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Home » granola » Homemade Gingerbread Granola

Homemade Gingerbread Granola

11/11/2020 By Laura 24 Comments

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Imagine having gingerbread for breakfast! Traditional, warm spices, in a slightly sweet and nicely crunchy Homemade Gingerbread Granola Recipe will make your holiday season special every morning!

Shows white background with a jar half-full of granola and a red gingham napkin. In the foreground there are two small bowls, full of granola, a plate with berries and bananas and a gingerbread cookie cutter

Let’s face it – we all have a lot on our plates these days. Between work, school, holidays, absorbing the daily news, we all are a little…out-of-sorts?angsty? stressed?  I have to say, and I know it may not be the popular opinion, but our collective mothers and grandmothers were right (actually about everything, but there’s not enough room on this page to discuss that topic). Start your day with a good breakfast, and not only will it help you feel great, you may be healthier. Sounds like they were trying to give us a head start. But there are no head starts to health and nutrition, are there? 

But, to many of us, the question remains: what exactly is a good breakfast? Well, start with what you want. First and foremost, I want it to get me through several hours, clear-headed, not feeling sluggish, or wanting a snack. And, you all know I have a sweet tooth (actually, I have 32 of them 😉), so I can tend to gravitate toward a super-sweet breakfast. But that doesn’t get me to lunch without needing a snack, or maybe a nap. 

Blog image showing jar of gingerbread granola tipped over into a white bowl with granola, yogurt, blueberries and banana slices. Red gingham napkin at right side and gingerbread man cookie cutter at left

Since many of us eat the same breakfast every day, it’s nice to have something easy. I imagine that’s why boxed cereal is so popular. So why not make something that can be as simple as boxed cereal, but way healthier? This is where my homemade gingerbread granola comes in. I’m totally honest about this – I eat granola every.single.day. And, if you make your own, you can include all the delicious and healthy things you want. Like toasty, salty pecans, some almonds, and rolled oats, (super-food ALERT!) flaxseeds. And, I like to sweeten it with Maple Syrup, for a natural, but lightly sweet flavor.

Protein, fiber, healthy fats – these are the nutrients that help us get through the morning. And let’s be honest. Starting the day with something so delicious that’s also healthy kind of makes you feel like you’re cheating, doesn’t it? That makes that less-than-healthy sweet treat that we all need later on feel extra decadent!

Blog photo showing jar of granola, and ramekin in front and at the side, each containing granola. Toward front is red gingham napkin

So, fill your plate (or bowl) with some Gingerbread Granola! You’ll start your day with a delicious head-start toward healthy! And, I promise, it’ll get you through the morning and you’ll look forward to breakfast tomorrow!

Enjoy!

Looking for other granola recipes? Don’t miss:

Phil’s Granola  – super-tasty Cherry Almond Granola and one of my absolute favorites!

Peanut Butter Granola – If you’re a peanut butter lover like me, you know this is for you!

Healthy Homemade Nutty Granola – all the flavors and textures you want every day!

Pumpkin Spice Granola – are YOU a pumpkin lover?

Or, if you like your granola in bar form, don’t miss these White Chocolate Apricot Granola Bars, or these super-yummy Chocolate-Cherry Pecan Granola Bars, an oldie-but-goodie for sure!

 

Overhead shot of glass jar holding granola, two bowls of granola, yogurt and fruit, a red gingham napkin and gingerbread man cookie cutter, all around a red gingham napkin

PIN Gingerbread Granola Recipe ->

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  • Pinterest Image for Gingerbread Spice Granola
  • Pinterest Image for Gingerbread Granola

Making Gingerbread Granola ->

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn a small commission, at absolutely no cost to you, for purchases you may make of items linked from this site.

What you’ll Need:

Medium and large mixing bowl

Kitchen Scale – I use as often as I can for measuring! or,

Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons

Sheet Pan – these nonstick USA Pan half-sheet pans are my Favorites

Silicone spatula  my total favorite spatula (#notanaffiliate)

About the Granola Ingredients

Spices – I used a mix of spices that are traditionally baked into Gingerbread cookies or cake. If you don’t have all of these spices, you can use just the first 3 (Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves) OR you could substitute 2-3 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice. The black pepper is also optional, but it does give a nice (very) slight “kick” to the party!

Flaxseed – I love flaxseed. It’s a kind of super-food. (if you’re not familiar with flaxseeds, just click here to learn all the benefits, starting with protein, fiber, healthy fats, control of blood pressure, blood sugar, and appetite. They are also one of the best non-seafood sources of anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidant-rich lignans. Superfood indeed! 

Rolled Oats – You can use any rolled oats here, but I use rolled oats labeled “thick”. I buy these oats in the bulk section of the grocery, as they are much less expensive than pre-packaged oats. And since I eat granola almost every morning, I’m thrilled to save the cash. But you can use the oats that come pre-packaged, although, unless labeled they are “thick”, you may want to measure by volume instead of weight. Because if you do measure by weight, you’ll likely end up with a bit more than 4 cups, but it will still work out, as the recipe isn’t that picky. Just don’t use oats labeled “Quick” or “1-minute”.

Nuts – You really could use any nuts you like. Nuts provide a nice dose of healthy fats and some protein. I love roasted, salted pecans and always like to include them in my granola for a sweet and salty vibe. They are also so healthy, as they are said to interact with ghrelin, a hormone important for weight maintenance. I also added some almonds, full of Vitamin E and Antioxidants, and some pepitas (or pumpkin seeds) as they are helpful for skin and bone health as well as sleep and mood. I love them in autumn- and winter-leaning dishes.

Homemade Gingerbread spiced granola process shot Overhead shot of Baked Gingerbread Granola on sheet pan with red spatula to stir

Baked!

Sweetener – I love maple syrup because it doesn’t add a ton of sweetness. Previously, I have used honey or brown rice syrup in granola recipes, and they work just as well. The liquid portion that you mix in might be a bit thicker, requiring a bit more mixing to get it distributed, but the resulting granola will be a little sweeter and perhaps a bit more crispy.

Molasses – Molasses is a traditional addition to gingerbread, adding a deep, rich, but not overly sweet flavor. You can use “Light” or “Dark” Molasses (I used dark, as that’s what I had in my pantry) as they are slightly sweet, rich, and thick. Molasses labeled “Blackstrap” has a pronounced bitter flavor, which I would not recommend in this recipe. If you don’t like molasses, you could add a 3 Tbsp (45ml) more maple syrup or honey to the mix. 

Dried fruit – I use about 3/4 cup of dried fruits in this granola. You can really use your choice of fruits. But I think it’s amazing with dried cranberries and crystallized ginger – I mean, it is gingerbread. But you could use chopped dried apricots, or some dried sour cherries.

Baking the Granola

 I like my granola to be nicely crunchy, so while baking I watch to be sure the oats are browning but the nuts are not burning, and leave it in 34-36 mins. But it could take as few as 26-28 minutes if you are using the thinner variety or oats (generally 80g/cup), or if you want it to be more tender and less crispy/crunchy.

Storing and Serving Granola

Granola keeps well at room temperature when stored in an airtight container or zippered bag for several weeks. Just be sure to re-seal your container after using it.

I serve granola alongside Greek Yogurt and with some fresh fruit – berries, bananas or melon are all good choices. You could also eat it as you would any other cereal, with any milk you like over it. I also like to grab a handful if I’m feeling hungry between meals. The nuts are great for curbing my appetite! 

So, celebrate the season, make some Gingerbread Granola!

  • Process shot for Gingerbread Granola showing Dry ingredients: White plate with dry spices: cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice,  nutmeg and black pepper
    Oats, flaxseed, nuts
  • Process shot for gingerbread granola recipe showing overhead shot of White plate with dry spices: cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice,  nutmeg and black pepper
    Cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, pepper
  • Process shot for Gingerbread Granola Recipe - overhead shot of white bowl holding oats, nuts, spices, ground flaxseed all mixed together
    Oats, Flaxseed, Nuts, Spices
  • Process shot for Gingerbread granola shows  Glass measuring cup with Molasses, Maple Syrup and Olive Oil. Cup is full to 1 cup measure
    Oil, Maple Syrup, Molasses
  • Process of making homemade gingerbread granola, this step shows how the mix should look after pouring on the oil and molasses mixture - a bit darker and stickier than before
    Mix liquids
  • Part of process of making Gingerbread granola: Overhead shot of unbaked Gingerbread Granola mix spread to edges of sheet pan to bake
    Spread on sheet pan
  • Homemade Gingerbread spiced granola process shot Overhead shot of Baked Gingerbread Granola on sheet pan with red spatula to stir
    Baked!
  • process shot - Overhead shot showing finely chopped crystallized ginger bits and dried cherries
    Cranberries and ginger
  • Process Shot Homemade Gingerbread granola shows overhead close-up baked golden granola with dried cranberries and bits of candied ginger
    Add dried fruit
Print

Homemade Gingerbread Granola

Blog photo showing jar of granola, and ramekin in front and at the side, each containing granola. Toward front is red gingham napkin
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 9 reviews

This festive Gingerbread Granola is healthier than most: it has a nice supply of protein, fiber and healthy fats from the nuts and olive oil. It is also less sweet than most. If you prefer a sweeter granola, feel free to decrease the molasses by 1 Tbsp (15ml) and increase the Maple Syrup by the same amount. 

Serving suggestions: this granola is delicious with yogurt and fresh fruit, or as a cereal with milk of your choice!

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 26-36 mins
  • Total Time: 46-56 mins
  • Yield: 8 cups Granola 1x
  • Category: Breakfast and Brunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Global

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 c (360g) Rolled Oats (I use the “thick” variety)
  • 3/4 c (90g) Pecan Halves or pieces (mine were salted)
  • 1/2 c (60g) Sliced or Whole Almonds
  • 1/2 c (60g) Pepitas or Pumpkin Seeds
  • 1/2 c (53g) Ground Flaxseed or Ground Chia Seeds
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Ground Dried Ginger
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cloves
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
  • 6 Tbsp (90ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 7 Tbsp (105 ml) Maple Syrup, Honey or Brown Rice Syrup
  • 3 Tbsp (45ml) Molasses

(optional)

  • 1/2 c (60g) Dried Cranberries
  • 1/3 c (60g) Crystalized Ginger, chopped fine

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325F
  2. In a large bowl, measure the rolled oats and the nuts.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the following: ground flaxseed, salt, cinnamon, dried ginger, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and black pepper. Then, whisk this mixture with the oats to evenly distribute.
  4. In a bowl or measuring cup, combine the olive oil, maple syrup or honey, and molasses. 
  5. Add 1/3 of the liquid mixture to the oat mixture. Stir to coat the dry mix. Then add half the remaining liquid, stir. Then add the rest of the liquid and stir.
  6. Pour the granola over the sheet pan. Place in preheated oven. 
  7. Bake, stirring after 12-15 minutes, until granola is golden and smells like gingerbread, between 26 and 36 minutes. The total time will depend on your oven. In my convection oven, the takes about 30 minutes.  But in ovens that run hotter, it could take as few as 26 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on the pan set over a cooling rack.
  8. Once cool, mix in dried fruit.
  9. Store in a sealed container at room temperature.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup

Keywords: Homemade Granola, Gingerbread Granola Recipe, Homemade Granola Recipe, Gingerbread, Thanksgiving recipes, brunch recipes, breakfast recipes, Christmas recipes

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Filed Under: Autumn, Brunch, Christmas, Easy, granola, Healthy, Holiday, Pantry ingredients, Recipe, Sheet Pan, Thanksgiving, Vegan Tagged With: dried fruit, Gingerbread, gingerbread granola, homemade granola

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Judee says

    11/25/2020 at 2:43 am

    This granola looks beautiful and I can only imagine how good it tastes. I was drawn to the post because of the gingerbread flavors. So different and interesting and perfect for this season.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      12/02/2020 at 11:54 am

      Thanks so much! You’re so right – it’s perfect for the Holiday Season! Thanks for your kind words!

      Reply
  2. Jeff+the+Chef says

    11/20/2020 at 5:30 am

    I haven’t had granola since, I don’t know, ages. But I’m such a fan of gingerbread, that I think you’ve changed my mind!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      11/24/2020 at 1:44 pm

      Im always hoping to change minds! Homemade granola is awesome, nothing like the kind you had ages ago (promise!). Thanks for visiting!

      Reply
  3. Balvinder says

    11/19/2020 at 8:23 pm

    Love this festive granola!
    I bet it tastes amazing and the house smells incredible when you make it!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      11/24/2020 at 1:43 pm

      Oh, Balvinder, Yes! The aroma is (almost) as lovely as the taste! Thanks so much!

      Reply
  4. Ron says

    11/19/2020 at 6:10 am

    Laura, breakfast is the start of my day (after a coffee) so, like you, I want something to keep me going. I haven’t made granola in years, but I love gingerbread anything (except in a latte), so I’ve just got to give this a try. Thanks for sharing and stay safe over your way…

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      11/24/2020 at 1:42 pm

      Thanks, Ron! I agree, gingerbread in anything…except a latte! ha! Thanks for visiting, and hope you and your family stay safe as well!

      Reply
  5. Katherine | Love In My Oven says

    11/17/2020 at 7:33 pm

    I totally agree with you Laura! Breakfast is so important and always sets you off on the right foot for the day. This granola looks sooo cozy! I am loving the gingerbread flavors these days!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      11/18/2020 at 1:03 pm

      thanks, Katherine! I totally agree, I was just saying how I love gingerbread more each year!

      Reply
  6. Ben | Havocinthekitchen says

    11/16/2020 at 3:56 pm

    Oh, granola! We have been making granola for years now, and we needed to buy a box just for a couple of times, when we were way too lazy to make another batch 🙂 This granola looks phenomenal, and I do believe it smells and tastes this way too. I think you’ve perfectly replicated the gingerbread flavour with the added spices, molasses, and honey (maple). It looks so cozy and warming, and almost too healthy…so it should be served with gingerbread hot chocolate! lol

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      11/18/2020 at 1:02 pm

      Haha! I love that, Ben, mostly because I completely understand where you’re coming from! It indeed is not-to-sweet at all, but maybe that’s so I can enjoy something a little less healthy either with it, or later in the day. That’s what my “balance” side says, anyway! And gingerbread hot chocolate sounds like the absolute perfect accompaniment!

      Reply
  7. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

    11/16/2020 at 10:17 am

    I love all the goodies added to this granola, Laura! I could legit snack on all day long! Can’t wait to give this one a try. I know hubby would love too 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      11/18/2020 at 12:59 pm

      thanks so much,, Dawn! It’s truly gingerbread season, and I feel like I love it more every year, so I was happy to gingerbread-ify my granola!

      Reply
  8. Neil says

    11/16/2020 at 1:08 am

    Laura, I love baking gingerbread. But to have it for breakfast would be amazing. Gingerbread granola is a brilliant idea! I haven’t made granola in a while and this would make a change from porridge every morning. Thank you!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      11/18/2020 at 12:58 pm

      Thanks so much, Neil! I feel like this recipe is right up your alley, as it is not-too-sweet and has a lot of health benefits! Hope you get the chance to try it out!

      Reply
  9. Dennis Yannakos says

    11/15/2020 at 12:00 am

    I’m so curious about the addition of ginger! I’ll try out this recipe very soon. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      11/18/2020 at 12:57 pm

      Thanks, Dennis! I love the double-hit of ginger, with dried ginger in the spice mix, and then chopped bits of crystallized ginger at the end of the recipe! It provides a burst of ginger flavor and also a lovely bit of chewiness in a crispy granola!

      Reply
  10. Rahul @samosastreet says

    11/14/2020 at 10:03 pm

    This recipe sounds amazing, Loved all the flavors in it. The addition of ginger and cranberries sounds interesting. I can’t wait to make it!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      11/18/2020 at 12:55 pm

      Thanks, Rahul! I love adding dried fruits to my granola! And dried cranberries (or cherries!) and crystallized ginger provides some lovely bursts of flavors! Hope you get the chance to try it out!

      Reply
  11. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

    11/12/2020 at 11:58 am

    Such a wonderful fall/winter flavor Laura! Nothing beats homemade granola in my book. Can’t wait to give your recipe a try!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      11/12/2020 at 1:23 pm

      Thanks, Mary Ann! I hope you love it as much as we do!

      Reply
  12. David @ Spiced says

    11/12/2020 at 4:13 am

    This is the first time I’ve heard angsty, but I have to say it’s the perfect word to describe 2020. Nailed it! Speaking of nailed it, this granola recipe is right up my alley. I love all things gingerbread, and we eat granola almost every day of the week here. This is perfect for holiday cheer! Also, on a side note, have you tried the granola with an egg white? You bake the granola as normal, but about 10 minutes before its done you pull it out and mix in a beaten egg white. The result is clumps of granola – kinda fun! Plus, the extra egg white brings added protein. 🙂 The only problem is you’ll find yourself picking up the clumps and eating them whole. Haha!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      11/12/2020 at 1:22 pm

      Thanks, David! I agree Angsty does seem fitting. Once you have teenagers, that word is closer to the tip of your tongue. For sure. I have seen something about egg whites in granola, but I’ve never tried it! Thanks for the tip! Although Im guessing it would work for me the same as it apparently does for you. More clumps = more chance for a quick granola snack. Because it’s tough to pick up an oat or two. I appreciate the tip about 10 minutes before being done! I’m going to give that a try!

      Reply

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