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Easy Carrot Cake Granola

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We are a snack family and carrot cake is one of our favorite desserts, so it just makes sense to combine the two into this delicious carrot cake granola. 

With shredded carrots, coconuts, pecans, golden raisins and all the spices this granola will be your new favorite dessert that's totally acceptable to eat for breakfast.

Carrot cake granola being spooned off a baking sheet.

If you love granola, check out my favorite chocolate banana granola or another spicy seasonal treat, my gluten free pumpkin pie granola.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • It's so easy to make.  Perfect for baking with kids.
  • You can customize it to include your favorite mix-ins.
  • It's gluten free and vegan.

Ingredient Notes

  • Oats - You'll want to use whole rolled oats for this recipe, not quick oats. Make sure to use certified gluten free oats if you need to make this recipe gluten free.
  • Light Brown Sugar & Maple Syrup - The sugars are what helps the granola clump together and be crispy, so don't omit.
  • Coconut Oil - If you prefer not to use coconut oil, then substitute melted butter.
  • Spices - In place of the individual spices, you can use 1 teaspoon of apple pie or pumpkin pie spice.
  • Carrots - Make sure to grate your own carrots.  The ones that come pre-grated from the store can often be dried out.
  • Mix-Ins - I've used a combination of shredded coconut, pecans and raisins.  You can mix in whatever you'd like, just stick to a total of 2 cups of mix-ins.

How to Make Homemade Granola

Granola ingredients in bowl.

STEP 1: Combine the oats, brown sugar, salt, spices, flax meal and carrots in a large bowl. Stir until they are well mixed.

Wet ingredients being poured into dry ingredients.

STEP 2: Combine the melted coconut oil, vanilla and maple syrup, then pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients.

Granola ingredients being mixed in a bowl.

STEP 3: Stir everything until the dry ingredients are completely coated with the wet.

Granola being spread out on baking sheet.

STEP 4: Spread the granola onto your prepared baking sheet and bake.

Recipe FAQs

Are oats gluten free?

Oats are naturally gluten free, however they are often contaminated during the farming and harvesting process.  There are some gluten free certified oats available, such as these from Bob’s Red Mill.

Some people who are intolerant to gluten also have a reaction to oats, even when they are gluten free. 

Is homemade granola healthy?

Granola does contain some sugar, but overall homemade granola is probably healthier than store bought. With homemade granola you can control the ingredients used, especially the quality, and be sure there are no strange preservatives added. Because of the oats and flax meal, this recipe has a good amount of fiber as well as protein. In moderation, it can be a healthy snack.

Why is my granola not crunchy?

There could be two reasons, first it may need to cook longer. You should be using a low oven temperature and a long cook time. You should notice the granola starting to brown around the edges and may even taste test some bits to see if they are crunchy.

Secondly, there may not be enough sugar added. The melting of the sugar and then cooling is what makes it extra crunchy. Once you have your granola out of the oven, be sure to let it cool completely without stirring.

What is the shelf life of homemade granola?

If it’s stored in an airtight container, it should be good for at least a month. I usually store my granola in mason jars in the refrigerator. It’s not necessary to refrigerate, but I find it keeps a little longer this way.

    If you love carrot cake, check out these great recipes!

    If you try this recipe, please leave a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 star rating and let me know how you liked it in the comments below.

    Recipe

    Carrot cake granola on a baking sheet.

    Easy Carrot Cake Granola

    This granola is perfect to top yogurt or ice cream. It has lots of carrots, fruit and nuts making it a great breakfast treat.
    Author: Tiffany
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
    Servings: 10
    Calories: 262kcal

    Ingredients

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • In a large bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, salt, flax meal, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and carrots. Stir well.
      1 ½ Cup Gluten Free Oats, 2 Tablespoon Light Brown Sugar, 2 Tablespoon Flax Meal, ½ teaspoon Cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon Ginger, ¼ teaspoon Salt, ⅛ teaspoon Nutmeg, 1 Cup Carrots
    • In a second bowl (or measuring cup) combine melted coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry. Stir well until all the ingredients are coated.
      6 Tablespoon Maple Syrup, 4 Tablespoon Coconut Oil, ½ teaspoon Vanilla
    • Spread onto prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
    • Place into preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Remove and gently flip. Bake another 20 minutes. Remove and add coconut and pecans, gently flip to incorporate. Bake another 10 minutes. Remove to cooling rack. Add the raisins, but do not stir. Let sit until completely cool for nice granola chunks.
      ½ Cup Sweetened Shredded Coconut, 1 Cup Pecans, ½ Cup Golden Raisins

    Notes

    STORAGE: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
    Calories: 262kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 83mg | Potassium: 237mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 2144IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @wellfedbaker or tag #wellfedbaker!

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