.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sweet Potato Spice Granola

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is straightforward, designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. We begin by combining our dry ingredients in a generously sized mixing bowl.

First, add the gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats. These are crucial for that classic granola texture and provide a fantastic source of sustained energy. Next, introduce the nuts. For this recipe, I’ve chosen Open Nature®Pecan Halves and Open Nature®Shelled Walnuts, both sourced from my local Safeway store under their excellent Open Nature® product line. Toss these together until they are evenly distributed, creating a delightful mix of textures, satisfying crunch, complex carbohydrates, and beneficial healthy fats. I particularly appreciate Open Nature^® products because they are free of over 110 food additives, minimally processed, and consistently delicious – a quality I truly value in my pantry staples.

Once your oats and nuts are thoroughly mixed, sprinkle in the pumpkin pie spice and a dash of cinnamon. These spices are what transform simple ingredients into a warm, inviting treat. Toss everything together again until the dry mixture is fragrant and well combined. This ensures every piece of granola gets a burst of those lovely autumnal flavors.

Bringing the Flavors Together: Wet Ingredients & Our Trusted Products

Now that our dry ingredients are prepped, it’s time to create the magical binding mixture that infuses our granola with its signature sweet potato spice flavor. In a small saucepan, combine the sweet potato purée, creamy almond butter, and pure maple syrup. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and gently whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and warm. The goal is to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency that will evenly coat our dry mix.

For convenience, I often use canned sweet potato purée for this recipe, which makes preparation incredibly quick. However, if you prefer, you can certainly bake and mash your own sweet potato for a fresh purée. The almond butter plays a crucial role here, contributing rich creaminess and healthy fats, all while allowing us to keep this granola entirely oil-free. It’s a wonderful natural binder that also boosts the nutritional value.

For sweetness, I rely on OOrganics® Organic Pure Maple Syrup. This organic maple syrup lightly sweetens the granola, providing a depth of flavor that refined sugar simply can’t match. The O Organics® brand holds a special place in my kitchen because all their products are USDA certified organic. They consistently offer on-trend, high-quality organic options at competitive prices, making healthy eating more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Both O Organics® and Open Nature^® brands offer a vast assortment of organic, minimally processed, and protein-rich products that cater to every meal and occasion. You can find these exceptional pantry staples at your local Safeway store, as well as exclusively across the Albertsons Companies family of stores, including Albertsons, ACME Markets, Jewel-Osco, Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Shaw’s, Star Market, United Supermarkets, and Carrs/Safeway. I encourage you to visit your nearest store to explore their full range of products and discover more healthy pantry essentials!

Once your wet mixture is warm and smooth, pour it directly over the dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Using a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula, mix everything together thoroughly. This step is critical: you want to ensure that every single oat and nut is completely coated by the sweet potato-almond butter mixture. This even coating is what ensures consistent flavor and helps create those desirable crunchy clusters.

Next, transfer the entire granola mixture onto a baking sheet that you’ve lined with parchment paper. Parchment paper is essential here to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Using your hands or a spatula, firmly press the mixture down to form a compact, even layer across the baking sheet. It doesn’t need to be perfectly uniform, but a good firm press helps the granola stick together as it bakes, leading to wonderful, chunky pieces later on. Place the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the granola begin to turn a beautiful golden brown and the entire sheet smells absolutely irresistible.

The Golden Rule: Let It Cool!

Once your granola has reached that perfect golden-brown hue and your kitchen is filled with its amazing aroma, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. And now for arguably the most important step for achieving those coveted crunchy clusters: allow the granola to cool undisturbed for at least 15 to 30 minutes on the baking sheet. Resist the urge to touch, stir, or break it apart during this time!

This cooling period is crucial. As the granola cools, the maple syrup and almond butter firm up, setting the granola into delightful, chunky pieces. If you prefer a finer, more loose consistency for your granola, you can simply skip the pressing step on the baking sheet. Instead, you can gently stir the granola halfway through the baking process to encourage smaller, more uniform pieces.

After the initial cooling period, you can then break the granola into your desired large chunks or smaller clusters. Allow the granola to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. For optimal freshness, crispiness, and to extend its shelf life, I highly recommend storing your homemade sweet potato spice granola in the refrigerator. This will keep it deliciously crunchy for several weeks, ready whenever you need a quick, healthy snack.

Delicious Ways to Serve Sweet Potato Spice Granola

This Sweet Potato Spice Granola is incredibly versatile and perfect for enjoying anytime you crave a healthy, fall-inspired snack. I particularly love how it’s entirely gluten-free, oil-free, and refined-sugar-free, making it a fantastic wholesome choice for various dietary preferences. It’s truly amazing how a few simple ingredients can create such a satisfying and nutritious treat!

Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this delicious granola:

• As a Topping: Sprinkle generously over your morning smoothie bowls, creamy yogurt bowls, or a warm bowl of oatmeal for added crunch and flavor.
• In Trail Mix: Mix it with your favorite dried fruits, seeds, and perhaps a few dark chocolate chips for a custom energy-boosting trail mix.
• Quick Snack: Simply grab a handful straight from the jar for an easy, energizing snack on the go. Perfect for those busy afternoons or a pre-workout boost.

Lately, my absolute favorite way to indulge in this granola is layered into yogurt bowls with fresh fruit. It’s such a simple yet incredibly satisfying breakfast or snack. To get creative and mix things up, consider adding dried cranberries, chopped dried apples, or even some mini chocolate chunks to the granola mixture after it cools. You can also experiment with different nuts, swapping out pecans and walnuts for almonds or cashews.

For those seeking a grain-free option, simply replace the rolled oats with an equal amount of additional nuts and seeds. This will yield a richer, denser granola that’s equally flavorful and satisfying. However you choose to enjoy it, this Sweet Potato Spice Granola is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every wholesome bite!

Discover More Homemade Granola Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with making your own granola, you’re in for a treat! There are endless possibilities to customize and create your perfect crunchy snack. Explore some of my other favorite homemade granola recipes:

• Oil-Free Chunky Tahini Granola

• Strawberry Almond Butter Banana Granola

• Sweet Potato Spice Granola

• Apple Cranberry Pecan Granola

• Triple Berry Granola

• Pumpkin Spice Pecan Granola

• SunButter Gingerbread Granola

• Chocolate Almond Butter Granola

• Lemon Blueberry Cashew Granola

I Want to Hear From You!

Your feedback fuels my passion for creating delicious, healthy recipes! If you decide to make this Sweet Potato Spice Granola recipe, please don’t hesitate to let me know how it turned out. Your comments, ratings, and reviews are incredibly valuable and help me continue to develop more tasty treats for you.

Share your creations with me on Instagram and remember to use the hashtag #floraandvino so I can see your beautiful granola! For more healthy and inspiring recipes like this one, be sure to check out my Pinterest page, where you can easily save them for later. Love what you see and want to stay updated? Head over to my homepage and subscribe to my newsletter to get new recipes and updates delivered straight to your inbox! Your support means the world.

XO Lauren

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