Copycat Nature Valley Protein Granola
Description
This easy copycat Nature Valley Protein Granola recipe makes big, crunchy peanut butter clusters with oats, honey, and protein crisps. With about 12 grams of protein per serving, it's perfect for breakfast, yogurt bowls, or a high-protein snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup soy or whey protein crisps
- ½ cup roasted salted peanuts, roughly chopped
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- ⅓ cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder, about 2 scoops
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil, canola or vegetable
- 1 large egg white, whisked until foamy
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Heat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the oats, protein crisps, peanuts, almonds, protein powder, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the protein powder is evenly distributed.
- Warm the wet ingredients. In a small saucepan over low heat, stir together the honey, peanut butter, and oil until smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
- Combine. Pour the warm mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated. Fold in the foamy egg white and mix thoroughly.
- Press and bake. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and press down firmly into an even layer. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until golden brown. Do not stir.
- Cool completely. Let the granola cool on the pan for at least 45 minutes without disturbing it. Break into clusters and serve.
Equipment
- Large rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Small Saucepan
- Spatula
Notes
- For bigger clusters: Press the mixture down firmly before baking and don't stir during baking or cooling.
- Protein powder tip: Plant-based powders may absorb more liquid. If the mixture looks dry, add 1 extra tablespoon of honey or peanut butter.
- Without protein powder: Substitute an equal amount of oat flour or almond flour.
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats, protein powder, and protein crisps.
- Air fryer method: Cook a half batch in a parchment-lined pan at 300°F for 10 to 14 minutes, checking often after 8 minutes.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 264kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 9gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 158mgPotassium: 206mgFiber: 3gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 2mg