If you’re still buying granola from the grocery store I can guarantee this recipe will make you stop! This high protein granola is what happens when your snack game levels up. Think crispy clusters, a salted caramel drizzle that tastes like dessert, but is actually healthy enough to eat for breakfast and sure to provide you with all the essentials.
We’re talking hemp seeds, chia seeds, crunchy lentils, almonds, and walnuts all tossed with a gooey, nutty caramel sauce made from cashew butter, maple syrup, and vanilla. If you’ve been on the hunt for a granola to get obsessed with – this is the one.
This isn’t your average homemade granola — it’s stacked with texture, protein, and salty-sweet flavor. Not only is this granola high protein, it’s also vegan, naturally sweetened, and full of real, whole ingredients. It’s snack-worthy and breakfast-approved. Here’s what you’ll need to bring it to life:
Preheat your oven and get your biggest mixing bowl ready — this recipe is super easy to pull together with just a few simple steps.
Start by combining all your dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a small saucepan, melt the olive oil, maple syrup, cashew butter, salt, and vanilla together over medium heat. Stir until everything is smooth, glossy, and smells like the inside of a candy shop. Pour this warm salted caramel sauce over the dry mix and stir to coat everything evenly.
Spread the mixture onto two lined baking sheets. Press it down firmly — this helps create those amazing salted caramel granola clusters everyone loves. Bake low and slow until it’s golden and your kitchen smells unreal. Let it cool completely on the pan before breaking it into chunks. Cooling in the pan is key for that epic crunch.
Enjoy your granola in any way that makes you happy! Imagine sprinkling some on top of your favorite yogurt or ice cream. A big bowl with your milk of choice or even just eat it by the handful with nothing else!
If you’re going for the best crunchy granola with those satisfying clusters, here’s how to make it happen:
Who doesn’t love anything that involves salted caramel? It’s the best addition to anything and this version is totally refined sugar free! This granola is sweet, salty, crunchy, and everything your snack dreams are made of. It’s easy to make in big batches, perfect for meal prep, and absolutely addictive straight from the jar.
Plus, it’s secretly packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, so you’ll stay full and satisfied whether you’re snacking at your desk, topping your yogurt, or layering it into a parfait. If you’re looking for the best salted caramel granola, this one delivers the flavor and the function.
Homemade granola lasts longer if you store it properly. It has at least three weeks of shelf time easily but see if it will last that long! This granola recipe is addictive, you’ll probably eat it all long before then. The crunchy texture holds up beautifully, especially if you let it cool completely before storing. It’s a great recipe to batch once a week and snack on all day, every day.
Once your granola is fully cooled, transfer it to an airtight glass jar or container. Keep it in a cool, dry place like your pantry or kitchen counter. Avoid storing it while warm — that’s how you lose your crunch factor. If you’re planning to enjoy it with ice cream or smoothie bowls, you can even keep a small jar in the fridge or freezer for extra chill vibes.
Can I make this with coconut oil instead of olive oil? Yes! Coconut oil works great in this recipe and adds a subtle tropical flavor.
What can I use instead of crunchy lentils? Crunchy edamame is a great high-protein substitute. If protein isn’t a concern, feel free to omit them.
Is this salted caramel granola healthy? Absolutely! It’s naturally sweetened, full of fiber, and made with whole food ingredients — no refined sugar or artificial stuff.
Can I use peanut butter instead of cashew butter? Totally — the flavor will be a bit more intense, but still delicious.
Don’t forget to leave a rating and review below! Try these recipes next:
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Welcome to Claire Bear Bites! Here is where we have the most amount of fun with food. I’m an silly, quirky Aussie living in LA, creating and loving bright, colorful, healthy and delicious plant forward meals.
This deliciously colorful meals are a direct reflection of me and my love for experimenting. Food should make you happy, smile and make you do a weird lil happy dance cause it taste so dang good. Life can be stressful but your food doesn’t need to be! Let’s have fun and eat the rainbow!
Welcome to Claire Bear Bites! Here is where we have the most amount of fun with food. I’m an silly, quirky Aussie living in LA, creating and loving bright, colorful, healthy and delicious plant forward meals.
This deliciously colorful meals are a direct reflection of me and my love for experimenting. Food should make you happy, smile and make you do a weird lil happy dance cause it taste so dang good. Life can be stressful but your food doesn’t need to be! Let’s have fun and eat the rainbow!
