This easy homemade Granola with Dates comes with a fantastic crunch! Perfect for snacking, spooning over oatmeal, or vegan yogurt for a quick breakfast. It's naturally sweetened with maple syrup or date syrup.

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💡The recipe in a nutshell
💭 Benefits of homemade granola
💰 Estimated cost
🤔 What oil should I use?
🍯 Using natural sweetener
🧂 Seasoning
📖 Variations
🥣 Storage
❄️ How to freeze
💭Breakfast ideas
📖 Recipe
💬 Reviews

💡The recipe in a nutshell

Vegan (eggless and dairy free)
Gluten free
Refined sugar free
Loaded with nutrients
Easy to make
Affordable – cheaper than store bought!
Crunchy, sweet and full of flavor

💭 Benefits of homemade granola

Making your own granola has so many benefits! Overall you have full control of what goes into your granola. Homemade granola has less added fat and sugar than store-bought varieties. This granola with dates recipe is refined sugar free. Instead, it uses maple syrup or date syrup as a sweetener.

💰 Estimated cost

This recipe makes around 500g / 17.6 oz. Altogether estimated costs are between 5 and 7$ when following it exactly. The general estimated cost per serving is 0,50 - 0,65$. The most expensive ingredient: dates. If wished it can be substituted with a more affordable dried fruit. Comparing that with store-bought granola prices, that can go up to 10-15$ for only 340g / 12 oz, making your own is much cheaper.

🤔 What oil should I use?

Adding oil is making the granola crisp, crunchy and irresistible! However, oil is not a healthy food so consume it in moderation. Use unrefined oil, such as extra-virgin olive oil or unrefined avocado oil.

🍯 Using natural sweetener

Store-bought granola often has refined sugars and syrups added. A better for you alternative is pure maple syrup, or date syrup.

🧂 Seasoning

Adding different spices and flavors makes your granola unique and delicious. Be creative and try out your favorite spices such as cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom or allspice.

However, be careful with adding too much. Anything more than a teaspoon of dried spices could be overpowering! Start with adding a quarter or half a teaspoon of your preferred spice. If you feel like the flavor is not strong enough, add more.

📖 Variations

The beauty of making homemade granola? You can easily change up the ingredients, depending on what you have on hand and like.

I love to use pecans, whole almonds, and sunflower seeds. However, other tasty options are walnuts, slivered almonds, peanuts, cashews, macadamia nuts, and pumpkin seeds. So take a look at the ingredient list of your favorite store-bought granola.

Adding dried fruit gives some extra sweetness, chewy texture and fruity flavor. I like to use fresh medjool dates, but other dried fruit such as cherries, cranberries, raisins, or apricots go well too. Keep in mind: dried fruit should be added after baking, so it won't burn!

Other add-in ideas: Add fresh citrus zest (up to 2 teaspoons) into the mixture before baking for a fresh and tangy flavor. For extra indulgence add vegan chocolate chips, or chopped dark chocolate, once it has completely cooled.

🥣 Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for one week. Or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

❄️ How to freeze

To freeze store in a freezer-friendly container or bag for up to 3 months. Label with the date of freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

💭Breakfast ideas

Sprinkle your homemade granola over your favorite smoothie bowls or oatmeal. Have you tried combining granola with vegan quark? You have to try, it's superb! Browse our breakfast recipes for more ideas.

📖 Recipe