Protein Granola

This protein granola recipe needs just 4 ingredients to make but yields the most crunchy and cluster-filled granola! I love that it packs in 22 grams of protein.

Love protein-packed breakfast recipes? Try my protein pancakes, protein oatmeal, protein cinnamon rolls, and protein overnight oats.

I love my healthy granola but I’ll be honest- I do need some extra protein to kickstart my mornings. My protein granola has been a lifesaver and tastes delicious to boot!

Table of Contents

1. Why I love this recipe
2. Ingredients needed
3. Recipe tips and variations
4. Storage instructions
5. More high-protein recipes to try
6. Protein Granola (Recipe Card)

Why I love this recipe

• Keeps you full! The addition of protein powder will keep you fuller for longer, and you won’t be thinking about food until lunchtime. Also, hello, 22 grams of protein!
• Vegan and gluten-free. No dairy and also no gluten, thanks to the addition of gluten-free oats.
• Healthy. Made with whole grains and no added sweeteners, this is the kind of cereal I feel good about eating.
• Perfect texture. It’s crunchy and chewy, with chunks and clusters throughout. It’s sweet and has a subtle peanut butter flavor, but feel free to customize it however you like.

Ingredients needed

• Rolled oats– Also known as old-fashioned oats. Avoid using quick oats or steel-cut oats. The former will burn very quickly and be brittle, and the latter will be undercooked and inedible. If you’d like this recipe to be gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats. 
• Protein powder– Use an unflavored or vanilla protein powder. You can use chocolate or other flavored protein powders, but remember, the flavor will be evident.
• Peanut butter– Smooth and creamy peanut butter with no added sugar. You can also use almond butter, cashew butter, or a nut-free alternative, like sunflower seed butter. Regardless of which you choose to use, ensure that the texture is smooth and drippy. 
• Maple syrup OR honey- Either liquid sweetener works. I used maple syrup because I sometimes find honey a little overpowering (plus some vegans don’t consume honey).
• Mix-ins of choice– Add your favorite dried fruits, nuts, seeds, or even chocolate chips!

How to make protein granola

I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1- Mix the dry. Start by adding the oats and protein powder to a mixing bowl and setting it aside.

Step 2- Melt. In a microwave-safe bowl, add the peanut butter with your maple syrup and microwave in 20-second spurts, until the peanut butter has melted.

Step 3- Combine. Add the wet to the dry mixture and mix until combined.

Step 4- Bake. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper. Transfer the granola mixture on top of it and spread it out into an even layer. Bake the granola for 13-15 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Step 5- Cool and mix. Remove the granola from the oven and stir once more, before letting it cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to a mixing bowl and add your mix-ins of choice. 

Recipe tips and variations

• Use a protein powder you like the flavor of. Some brands of protein powder can be quite overpowering in flavor or quite the opposite, be quite earthy and dry. Think of it this way- If your protein powder tastes good as a protein shake, it will be fine to use for this granola. 
• Mix the granola halfway through. You must stir the granola halfway through, or else you risk the edges being somewhat burnt while the middle portion of the granola is underbaked. 
• If you like clusters, let the granola cool completely. If you enjoy granola with plenty of chunks and clusters, do not stir it once it has been removed from the oven. Instead, let it cool completely before breaking it apart with your hands into giant clusters.
• Don’t add mix-ins until the granola has cooled down. Avoid adding your favorite nuts/seeds/dried fruit/chocolate chips until the granola has cooled down completely. If you bake your granola with your mix-ins, you risk them burning and making the granola inedible. 

Storage instructions

To store: Protein granola should be stored at room temperature, in a sealable container or jar. The granola will keep well for up to 1 month.

To freeze: Place leftover granola in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. 

More high-protein recipes to try

• Protein donuts
• Protein muffins
• Protein brownies
• Protein ice cream

Originally published August 2021, updated and republished March 2024