The Best Gluten-Free Granola: Coconut Pecan

Looking for a delicious, wholesome, gluten-free granola recipe that the whole family will love? This granola is everything you want in a breakfast or snack—crunchy, flavorful, naturally sweetened, and loaded with nourishing ingredients.

I went through countless iterations of making my own granola before landing on this recipe and I think I’ve created one of the best homemade granola recipes out there. My mother in-law calls this granola “cookies” because it’s so addicting. You have been warned. 😉

Whether you’re gluten-free for health reasons or just want to clean up your pantry staples, this easy recipe will quickly become your go-to. It’s made with real, whole food ingredients—no refined sugar, no dairy (optional), and 100% gluten free.

Is Granola Gluten Free?

One of the most common questions I get is: “Is granola gluten free?” The answer is—not always.

While granola can be gluten free, many store-bought granola brands contain hidden sources of gluten or are made with oats that have been cross-contaminated during processing. That’s why making your own gluten-free granola at home is the safest (and tastiest!) option.

For this recipe, I use sprouted certified gluten-free oats, (#ad) so you can enjoy your granola with peace of mind.

Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Granola

• Naturally sweetened with coconut sugar and pure maple syrup
• Packed with coconut, pecans, and almonds for flavor and crunch
• Crunchy granola is so much better than chewy granola, am I right? 😉
• Dairy-free, refined sugar free, and gluten free
• Quick & easy to make—prep in under 10 minutes
• Family-approved and totally addictive

This might just be the best granola recipe you’ve ever tried!

Ingredients for Coconut Pecan Granola

Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible homemade gluten-free granola, as well as the health benefits of each ingredient!

Organic Certified Gluten-Free Rolled Oats

Oats form the hearty base of this granola. They’re a great source of soluble fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats, as regular oats are often cross-contaminated during processing. I recommend the brand One Degree Organics #ad for clean, organic oats you can trust. I highly advice against using quick oat

One Degree is also sprouted, which is an added bonus for your health! Sprouting significantly reduces anti-nutrients like phytic acid in oatmeal by activating enzymes that break them down. This in turn improves the bioavailability and absorption of minerals such as zinc, iron, and calcium. It also makes the oats easier to digest and increases their overall nutritional value.

Pro tip: For granola, rolled oats are superior to both steel cut oats and quick oats because their larger, thicker flakes maintain a chewy, crispy texture and hearty form during baking, resulting in a heartier, crunchier granola

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil adds a rich, sweet and slightly nutty flavor and helps create those irresistible golden clusters. Be sure your oil is melted and at room temperature before mixing—it blends more easily with the dry ingredients. I advice against using olive oil for this recipe because the taste is too savory and distracts from the overall sweet and nutty flavor profile.

Coconut Sugar

This unrefined sweetener adds a subtle caramel flavor while being far less processed than regular white sugar. It also has a lower glycemic index, which means it won’t spike your blood sugar quite as quickly — helping you stay energized and satisfied longer.

Pure Maple Syrup

Pure maple syrup adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor, without the need for refined sugars. It’s rich in antioxidants and trace minerals like zinc and manganese, which support immune health and energy production.

Pecans & Slivered Almonds

These heart-healthy nuts bring a perfect crunch and a boost of plant-based protein. They’re packed with vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats that help support brain and heart health — plus they keep you feeling full and nourished.

Unsweetened Shredded Coconut

Coconut not only gives this granola that irresistible toasty texture and tropical flavor, but it’s also a great source of healthy fats (especially medium-chain triglycerides, or MCTs), which can help provide lasting energy.

Cinnamon

The cinnamon in this recipe ties everything together with its warm, cozy aroma. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to help balance blood sugar levels — making it a perfect spice for a healthy, comforting granola.

How to Make Gluten Free Granola

Making this granola is super simple:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients first (including the coconut sugar)
3. In a small saucepan, melt the coconut oil (or melt in the microwave), then stir in the vanilla.
4. Add this wet ingredients mixture to the dry ingredients.
5. Next add in the maple syrup and mix/toss all of the granola mixture ingredients together until evenly coated.
6. Spread mixture in an even layer onto a parchment paper-lined baking tray.
7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and fragrant.
8. Let cool completely before removing from the baking sheet and storing. The granola will crisp up as it cools!

How to Store Homemade Granola

Once cooled, store your gluten-free granola in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks —or freeze in glass storage or a freezer bag for longer storage. It’s perfect for meal prepping or gifting in mason jars!

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Serving Ideas

This granola is incredibly versatile. Here are a few favorite ways to enjoy it:

• Sprinkle over Ice Cream, Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative with fresh fruit
• Add to smoothie bowls or chia pudding
• Serve with raw milk as a cereal
• Use as a topping for baked apples or roasted fruit
• Eat by the handful as a satisfying snack

Make It Your Own: Variations

This recipe is very customizable. Try adding:

• Dried fruit: raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates
• Pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, sesame seeds, raw almonds or sunflower seeds for extra crunch
• Dark chocolate chips (after baking!) for a treat

This homemade granola recipe beats anything you’ll find at the grocery store—and it’s healthier, fresher, and more affordable than store-bought granola. Whether you enjoy it with yogurt, milk, or straight from the jar, it’s sure to become one of your new favorite ways to start the day!

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Try This Gluten-Free Granola Recipe!

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