Looking for the perfect crunchy, nutty breakfast that won’t kick you out of ketosis? This homemade keto granola recipe is your answer to breakfast cereal cravings while maintaining a low-carb lifestyle. Packed with healthy fats from a variety of nuts and seeds, this granola delivers the perfect combination of flavor and nutrition without the added sugars found in traditional granola recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This keto-friendly granola isn’t just another breakfast option – it’s a versatile, nutrient-dense food that can be enjoyed any time of day. Each batch creates clusters of perfectly toasted nuts and seeds, bound together with natural ingredients and sweetened with keto-friendly erythritol. The addition of coconut chips adds an extra layer of texture and tropical flavor that makes this granola truly irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Nut and Seed Base
- Whole raw almonds: 1½ cups (210g)
- Raw pecan halves: 1 cup (120g)
- Raw walnut halves: 1 cup (115g)
- Raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds): 1 cup (120g)
- Sunflower seeds: ½ cup (70g)
- Chia seeds: ¼ cup (40g)
- Unsweetened coconut chips: 1 cup (60g)
For the Binding Mixture
- Egg whites: 2 large (60g)
- Ghee or nut oil: ¼ cup (60ml)
- Unsweetened almond butter or peanut butter: ¼ cup (60g)
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons (10ml)
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (2.6g)
- Salt: ½ teaspoon (3g)
- Erythritol or other keto-friendly sweetener: ⅔ cup (130g)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C)
- Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with nonstick oil spray
- Gather your food processor, a large mixing bowl, and a small mixing bowl
2. Process the Nuts
- Combine almonds, pecans, and walnuts in the large mixing bowl
- Measure out 2¼ cups of the whole nuts and transfer to the food processor
- Pulse several times until nuts are broken into smaller pieces (avoid over-processing into fine crumbs)
- Return processed nuts to the bowl with whole nuts
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
- Add pepitas, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, and coconut chips to the nut mixture
- Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution
4. Prepare the Binding Mixture
- In the small mixing bowl, combine ghee and almond butter (warm in microwave for 30-60 seconds if too firm)
- Add egg whites, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and erythritol
- Stir until well combined and smooth
5. Combine and Bake
- Pour the binding mixture over the nut and seed mixture
- Stir thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated and forming small clusters
- Spread mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet
- Bake for 15 minutes
- Flip granola with a metal spatula and spread evenly
- Bake for another 8 minutes
- Flip once more and bake for a final 6-8 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning
- Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet
Nutritional Information
Per ¼ cup serving (30g):
- Calories: 165
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.5g
- Net Carbs: 1.5g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 75mg
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-32 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Temperature Control: Keep a close eye on the granola during the final baking stage, as nuts can quickly go from perfectly toasted to burnt. The edges typically brown faster than the center.
- Cluster Formation: For larger clusters, avoid stirring the granola immediately after removing it from the oven. Let it cool completely before breaking into pieces.
- Ingredient Temperature: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, especially the eggs, to achieve better binding results.
- Even Baking: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through each baking interval to ensure even browning.
Variations and Substitutions
- Nut Alternatives:
- Replace any nuts with macadamia nuts, cashews, or hazelnuts
- Use brazil nuts for additional selenium content
- Swap in pine nuts for a Mediterranean twist
- Seed Options:
- Hemp seeds can replace chia seeds
- Sesame seeds make an excellent addition
- Flax seeds can be used in place of or alongside chia seeds
- Flavor Variations:
- Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a fall flavor
- Include 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for a chocolate version
- Add 1 teaspoon of ginger powder for a spicy kick
Common FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe nut-free?
A: While this specific recipe is designed around nuts, you can create a nut-free version by replacing all nuts with a combination of seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, and hemp seeds. Note that this will alter the nutritional content and texture.
Q: How can I make the granola more clustered?
A: For better clustering, you can add an additional egg white to the binding mixture and press the granola firmly into the pan before baking. Avoid stirring during cooling to maintain larger clusters.
Q: Can I use a different sweetener?
A: Yes, you can use any keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit, allulose, or stevia. Just be sure to adjust the amount based on the sweetener’s conversion ratio to sugar.
Q: Why did my granola burn?
A: Burning usually occurs when the oven temperature is too high or the granola is baked for too long. Every oven is different, so start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier than the recipe suggests and adjust accordingly.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature Storage:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks
- Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
- Use a glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid for best results
- Extended Storage:
- Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months
- Thaw at room temperature before serving
- Refresh in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes if needed
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prepare dry ingredients up to a month in advance and store separately
- Mix binding ingredients just before baking for best results
- Cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup
This keto granola recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be doubled or tripled for larger batches. Whether you’re following a ketogenic diet or simply looking for a healthy, low-carb breakfast option, this granola delivers both nutrition and satisfaction in every bite.
